401 - Robin Hood: The Original Green Man (Nottingham talk)
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Jul 8, 2025
Delve into the rich symbolism of Robin Hood and his connections to figures like King David and legends from various cultures. Explore themes of rebellion, morality, and the trickster archetype, revealing how outlaws and jesters can embody deeper truths. Reflect on the interplay of authority and subversion, uncovering the transformative power of serving the marginalized. The discussion also highlights the importance of storytelling and cultural memory, inviting listeners to find meaning in both secular and sacred narratives.
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insights INSIGHT
Robin Hood as Virtuous Rebel
Robin Hood represents a virtuous rebel faithful to the true king despite corrupt authorities.
His rebellion is distinct from simple revolution, existing in an inverted world until rightful order is restored.
insights INSIGHT
Robin Hood as the Green Man
Robin Hood symbolizes the Green Man, connected with the forest's mysterious liminal space.
Despite embodying rebellion and carnivalesque traits, he ultimately serves the highest king and order.
insights INSIGHT
Righteous Trickery of Robin Hood
Robin Hood's trickery is a form of righteous deception serving the greater good.
Unlike common thugs, his actions aim to help the poor under corrupt authority.
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I was invited to give this talk on Robin Hood in Nottingham—just a stone’s throw from Sherwood Forest—on the feast of Pentecost. What began as a reflection on a beloved folk hero opened into something deeper: a meditation on rebellion, trickery, legitimacy, and the strange holiness that's possible for jesters and outlaws. In this talk, I explore how Robin Hood, the Green Man, King David, and even figures from Islamic tradition and Arthurian legend, all point toward a surprising truth—that the margins of society can conceal servants of the true King. I hope you enjoy it.
Original YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7Q4LBLmeeMw
COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton
This course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests. - Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 22nd, 2025 - Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total - Cost: 120 USD (108 USD for Involved patrons) - Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality
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Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:30 - Intro music 01:56 - Introduction by Jonathan 03:34 - Introduction: The virtuous rebel 06:10 - Who does Robin Hood resemble? 09:40 - Green 14:25 - A trickster for God 16:39 - David 25:41 - He loses at the edge 39:24 - The Green man: Merlin 45:25 - Q&A starts: St. Christopher 46:39 - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 48:55 - Maid Marian and the Virgin Mary 49:53 - Difference between giants and monsters 51:20 - Intention 53:01 - Robin Hood in politics 54:10 - Marksmanship 55:54 - Does the end justify the means 57:42 - Is Robin Hood religious? 59:06 - Locations and history 01:01:38 - Humor in Christianity 01:03:20 - Trickery 01:06:46 - What goes around comes around 01:08:15 - Downstream from the Gospel 01:11:44 - Christ vs Robin Hood in history
Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/
The Symbolic World