The Untitled History Podcast

Episode 23: Robin Hood: The Truth Behind the Myth

The Untitled History Podcast

Show Notes

Lythe and listin Gentilmen, That be of freebore blode I shall tell you of a gode Yeman His name was Robyn Hode

These are the opening words to The Gest of Robin Hood, first published by Wynkin de Worde in written form in 1506. They represent the first literary mention of a man who was almost certainly never real, but who has existed in the British consciousness since the middle ages. In this episode, we’re going to explore the medieval origins of Robin Hood, and how he has always reflected the society and time in which his story is being told.

Guest Madeline is an architectural and cultural historian. She works on medieval Britain, and how medieval beliefs shaped the built world that we have inherited.

Cats present None

Useful links Madeline’s website: https://madelineodent.com Madeline on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/oldenoughtosay.com The Gest of Robin Hood: https://metseditions.org/read/976AKyAFRDDQFWvztV5Meuxbpld4M6V The Downfall of the Earl of Huntingdon: https://archive.org/details/downfallofrobert00munduoft/page/n5/mode/2up

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