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Robin Hood (1973) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Robin Hood (1973) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1973 · 83 min · German
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Starring
Andy Devine

This animated adventure follows Robin Hood, a charismatic former convict who now leads a soccer club. He unites a diverse and unconventional team, facing challenges from the lower leagues to broader issues of racism and personal growth. They must overcome adversity and find their place, proving that even a "dirty rotten bunch" can triumph against all odds.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Robin Hood
  8. 8 Every angle
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5 main characters · contains spoilers

Robin Hood Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Robin Hood (1973), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Robin Hood

    played by Andy Devine

    Robin Hood, a clever and brave fox, is the protagonist of the story, known for his sharp wit and unmatched archery skills. He embodies the spirit of justice and compassion, rallying his friends to fight against the injustices imposed by the tyrannical Prince John.

    • 🦊 Hero
    • 🎯 Archer
    • ❤️ Lover
  • Little John

    Little John, a loyal and strong brown bear, is Robin Hood's formidable companion and confidant. His bravery and physical prowess compliment Robin's cleverness, making them an effective duo in their quests against oppression.

    • 🐻 Friend
    • 💪 Strong
    • 🎉 Loyal
  • Prince John

    Prince John is portrayed as a treacherous lion who seizes the throne and imposes heavy taxes on the poor. His cunning nature and desire for power make him the central antagonist, as he relentlessly tries to capture Robin Hood and maintain his control over Nottingham.

    • 🦁 Villain
    • 💰 Greedy
    • 👑 Tyrant
  • Maid Marian

    Maid Marian, a loving and wise fox, is Robin Hood's love interest, representing warmth and support amidst the chaos. Her affection for Robin adds emotional depth to the tale, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

    • 🦊 Love Interest
    • 💖 Supportive
    • 🏰 Noble
  • Friar Tuck

    Friar Tuck, a wise and jovial badger, serves as a voice of reason and morality in the forest. His loyalty to Robin Hood and the townsfolk, coupled with a strong sense of justice, make him a beloved ally in their fight against injustice.

    • 🦡 Wise
    • 🎉 Jolly
    • ⚖️ Moral

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:54

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Setting

Where and When Does Robin Hood Take Place?

The setting of Robin Hood (1973): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The story unfolds in a time reminiscent of medieval England, characterized by feudal systems and the disparities between the wealthy and the poor. Themes of heroism and rebellion echo throughout the tale as Robin Hood stands against tyranny.

Location

Nottingham, Sherwood Forest

Nottingham serves as the primary setting where the citizens suffer under the oppressive rule of Prince John. Sherwood Forest, a symbol of freedom and camaraderie, is where Robin Hood and his band of merry companions orchestrate their daring escapades against injustice.

  • 🌳 Forest
  • 🏰 Castle
  • 🏙️ Town

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:54

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3 major themes

Robin Hood Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Robin Hood (1973) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heroism

    Heroism is a central theme in 'Robin Hood,' as our clever protagonist bravely fights for the down-trodden. His unwavering commitment to justice showcases the courage needed to stand up against corruption, inspiring others to join his cause.

  • Social Justice

    The movie underscores the importance of social justice, presenting the struggle between the wealthy oppressors and the impoverished townsfolk. Robin Hood’s acts of redistributing wealth embody a powerful message about equity and the fight for the rights of the disadvantaged.

  • Love

    The love shared between Robin Hood and Maid Marian adds a personal dimension to the story, enriching the narrative. Their relationship symbolizes hope and loyalty, fostering a sense of unity amidst chaos and strife.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:54

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Character & theme questions

Robin Hood Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Robin Hood (1973): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Robin Hood set?

Robin Hood is set in medieval England, primarily in the town of Nottingham and the surrounding Sherwood Forest. Nottingham serves as the focal point where citizens suffer under oppressive rule, while Sherwood Forest represents freedom and acts as the hideout for Robin and his companions.

  • nottingham
  • shirewood forest
  • setting
  • medieval england
Q2

What time period does Robin Hood take place in?

The story takes place in medieval England, a time characterized by feudal systems and stark disparities between the wealthy nobility and the poor commoners. This historical context shapes the narrative's themes of heroism and rebellion against tyranny.

  • medieval
  • time period
  • feudal
  • historical
Q3

What is the role of Sherwood Forest in the story?

Sherwood Forest serves as both a physical refuge and symbolic heart of the story. It is where Robin Hood and his band of merry companions live freely and plan their daring escapades against injustice, representing resistance to the oppressive rule of Prince John.

  • sherwood forest
  • freedom
  • resistance
  • hideout
Q4

What does heroism mean in Robin Hood?

Heroism in Robin Hood centers on standing up against corruption and fighting for the downtrodden. The protagonist uses his cleverness and archery skills to challenge the tyrannical Prince John, inspiring others to join his cause and embodying courage in the face of injustice.

  • heroism
  • courage
  • justice
  • rebellion
Q5

What is the social justice message of Robin Hood?

