HUM/105 World Mythology Contemporary Hero’s Quest Presentation (Robin Hood Prince Thieves 1991 Starring Kevin Costner) Pick a contemporary story form a, movie, video game inspired a mythological epic journey a hero’s quest.

The character of Robin of Locksley in Kevin Reynolds’ film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves goes through a complex set of events as he tries to discover his personal identity. In his journey he realizes that it is essential for him to get actively involved in taking on a hero-like attitude in order to save numerous individuals from falling victims to an oppressive system. As a nobleman, one would expect Robin to react differently in the face of danger, taking into account that it was characteristic for people during the era to put across attitudes that had nothing to do with the general public’s well-being.

In contrast to how most would expect, Robin takes on a rebellious nature and practically denies most of the principles that his ancestors lived by. Instead of wanting to persecute the masses he wants to take down oppressors as a result of imposing an unjust system. Not only does Robin take decisions that are meant to reinforce his position in the territory, as he also concentrates on having simple people appreciate him on account of his character rather than on his social status. This is a person who basically ignores the risks he faces and actually wants to go against privileged individuals on account of their oppressive nature.

Robin goes through a great deal of trouble as he struggles to provide simple people with the chance to be compensated for their efforts. It actually appears that he is the archetypal benevolent leader-type who is mainly concerned in the general public’s well-being rather than only being interested in a small community of privileged individuals.

Robin makes it possible for viewers that rationality is in many cases more important than morals. Even with the fact that it was wrong for him and his companions to become thieves and to go against their leaders, they chose to do so because they were living in an unjust society and the only solution to their problems was to put across immoral attitudes. The central character experiences feelings that enable him to look at the world from a different perspective and that trigger revolutionary thoughts. He acknowledges that it would be essential for him to start a rebellion as this is the only solution to the problems that his community is dealing with.

George, Sherriff of Nottingham, is also a complex individual, but he is more of an opportunist. To a certain degree one can actually say that he is a practical person. He lives in accordance with material values and he sees nothing wrong with persecuting innocent individuals with the purpose to achieve his goals. George’s thinking makes it possible for Robin to understand that he lived most of his life in a lie. Robin did not initially consider the prospect of becoming a thief, as he simply wanted to escape Jerusalem and return home to his family and lands. However, the things that he encountered upon his return home forced him to face facts and to rise against George and his followers.

The motion picture holds a series of other archetypes, involving the sherriff’s tendency to employ foreign-born individuals with the purpose of controlling things in England, a strong connection developing between the protagonist and the brave female character, Marian, and Friar Tuck’s acknowledgement that one of the leading individuals in the Church was actually corrupt.

Bibliography:

Dir. Kevin Reynolds. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Warner Bros., 1991.

Buhle, Paul, “Robin Hood: People’s Outlaw and Forest Hero: A Graphic Guide,” (PM Press, 01.01.2012)

Thomas, Leitch, “Adaptations without Sources: The Adventures of Robin Hood,” Literature/Film Quarterly, Vol. 36, No. 1.