Arthur, Robin, or both?

[lizwilliams]

When fjm visited us the other day, we had a conversation about which legendary British figure one feels most drawn to - King Arthur, or Robin Hood? There seems to be a bit of a divide in that Americans tend to prefer Arthur (noble, gallant, kingly?) whereas the Brits have a penchant for Robin (outlaw, dodgy, but still noble, gallant etc). We thought this was too simplistic a distinction, but now I'm interested. Hence, this LJ's first poll:

[Poll #729865]

Comments

[pigeonhed.livejournal.com]

Cuchulainn!

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Robin, but if someone made a TV programme about Arthur as thoroughly brilliant as Robin of Sherwood, I could be persuaded otherwise. (I'm reading Rosemary Sutcliff's Sword at Sunset at the moment, which is doing a good job of trying to win me over.)

[ellenscult]

King Alfred, otherwise, Robin Hood. And I'm Yorkshire. ;-)

[lamentables.livejournal.com]

I fell in love with Roger Lancelyn Green's Robin Hood at a very early age. Also I was born and raised in Nottinghamshire, so no contest really.

[fjm.livejournal.com]

My Robin is of Geoffrey Trease's Bows Against the Barons, the "secret history" of an English rebellion.

[matociquala.livejournal.com]

What, no both?

It's like a wood chisel and a claw hammer. Different tools for different jobs. *g*

I couldn't find a button...

[(Anonymous)]

...to vote - must be cos I'm not a livejournal user. Anyway, I've always been on the Robin Hood side, but that's mainly cos he's the closest Britain has to a really cool pirate.

There really aren't enough cool pirates for a young man to hero worship, you know.

neil

[elarasophia.livejournal.com]

Arthur, definitely. Running/jumping/climbing trees is great escapism, but Arthur was noble while dealing with the responsibilities that came with rule. Robin had it relatively easy. :)

[prairie-kittin.livejournal.com]

Which is better? To steal from the rich to give to the poor, or to lead the country in a fiscally responsible manner so there is no need for a hero like Robin Hood? I voted for Arthur.
I live in the United States, and I believe a lot of my countrymen would choose Arthur over Robin Hood out of a sense of longing for the good government we were cheated out of when King Bush seized power.
Kittin

[9fingers.livejournal.com]

I too fall under the heading of Americans for Arthur.

[aeriedraconia.livejournal.com]

I always liked Robin Hood stories a little better than King Arthur stories. I'm an American.
I like Zorro too.

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

It's always been Robin for me, for as long as I can remember. No contest. I even named my cat after him. ;)

[mt-yvr.livejournal.com]

If we're talking British - Merlin. I'm more a magic kind of guy than "ooh, look, I can do neat tricks with (insert weapon of choice here)!" kind of guy.

Though admittedly I loved the Talison stories just as much if not more later on. Anyone who can shapeshift their way into youth is cool in my book.

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

Gawain.

I love the way he morphs from Top Knight to Ladies' Man to Rough but Honest. Also, hangs out with Green Knight.

[the-aspie-zoo.livejournal.com]

Another American for Robin! :)

I did a semester Independent Study in Lit course comparing Robin to Arthur (the 'people' and the myths). Fascinating stuff. But Robin wins in my book.

Ya gotta love a rogue! *big grin*

[lagilman]

I got sent over here with firm instructions to vote, so...

Boudicca, actually. She too came to a bad end, but she had to do it backwards and in high heels. And I did my junior colloquium thesis on her rebellion and the Roman response, so there's an emotional attachment.

[joecrow.livejournal.com]

Mordred.

What? Sometimes the king needs to get it in the neck, but good. That's how I roll, baby.

Also, if it matters, currently residing within the Evil Empire.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

I fell in love with Robin Hood when I read Howard Pyle's version of the story when I was ten. I'm still in love with him.