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Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes.

Deceit

Throughout the novel, Robin Hood and his men engage in most of their exploits by using disguises and deception. Their deceit exemplifies their moral ambiguity and commitment to morality over legality— they do good for others, but usually while deceiving and breaking the law. For example, Robin Hood and his men trick the Prior of Emmet into selling Sir Richard of Lea’s lands back to him, and Robin tricks the corn dealer into giving him his shoe while dressed as a beggar. Despite how often Robin Hood tricks others, he has a certain disdain for other dishonest people, as when he meets the four beggars who lie about their ailments. This hypocrisy is furthered by the fact that Robin and his men often deceive and make jokes at other people’s expense. While dressed as a friar, for example, Little John humiliates the friars he encounters at the inn. In these ways, deceit shows how Robin Hood employs his moral code in some ways while ignoring it in others.

Authority

Robin Hood and his men detest figures of authority, and they have crafted their lives to rebel against authority whenever possible. Figures of authority include those who enforce the law, such as the Sheriff of Nottingham and King Henry, as well as religious officials, such as the Bishop of Hereford and the Prior of Emmet. To Robin, these people represent the unfairness of the legal system because they are more concerned with their egos or personal vendettas than in actually exacting justice. They also represent the corrupt nature of those in power. The members of the clergy especially, whose lives are supposed to be based on charity and self-denial, often use their positions to grow their wealth. For example, the Bishop of Hereford is the wealthiest bishop in England and is reluctant to part with any of his money to help others. For this reason, Robin Hood and his men take every opportunity to snub or humiliate those in authority, whether to help someone in need or simply to amuse themselves. 

Loyalty

Loyalty is a core tenet among Robin Hood and his men, and their loyalty to one another shows how important friendship is in their band. Their steadfast devotion to each other is what makes their group so strong, and throughout the novel, it is what often saves them from arrest or death. Even those who are not permanent members of their group, such as Sir Richard of Lea, pledge loyalty to the men because of the generosity and kindness they have shown to strangers. Loyalty is more valuable than any amount of riches or power. The loyalty and trust the men have for each other also prove to form a stronger community than what is often purported to strengthen society, such as laws.

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