Little John, Robin Hood’s trusted lieutenant, is a figure shrouded in paradox from the outset. Despite his moniker, “Little” John is anything but small. Tradition paints him as a towering man, often described as over seven feet tall, a veritable giant amongst the Merry Men. His appearance often reinforces this wild, untamed image – envision him with a thick, bushy beard and clad in rough animal skins, a stark contrast to the more refined figures often associated with nobility, which Robin Hood, in some interpretations, is himself. This imposing physicality immediately establishes Little John as a force to be reckoned with in the greenwood and beyond.
Little John's Grave in Hathersage Churchyard
While “Little” John plays on his considerable size, the name “Little John” itself might be more than just ironic. Some tales suggest “Little” is indeed his surname, making his real name simply John Little. However, the mystery deepens with alternative names proposed in folklore, such as John Naylor or John le Nailer. Adding another layer to his enigmatic origins, popular belief places his birthplace in Hathersage, Derbyshire, a region bordering Nottinghamshire and historically under the same Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Intriguingly, a grave purported to be Little John’s can still be found in the churchyard of Hathersage, offering a tangible link to this legendary figure.
The author standing beside the purported grave of Little John in Hathersage, highlighting the length of the grave
Serving as Robin Hood’s right-hand man, Little John’s significance in the Robin Hood ballads is undeniable. In many early stories, he rivals Robin himself in importance, participating in adventures that extend beyond mere support. One such tale recounts Little John’s audacious entry into an archery contest in Nottingham. Impressing the Sheriff with his skills, Little John, under the alias Reynold Greenlefe, cunningly secured a position in the Sheriff’s service, promising to be the most troublesome servant imaginable. True to his word, Little John orchestrated the Sheriff’s comeuppance, persuading the Sheriff’s cook to join Robin’s band and ultimately leading the Sheriff into the depths of Sherwood Forest to be robbed by Robin Hood and his men. Another ballad showcases Little John’s resourcefulness as he disguises himself as a beggar, engaging in a brawl with three miserly beggars, further demonstrating his independent exploits and robust character.
Little John’s prowess extends to both swordsmanship and archery, marking him as a formidable warrior in his own right. He is not simply a brute force, but a skilled combatant capable of challenging even Robin Hood. One story even narrates a playful archery contest where Little John outshoots Robin. When Robin humorously refuses to concede defeat and pay the wager, Little John, in a fit of pique, temporarily leaves Robin’s service, showcasing his independent spirit and refusal to be taken for granted. This temporary separation sets the stage for Little John’s leadership qualities to truly shine. When Robin Hood is captured through the treachery of a monk, it is Little John who steps up, demonstrating remarkable organizational skills and loyalty. He rallies the Merry Men, devising a clever plan to deceive not only the Sheriff but even the King himself, ultimately orchestrating a daring rescue mission to free Robin. Upon Robin’s liberation, and recognizing Little John’s invaluable role, Robin offers to cede leadership of the band to Little John. However, Little John, despite his capabilities and occasional disagreements with Robin, humbly declines, reaffirming Robin’s position as the master while solidifying his own indispensable role as the unwavering and capable lieutenant.
Perhaps Little John is most iconically associated with his weapon of choice: the quarterstaff. This sturdy wooden pole is not merely a tool but an extension of Little John himself, a symbol of his strength and agility in close-quarters combat. Indeed, their very first encounter, a pivotal moment in the Robin Hood legend, famously features Little John wielding his quarterstaff when he and Robin Hood meet on a narrow bridge, setting the stage for their legendary partnership.
