Because of the harsh rule of William the Conqueror and his successors, many Englishmen exiled themselves to the greenwood. These men were called "outlaws." Driven first by a love for England's ancient liberties, they later lived outside the law by their means of survival. Among them, none were more famous than Robin Hood and his band.
Little is known of Robin Hood's origins or crimes. Though an outlaw who could be slain with impunity, he was beloved by the poor as their friend. Many stout fellows joined him, living a merry life in the forest, sleeping on moss and fern, and dining on the King's deer—a crime punishable by death. He took no toll from tillers, yeomen, or knights, but wealthy churchmen and proud bishops with their richly dressed followers trembled when nearing Sherwood Forest, never knowing if Robin or his men lurked behind every tree.
One day, Robin encountered a stranger on a narrow bridge over a river. When Robin demanded passage, the stranger refused. Robin drew his bow, but ashamed when the stranger scorned his unarmed state, he laid it aside and fought the stranger with an oaken staff. They fought until the stranger struck a blow that sent Robin tumbling into the river.
Wading ashore, Robin praised the stranger's bravery and summoned his fifty green-clad men with his horn. When his men asked if he had fallen in, Robin admitted the stranger had bested him. The foresters seized the stranger to duck him, but Robin stopped them and invited him to join their band. The stranger agreed, giving his name as John Little.
Will Scarlett declared that a feast should be held and, because the man was over seven feet tall, they should call him "Little John." At the feast, Little John asked Robin about their way of life: whose goods to take, whom to beat. Robin instructed him to harm no tiller, yeoman, knight, or squire unless ill-spoken of, but to spoil any bishop or archbishop, and always remember the High Sheriff of Nottingham.
With this settled, Robin declared Little John second in command. The new outlaw never forgot to keep the High Sheriff of Nottingham, the foresters' bitterest enemy, in mind.