THE CHANGING FACE OF THE HOODED MAN

At the end of the last episode starring Michael Praed; The Greatest Enemy, we see the character of Robin Hood seemingly killed, surrounded by the Sheriff's men all armed with crossbows. All the band, save Marion and Much, have been captured. After the scene where Robin seems to die, having fired his last arrow into the woods; to mark the sight of his burial, an episode which turns up in the later ballad material, namely, Robin Hood's death. Here, however, he also breaks his bow on his knee. Most other filmed versions feature the more traditional demise of Robin Hood, usually killed by his Kinswoman, the Prioress of Kirklees, featured in the most well known ballad, the Geste of Robyn Hode. What we see in this episode of Robin of Sherwood is almost an act of self-sacrifice, a resignation that the title of Robin Hood is too pass from Robin of Loxley to another who can carry the fight. This is a major philosophical and spiritual statement, as is the breaking of the weapon which has been used to fight for freedom. The power has departed, a new son of Herne is to be chosen. The captured band are certain Robin will survive and their hopes are raised when the hooded man returns to the village and sets them free. The Sheriff, Guy of Gisburne and the Norman soldiers are struck dumb by the sight of this hooded man they were sure they had killed so recently. This is a powerful scene, aided by the use of electronic music, reminiscent of the style of synthesised sound used on early Doctor Who episodes when that series starred Jon Pertwee in the main role. There is an eerie unnaturalness to what is happening. The released men believe it is the Robin they know come to save them, but as the episode ends, with them meeting up with Maid Marion and Much, the terrible truth dawns on them: The Man, Robin of Loxley, is dead. The final scene is another mythologically powerful one. The remaining band each fire a flaming arrow into a still lake. Then one extra arrow takes flight into the air, extinguishing in the water, they turn and there stands the hooded man. It is moments like these that Robin of Sherwood added to the legend. Links with Arthur's sword Excalibur being returned to the lake come to mind, linking the two greatest indigenous mythologies of this island. The flaming arrow in the air hitting the water incorporate three of the four elements; air, fire and water, of alchemical magical practices. One could argue the fourth, that of earth, is present in the people, or the bow that loosed the arrow. As King Arthur is said to be ready to return again, we are left with the feeling that Robin, too, will return. Sure enough, he does.