Disney’s Robin Hood
Like most kids, I grew up on a handful of Disney’s best animated films, if not the whole catalogue. Most of them (being my favourites) were out of the Silver and Bronze age of their cinematic history.
In particular, the thrilling, adventure-filled take on “Robin Hood”, featuring an all animal cast with a distinct Disney flair common-place of the time. Most fittingly, the famous English hero of the common-folk Robin Hood, was turned into a dashing, charming and sly red fox.
“Robin Hood” was and still remains easily one of my Disney favourites, the climax of its story still having me bite my nails.
When I arrived into adulthood, old friends and I on many occasions, eventually discussed the silly, childhood crushes we had on fictional characters. Heroic heart-throbs, gorgeous heroines, champions on screen or page, we all had some kind of fondness towards them at some point. Yet I encountered a most unusual phenomenon. An extraordinarily large proportion of girls I’ve met almost always claimed to have had a crush on the red fox Robin Hood at some point in their lives.
I ruminated over this for a while and after discussing with a close female peer, we concluded some reasons that, when divulged, make a great deal of sense!
It would be no surprise to begin, that Robin Hood’s debonaire roguish charm makes for a vibrant personality that makes most people what to be around him and make the commoners rally to him en masse. His altruistic mission of robbing the greedy and rich to save is certainly an attractive aspect, bravery and courage never goes out of style, especially in the name of a virtuous cause.
However, perhaps reflecting why so many girls love him, my friend and I touched on all of the healthy and attractive ways Robin Hood interacted with his one true love, Maid Marion.
There was always a certain level of consent and respect Robin had for Marion, especially in the way he talked and behaved to her. He successfully woes her without any degree of force, he gave her choices, feedback. It always felt to be a cute back and forth where they affirmed each others feelings. They treat each other as equals, and I always felt that was their dynamic. In other words, healthy communication, from a gentleman.
The charming, suave voice talent of Brian Bedford I’m sure played a massive role as well. I hear similar effects of accents from other characters such as Westley from ‘The Princess Bride’.
My personal theory is the encompassing fact that Robin Hood is confident. Perhaps it is not on everyone’s criteria, but confidence on many fronts is confirmed to be a very attractive trait. And if the King of Thieves isn’t confident, I don’t know who is.
Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!
Daniel
