ROBIN HOOD AND ROMANCE OF MEDIEVAL TIMES
THE ROMANCE
A romance of the medieval period technically denotes a type of story, often featuring knights clothed in handmade leather boots and elaborate fashion garb, riding on white horses rescuing beautifully clothed damsels in distress and featuring chivalric ideals, all set in the Middle Ages of England.
THE HERO
Robin Hood is a popular heroic icon of the Middle Ages and is seen as a prototypical romantic figure described as an honorable outlaw representing themes of justice, bravery, and love. Much has been made of this legendary knight, making him a popular subject for storytelling, particularly during the Romantic era where his legend was idealized and romanticized. Patrons and fans of Renaissance Festivals have enjoyed wearing fashions, costumes and footwear inspired by the authentic clothing and shoes of the romantic period.
- LEARN MORE ABOUT ROMANTICALLY INSPIRED LEATHER SHOES that are authentically handcrafted in the ROMANTIC SPIRIT of medieval times.
THE MOVIE
The popular Hollywood swashbuckler movies about the adventures of Robin Hood have also done much to inspire the fashions, outfits, costumes, and footwear we enjoy creating and wearing to the renaissance festivals today. In the classic Hollywood film from the year 1938, the legendary knight, Sir Robin of Locksley, came to be known as “Robin Hood.” While King Richard I is absent in the Holy Land during the Crusades, Robin Hood fights back against the evil Prince John and the Norman lords who are oppressing the Saxon commoners. Robin Hood is the outlaw leader of a rebel guerilla band and his loyal followers are all the oppressed common people of England. His most frequent enemy was the Sheriff of Nottingham, a local agent of the central government, controlled by the corrupt Prince John, who had usurped the King’s authority unlawfully. Maid Marian is rescued by and falls in love with Robin Hood. The gorgeous dresses and elaborate costuming provide exciting patterns to follow when searching for garments to wear on theme days at wonderful renaissance festivals.
THE LEGEND
Robin Hood was a legendary outlaw rebel hero of medieval English ballads. These stories date from as early as the 14th century. Many exciting occurrences in the tales depict him and his companions robbing the corrupt representatives of authority and giving gains to the downtrodden poor people. Sir Robin treated women, the poor, and people of lowly rank with courtesy and respect. Much of the drive for his revolt against authority came from the widespread popular resentment of laws of the forest that restricted all the hunting rights of common people. There was even a death penalty for those unauthorized persons who were caught taking game from the king’s forest. The cruelty that was an unavoidable part of medieval times was a theme running throughout these old ballads and tales. The medieval period in England, with its class system and power imbalances, provided fertile ground for a story like Robin Hood, where a courageous man could defy authority and champion the cause of the downtrodden. Later versions of the Robin Hood legend added other romantic elements like his relationship with the Maid Marian, further enhancing his heroic image. Romantic era writers embraced Robin Hood as a symbol of rebellion against tyranny, portraying him as a charismatic and noble figure.
THE COSTUME
At the Texas Renaissance Festival, commonly referred to as the Renfaire, you can be right in style during their costume theme weekend called “Heroes and Villains.” This time period highlights the romantic era of knights and fair damsels. You can immediately think of Robin Hood and Maid Marian for inspiration in medieval dresses, tunics, or leather footwear.
- COME SEE US IN PERSON AT OUR BOOTH at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival (Waxahatchie, TX), Maryland Renaissance Festival (Crownsville, MD), and Sherwood Forest Faire (McDade, TX).
For a simple heroic White Knight costume, take a piece of white felt a few inches wider than your shoulders. Cut a hole in the middle for your head and make sure it comes down about two feet past your waist, front, and back. Cinch it at your waist with a black belt, and you’ve got an instant tunic.
Black pants, leather boots, and a white shirt are enough to complete this easy Knight costume.
You can decorate your tunic with a red felt cross, either sewn or glued to the chest. Switch out the white felt for black, and you’ve got a villain that would give King Arthur or Robin Hood pause.
- CHECK OUT OUR FOOTWEAR SELECTION ONLINE to learn about options to coordinate with your Damsel dress here: https://medievalmoccasins.com/product/low-tops/
