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Robin Hood

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The Resume

    ( -circa 1247)
    Thought to have resided in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England
    Leader of a gang of displaced yeoman or noblemen known as the Merry Men who included Little John, Will Scarlet and Friar Tuck
    Said to have frequently clashed with the Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John
    Reputed to have robbed from the rich to give to the poor
    Subject of countless songs, stories, plays, comics, movies and TV programs

Why he might be annoying:

    It is unclear if he was a thug, an early communist or a chivalrous nobleman (or if he existed at all).
    He and the other Merry Men are often depicted wearing green tights.
    His lady love Maid Marion was probably invented to give his story romantic appeal.
    He allegedly supported absentee king Richard the Lionheart.
    In one ballad he beat up his most loyal follower Little John for defeating him in an archery contest.
    Many districts of England milk his story for tourist dollars.

Why he might not be annoying:

    Numerous records suggest his legend was based at least in part on an actual yeoman (free farmer).
    Witch expert Margaret Murray argued he was a pagan god.
    He is typically depicted as a champion of the poor and oppressed.
    He and his followers loved to eat, drink and carouse, often inviting travelers to join them.
    He is the most popular folk hero of the English speaking world.
    Modern versions of his story often include an Arab among the Merry Men.

Credit: Georgina


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 111 Votes: 31.53% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 431 Votes: 26.68% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 123 Votes: 52.85% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 454 Votes: 65.64% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 8 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 24 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 40.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 12 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 16 Votes: 56.25% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 18 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 72 Votes: 43.06% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 37 Votes: 51.35% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 154 Votes: 37.01% Annoying