As age and illness slowed the legendary outlaw of Sherwood, Robin Hood sought help at Kirklees Priory. His cousin, the Prioress, was known for her healing arts, but she harbored a secret malice. She agreed to perform a bloodletting to cure his fever, yet she intentionally opened a vein too wide and left him alone to bleed out. Weak and dying, Robin managed to sound three faint notes on his horn. His loyal friend Little John crashed through the window to find his master fading. Little John begged for permission to burn the priory in retribution, but Robin refused, stating he had never harmed a woman in his life and would not start now. With a final burst of strength, Robin shot one last arrow out into the forest, asking Little John to bury him where it fell. Thus, the hero of the common people passed into history beneath the trees he loved.
True nobility is found in maintaining one's honor and showing mercy even when faced with ultimate betrayal.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Death of Robin Hood?
The moral is that a person's character is defined by their actions in their final moments. Robin's choice to forgive his killer and forbid revenge shows that mercy is the greatest mark of a hero.
Who killed Robin Hood?
According to the legend, Robin was killed by his cousin, the Prioress of Kirklees, through a botched bloodletting procedure. She intentionally allowed him to bleed to death to satisfy a grudge or political pressure.
How did Robin Hood choose his burial spot?
Robin used his remaining strength to shoot one final arrow out of his window. He requested that Little John bury him exactly where the arrow landed in the forest.
Why didn't Robin Hood let Little John seek revenge?
Robin adhered to his lifelong code of chivalry, which included never harming a woman. He wanted his legacy to end with peace and mercy rather than a final act of violence.
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