Sherwood Forest

Sherwood forest was a relaxing get away that I personally enjoyed (and to be honest) wasn't ready to leave, quite yet. This forest gave the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men a validity (in my heart) that no one can take from me (regardless of what historians claim). My Noble Squire (Tasha) and myself travelled away from the main paths and ventured out into the forest following the paths less travelled. This then created a comfortable distance from the group that I was comfortable with because I was able to forgo any social obligations/ties and discover the adventuress's inside. I loved the soft ground beneath my feet because it was complimented by lush green trees and small plants that that created a beautiful natural landscape that God created. (I hope I can refer to God). For the first time, I felt like I was realy able to go at my own pace to investigate my inner thoughts. For the past two days I began to feel very homesick but as I walked through the forest uninterrupted I began to feel more lively and I truly felt more fullfied because I was able to wander off in the woods! (Thank you Professor Benader for the therapy session!)

As I walked through Sherwood Forest I began singing to myself "Brave, Brave, Sir. Robin!!". I don't remeber where I heard this song but I began to let my imagination run wild and I could see Robin lurking in the trees watching the King Richard and his knights passing through laughing at them and mocking their prestige. I felt that Robin Hood was a "Social Reformer/Naturalist" because he rejected the unfair taxation of the poor and refused to be confined. He lived in the forest because he was an outlaw (we all know that, right?) but also because the earth can provide everything one needs to sustain themselves.

The museum was entertaining. Maybe school children would have been more easily excited (please don't misinterpret my feelings, I liked it allot!). The entrance included a sculpture of an image of Robin Hood and a preliminary introduction of the story of Robin Hood. Lots of Medieval art work on the walls and some of the story was portrayed in the form of stainglass windows( as if they were to be placed in a church window). This created the mood and helped to authenticate the story. As, you slowly progress through the museum other noted characters were made into small figures. Specifically,the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood bowing to be pardoned by the King. One of the last images I can recall included Robin Hood and the Maiden Mary joining together in holy wedlock.

The museum emphasized a very noble and cheery Robin Hood. It was a very Romantic interpretation because their version of the story inconcludes: Robin gives up his bachelor hood and ties the knot. I enjoyed the museum for what it was presented to be..FUN!!!

The gift shop was located directly beside the museum in the food and bathroom area. This shop had Robin Hood memorabilia for all different visitors taste and spending levels. The costumes were the cutest because any man, woman or child become Robin Hood. I loved the green hats with the feathers because as soon as I placed it on my head I stood tall with my arms to my side and began to sing "Brave Sir Robin" again!!! The Errol Flynn image of Robin Hood has left a lasting impression on my mind and at this moment in time I wasn't just Robin Hood but the actor who played Robin Hood.
The gift shop made Robin Hood's story was made accessible to everyone through books (easy readers to large chapters books), plates , shirts, pens, notebooks, playing cards and a bag that said "GO Green" with the image of Robin Hood!!! Overall, I believe the gift shop's ablity to interpret the story of Robin Hood into accesible trinketts allows everyone the ability to posses thier own piece of the story which makes the story come alive for so many. Humans want a tangible artifact to convey beautiful ideas (At least I think so!). The gift shop with all of its trinkets gives me the chance to become an active participant in the stiory of Robin Hood because when I wear my hat, I can imitate him (we all know that imitation is the best form of flattery!).