ROBIN HOOD COMPASSES A MARRIAGE by HOWARD PYLE

⭐ 1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales SHOW NOTES – Robin Encompasses a Marriage (From The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood) Episode Summary Today's story comes from Howard Pyle's The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, and it captures one of the most joyful and dramatic episodes in the entire Robin Hood tradition — the day Robin and his Merry Men stopped a wedding, rescued a heartbroken bride, and set things right with a little courage, a little mischief, and a great deal of Lincoln Green.

Fair Ellen is to be married against her will to the wealthy Sir Stephen of Trent. Her true love, Allan a Dale, stands helpless — until Robin Hood swears that Allan will "eat from the platter filled for Sir Stephen." What follows is one of the most delightful scenes in the Robin Hood canon: disguises, trickery, Friar Tuck's booming laughter, Little John's steady sword, and Robin's bold interruption of a church ceremony that was never meant to be.

This is Robin Hood at his best — clever, fearless, and determined to defend the innocent.

What Happens in This Tale Robin chooses a score of his best men and disguises himself as a wandering minstrel.

The band travels from Sherwood to the Vale of Rotherstream, hiding near the church where Ellen's forced wedding will take place.

Friar Tuck infiltrates the church, preparing for Robin's signal.

The Bishop of Hereford arrives in full pomp, unaware that Robin Hood is waiting.

Sir Stephen and Ellen arrive — Ellen pale and sorrowful, Sir Stephen proud and oblivious.

Robin steps forward, halts the ceremony, and blows three blasts on his horn.

Little John, Will Stutely, and eighteen yeomen storm the church.

Allan a Dale arrives with Robin's bow, kneels, and joins the rescue.

Friar Tuck publishes the banns nine times and marries Allan and Ellen himself.