The movie presents a clear struggle between wealthy oppressors and impoverished townsfolk. Robin Hood's redistribution of wealth to the poor embodies a powerful message about equity and fighting for the rights of the disadvantaged, making social justice a central theme.

  • social justice
  • wealth
  • equality
  • poverty
Q6

What role does love play in Robin Hood?

The romantic relationship between Robin Hood and Maid Marian adds personal emotional depth to the story. Their love symbolizes hope, loyalty, and resilience amidst chaos, serving as a source of motivation for Robin during the archery tournament and throughout the conflict.

  • love
  • maid marian
  • romance
  • hope
Q7

Who is Robin Hood in the movie?

Robin Hood is a clever and brave fox who serves as the story's protagonist. Known for his sharp wit and unmatched archery skills, he embodies justice and compassion, rallying friends to fight against the injustices imposed by the tyrannical Prince John.

  • robin hood
  • protagonist
  • hero
  • fox
Q8

Who is Little John in Robin Hood?

Little John is a loyal and strong brown bear who serves as Robin Hood's closest companion and confidant. His physical prowess and bravery complement Robin's cleverness, making them an effective duo in their quests against oppression.

  • little john
  • companion
  • bear
  • support
Q9

Who is Prince John in Robin Hood?

Prince John is the story's main antagonist, portrayed as a treacherous lion who seizing the throne and imposing heavy taxes on the poor. His cunning nature and ruthless desire for power drive the central conflict as he attempts to capture Robin Hood and maintain control over Nottingham.

  • prince john
  • villain
  • antagonist
  • lion
Q10

Who is Maid Marian in Robin Hood?

Maid Marian is a wise fox who serves as Robin Hood's love interest. Her affection for Robin adds emotional depth to the narrative, representing warmth and support amidst the chaos of Prince John's rule. She symbolizes hope and resilience throughout the story.

  • maid marian
  • love interest
  • fox
  • hope
Q11

Who is Friar Tuck in Robin Hood?

Friar Tuck is a wise and jovial badger who serves as a voice of reason and morality in Sherwood Forest. His strong sense of justice and loyalty to Robin Hood and the townsfolk make him a beloved ally in the fight against Prince John's oppression.

  • friar tuck
  • ally
  • badger
  • morality
Q12

What is the main conflict in Robin Hood?

The central conflict revolves around the struggle between good and evil, embodied by Robin Hood's fight against Prince John's tyranny. The story presents a clear good-versus-evil narrative where Robin and his companions must overcome adversity and prove that even a "dirty rotten bunch" can triumph against all odds.

  • conflict
  • good vs evil
  • tyranny
  • resistance

Movie threads

More Movies Like Robin Hood, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Robin Hood tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Whimsical Animated Adventures like Robin Hood

Charming animated stories filled with lighthearted heroism and joyful moments. If you enjoyed the playful animal heroes and lighthearted adventure of Disney's Robin Hood, you'll love these movies. This collection features similar animated films with a whimsical tone, steady adventurous pacing, and joyful, happy endings. Find more charming stories that feel like Robin Hood.

  • whimsical
  • playful
  • uplifting
  • adventurous
  • heroic
  • joyful
  • Tone: whimsical, playful, uplifting
  • Pacing: steady, event-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a classic hero's journey but with a playful twist. A likable protagonist, often an underdog, faces a comically tyrannical antagonist. The plot unfolds through a series of adventurous escapades—rescues, contests, and clever tricks—building towards a climactic victory that restores order and celebrates the heroes, all without significant emotional weight or complexity.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared commitment to a whimsical, cheerful atmosphere. They prioritize fun, adventure, and visual charm over grit or deep conflict. The consistent pacing, light emotional weight, and ultimately happy resolutions create a coherent feel-good experience that is the hallmark of this category.

Joyful Underdog Stories like Robin Hood

Stories where a ragtag group of heroes overcomes adversity with spirit and humor. Looking for more movies with the joyful underdog spirit of Robin Hood? This list features stories about charismatic rebels and their ragtag teams fighting injustice with humor and heart. Discover similar films where a likable group triumphs against the odds in a lighthearted, uplifting way.

  • uplifting
  • heroic
  • adventurous
  • joyful
  • hopeful
  • comedic
  • Tone: hopeful, playful, uplifting
  • Pacing: steady, building to a climax
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern revolves around social injustice presented in a stylized, non-graphic manner. A charismatic hero rallies a diverse group of allies. The conflict is driven by a series of confrontations and clever schemes against the antagonists, all peppered with humor and camaraderie. The story builds steadily towards a final confrontation where the underdogs prove their worth, securing a definitive and celebratory win.

Why they belong together: These films share a core emotional recipe: the joy of rooting for the little guy. They blend themes of social justice with a light touch, ensuring the adventure feels more like a playful rebellion than a grim struggle. The combination of a steady pace, medium intensity, and a fundamentally happy outcome creates a uniquely uplifting and satisfying vibe.

If you liked this

Movies Like Robin Hood

Similar movies to Robin Hood: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Robin Hood (1973) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Robin Hood in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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