Robin Hood: legend, history, and cultural impact

Robin Hood

We are all familiar with Robin Hood and his band of "merry men." Their creed to "rob the rich and give to the poor" was heroic and honorable during a time when the poor in England were being taxed beyond their means and suffering in squalor.

Nevertheless, Robin Hood's infamy has created a series of problems for his band of 'bandits' as well as himself. "The increasing size of the band was a source of satisfaction for Robin, but also a source of concern" (Thompson & Strickland, 2003).

It is no surprise either, as people are drawn to the honor of helping the poor and taking their own revenge on the Sheriff of Nottingham. Still, Robin Hood's growing concern is valid.

The band of "merry men" worked in the past because it was a 'band' and now that they are growing in numbers, their source of refuge and work: the forest, is suffering. Food is becoming scarce and 'victims' are avoiding the forest.

Part of the strategy the "merry men" would have had, was that of surprise, and as Sun Tzu said in The Art of War: "Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots" (Griffith, 1996). In essence, it is time for Robin Hood to rethink his current strategy as his company expands if he wants to continue 'robbing from the rich, and giving to the poor'.

Rethinking a new strategy would require Robin to review his current situation. At the moment, he needs to downsize his band in order to continue with their current mission.

Robin Hood has been offered a new mission in exchange for amnesty, which could be beneficial if Robin Hood could secure job security of some kind for him and his men. There is growing political unrest in the area, and it would be a matter of time before Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham would be removed from their positions.

The return of King Richard the Lionheart would ensure a happier nation, and less political stress on the poor and that would put Robin and his "merry men" out of a job.

So would a new mission be in his best interest? I believe so. The current mission is baring thin profits as people have become aware of the 'dangers' of the forest. Therefore, Robin Hood must first downsize his band, and re-establish a new area to operate in.

The band of "merry men" is also suffering within their ranks. With the lack of 'work' and the growing numbers, it is becoming harder to organize and profit sharing is suffering. Robin Hood had delegated well. "Will Scarlet was in charge of intelligence and scouting.... Little John kept discipline among the men and saw to it that their archery was at the high peak that their profession demanded...Much the Miller's son had the difficult task of provisioning the very-increasing band of "merry men" (Thompson & Strickland, 2003).

Another reason to downsize and reconsider training and strategy is because the Sheriff and his men have adapted to Robin Hood's methods and also increased in numbers. Robin Hood will have to change strategy in order to keep his element of surprise, which is a key element of their profession.

In order to downsize effectively, Robin Hood would need to establish a set of requirements and testing scheme. Now that the Sheriff was stronger and wise to their methods, the band of "merry men" would have to be even stronger to regain higher profits.

A new area would have to be located, if not a few areas that the band could work in simultaneously. Robin would have to continue delegating tasks as well as decision making to Will Scarlet, and Little John.

It may also be in order to organize a rumor (as a form of advertising) that the "merry men" are disbanding, in order to decrease the recruitment pool and persuade traveler to return to forest routes. This would also give them time to organize within the band without worrying about the Sheriff taking them by surprise.

The problem with this strategy is the lack of profits during that time, and therefore a decrease in morale within the band. It could also backfire on them as the Sheriff may decide to 'round-up' the men individually and prosecute them.

As a solution, I would recommend to Robin Hood to rethink his strategy and objectives. I would encourage him to read The Art of War as it pertains to his methods and skills.