Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw from English folklore, renowned as a highly skilled archer and swordsman, traditionally dressed in Lincoln green, and most famously associated with "robbing the rich to give to the poor." His story features an enduring cast of characters, including his lover Maid Marian, his band of Merry Men, and his chief rival, the Sheriff of Nottingham, who is often depicted as supporting Prince John against the rightful King Richard. The earliest clear references appear in the 1370s poem Piers Plowman, with the first surviving narrative ballads dating to the 15th century, already highlighting his devotion to the common people, anti-clericalism, and exceptional archery. Interestingly, the historical origins of Robin Hood remain hotly debated, with historians proposing at least eight possible sources, including the theory that "Robin Hood" was simply a stock alias used by medieval bandits. The popular modern notion that he fought for King Richard the Lionheart during the Crusades only emerged in the 16th century, long after the original tales. Today, he remains one of the most recognizable figures of English folklore, and his name is used broadly to describe any heroic rebel who defies tyranny.