Many a tale has been written about the lovely Maid Marian Fitzwalter. A book about her written by Thomas love Peacock in 1818 maintains that her "real name" is Matilda. (Peacock). A few things remain the same no matter which story is read. She is a beautiful woman born of nobles who is desperately in love with the outlaw Robin Hood and must hide either her feelings or herself. In several versions, she and Robin are said to have played together as children but circumstances draw them away until they meet again as mature adults and their regard for one another deepens into a strong romance. In a Robin Hood book by J. Walter McSpadden, we read that Marian finally flees her estate when Prince John threatens to take all of her lands if she continues to refuse to marry him. Instead of spending a life full of luxury with a buffoon such as this monarch, she decides to flee dressed as a page to the forest where Robin lives. At this point he makes a stirring statement: "'By this sword which Queen Eleanor game me' he said impetuously; 'and which was devoted to the service of all womankind, I take oath that Prince John and all his armies shall not harm you!" (McSpadden 131). Thus, Marian takes up her permanent residence with her beloved outlaw in his forest.
Works Cited
McSpadden, J. Walter. Robin Hood. Forgotten Books, 2008. Print.
Peacock, Thomas Love. Maid Marian. 1822. Print.
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