As the seasoned warrior, Robin Hood, stands before his monarch, King Richard the Lionheart, he is reminded that two decades of unwavering loyalty have established him as a reliable captain on the battlefield. However, when given the task to seize a castle believed to guard a golden statue, Robin's moral compass is challenged upon realizing that the fortress is guarded by a solitary, one-eyed veteran who shelters women and children. The aged hero, alongside his trusted companion, Little John, resolutely refuses to attack, earning the ire of King Richard. The monarch orders them to be executed, but the old defender of the castle seeks vengeance, wounding Richard with an arrow. In a moment of unexpected mercy, Richard spares Robin's life as he lies mortally wounded, acknowledging his captain's steadfast dedication.
In the aftermath of this critical encounter, Robin and Little John return to England, reuniting with dear friends Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck in the lush surroundings of Sherwood Forest. It is here that Robin learns of his burgeoning legendary status while discovering that Maid Marian has embraced a vow of celibacy, now serving as an abbess. When he visits her, he finds her just as elusive as before, yet she remains enigmatic and captivating.
Word soon reaches Robin that his old foe, the Sheriff of Nottingham, has received orders from King John to cleanse England of senior Church leaders, with a specific focus on Marian. Undeterred by the peril, Robin heroically rescues Marian from the sheriff's clutches, taking down Sir Ranulf, a pompous noble in the process. His rescue mission extends to the imprisoned nuns within the sheriff's castle, intensifying the sheriff's rage.
The sheriff’s threats go unheeded as Sir Ranulf organizes a search for Robin in the forest, only to fall victim to an onslaught of arrows resulting in numerous casualties among his men. Despite this, Robin spares Sir Ranulf, redirecting his efforts to gather both loyal friends and new allies to his cause. As news of Robin's return spreads, an army of supporters gathers around him, prompting the sheriff to request 200 soldiers from King John to suppress the uprising.
Standing vigilant in the open fields, the Sheriff anticipates that Robin Hood will eventually be drawn into a confrontation. When Robin finally appears, he proposes a duel to settle their differences once and for all. The sheriff's patience pays off when he gains the upper hand against the weakened Robin, demanding his unconditional surrender. However, Robin refuses to give in, and with a final desperate flourish, he strikes back, ending the sheriff’s life.
Meanwhile, Sir Ranulf launches a fierce attack on Robin’s motley crew, resulting in the capture or downfall of many. Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck are taken prisoner, but Little John takes brutal revenge against their captor. As the chaos subsides, John and Marian rush Robin to the safety of her abbey, where she utilizes her medical knowledge to assist him.
As Robin lies dying, he clings to the hope of recovery in order to continue his battle against injustice. Marian prepares a restorative brew but pauses to refresh herself before helping the weakened outlaw. As he consumes the liquid, Robin soon feels a chilling numbness spreading through his legs, realizing too late that Marian has poisoned them both. He cries out for Little John as panic sets in.
Marian attempts to comfort Robin with declarations of love, revealing her true motivation: a compassionate act to end his suffering. When Little John bursts into the room, filled with sorrow, Robin makes one last request: his beloved bow. Summoning his remaining strength, he shoots an arrow out the open window, asking Little John to honor his last wish of resting their remains wherever it lands.
