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The Sheriff of Nottingham is the main antagonist of the legend of Robin Hood. He is a folkloric figure depicted as the archenemy of Robin Hood. The rivalry between the two figures has served to immortalize them both as arguably one of the most well-known duo of archenemies not only in their native England but across the world.
English Folklore[]
When the man (whose name varies from telling to telling) was entrusted as regent of Nottingham, he took the entitlement away from many of the Dukes, Barons, and Earls alike. All of the goods of Nottingham became in his control from then on (in the TV Series, it is shown that it took place around 1190 A.D). Presumably seeking to enrich himself, the Sheriff subject his citizens to unfair taxing (which became his most well-known characteristic) and execute rebels. This prompts Robin of Locksley (who becomes known as Robin Hood) to take arms and oppose him, stealing from the richer subjects to give to the poorer ones. Robin Hood then gradually destroys his different powers over time, taking away his control of Nottingham, with the Sheriff unable to stop him.
In the original folklore he is depicted as the main antagonist and many adaptations follow this interpretation but some relegate him to the role of secondary antagonist in favor of Prince John and Guy of Gisbourne, his right-hand man in the legend. He has been depicted in many TV shows, movies, plays, poetry, and novels.
Adaptations[]
- In the Robin Hood film The Adventures of Robin Hood, he is called the High Sheriff of Nottingham and is a secondary antagonist, acting as an adviser to Prince John and Guy of Gisbourne, the main villains.
- He is the main villain of the TV series The Adventures of Robin Hood from Seasons 1 to 3, being replaced by his deputy in Season 4.
- A version of the Sheriff that incorporates elements of both the High Sheriff and Guy of Gisbourne from the 1938 film acts as the main antagonist of The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men.
- In the 1973 Disney animated adaptation, he is depicted as the main enforcer to Prince John's regime.
- In Robin of Sherwood, the Sheriff named Robert of Renault is the scheming main antagonist of the show. He is the main threat but does not oppose Robin physically, being characterized as a schemer. He actually manages to kill Robin, but another man takes up the mantle.
- In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the Sheriff named George is more ambitious than most versions, plotting to take over England by forcibly marrying Marian. He also ordered Robin's father to be killed, making their enmity much more personal as a result.
- In Robin Hood: Men in Tights, the Sheriff of Rottingham is a parodic take of the Sheriff, taking his characterization and appearance from the one from the Prince of Thieves adaptation.
- The 2006 BBC TV Show Robin Hood, features a Sheriff named Vaisey as the main antagonist, who is a mentor to this version of Guy of Gisbourne.
- In the 2011 film In Time, a science fiction version of the story of Robin Hood, his role is taken over by a similar character named Raymond Leon as the main antagonist, who is a special policeman called a Timekeeper.
- In the 2018 film Robin Hood, a modern retelling of the origins of Robin, he is the main antagonist and presumably the future arch-enemy of Robin. In a twist however, the Sheriff dies in the climax and is succeeded by Will Scarlet, who becomes the Sheriff of the legend.
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