Legend Stories for Kids: Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow

Nobody in the land was better with a bow and arrow than Robin Hood. He lived in Sherwood Forest with his Merry Men. That was King John's woods, where he kept his royal deer.

King Richard had ruled the land a few years before. This King permitted the poor to enter Sherwood Forest to hunt deer in order to feed their families. However, the time had come for King Richard and his army to depart from England. Then King John ascended to the throne.

This king, known as "Bad King John," did not want anyone to enter Sherwood Forest. Why should he when he could hunt the royal deer whenever he wanted? From then on, he made it known throughout the land that anyone seen hunting in Sherwood Forest would be apprehended and imprisoned immediately.

That did not sit well with Robin Hood. That's why he'd relocated to Sherwood Forest. He dressed in green from head to toe so that he could be hidden by the trees of Sherwood Forest while hunting the King's deer. Other brave men also entered Sherwood Forest. They gradually joined Robin Hood and became his Merry Men.

When rich nobles and dukes passed through the woods, Robin Hood and his Merry Men would hide. Then they'd all rush out and rob those wealthy men. The money would then be given to the poor.

But the rich men who had been robbed were not pleased! They informed Bad King John of the events in Sherwood Forest. "Something has to be done!" they exclaimed. The Sheriff of Nottingham was appointed by the King to oversee Sherwood Forest. It would be his responsibility to apprehend Robin Hood once and for all!

However, the man in green was far too quick. When his Merry Men spotted the Sheriff of Nottingham or one of his guards in the woods, Robin Hood would flee or hide.

So the Sheriff devised a new strategy. "I will hold a great contest to see who is the best archer in the land," he declared. The winner will receive a Golden Arrow."

"If I know Robin Hood, he will not be able to stay away from such a contest," the Sheriff said quietly. And when he appears, we will apprehend him!"

"Robin Hood, don't enter the competition!" exclaimed Little John. Robin Hood trusted Little John the most out of all the Merry Men. "Don't you see that this is a trap? They'll grab you as soon as they see you."

Robin Hood remained silent. He had a strong desire to leave.

Ten excellent bowmen lined up on the day of the competition. The round target was so far away that its black and red circles were almost impossible to see. Each young man shot his best arrow one by one. The majority of them failed. Some hit the target, but none got close to the centre.

The Sheriff addressed one of his bodyguards. "Have you seen him? "Does he happen to be here?"

"Not at all, Sir. Robin Hood has bright red hair. "None of the people shooting have red hair."

"That wuss!" exclaimed the Sheriff. "He is terrified of me!" He lacked the courage to come."

There were only two bowmen left. William, the Sheriff's man, was the first. William took aim with caution. His arrow struck the target dead centre - a bull's eye! The audience applauded William.

It was the last bowman's turn. He, too, took precise aim, and his arrow flew through the air. It pierced William's bull's-eye arrow, severing it in half! The bowman let go of two more arrows in a flash. One arrow on each side flew to where the Sheriff sat, pinning him to his seat!

The Sheriff was completely unaware of what was going on. The man in green then removed his disguise and tossed it to the ground.

"Get him, you idiots!" yelled the Sheriff. "Hello, it's Robin Hood!"

However, our hero jumped over the wall to a horse that was waiting for him. He was gone - he had gotten away!

This is one of the many adventures of Robin Hood, England's most beloved hero and one of the world's most beloved heroes.

Questions to Consider and Discuss: View Other Children's Comments Below!

Select One Question. Leave your thoughts in the comment section:

Question 1: Did Robin Hood do the right thing by going into Sherwood Forest to hunt deer after the King said it was forbidden? What is your reasoning?

Question 2-— Would you have entered the competition if you were Robin Hood? What is your reasoning?

Question 3-— Explain what you believe the story is attempting to teach you.