Will Scarlet (also Scarlett, Scarlock, Scadlock, Scatheloke, Scathelocke and Shacklock) is a prominent member of
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depic ...
's
Merry Men
The Merry Men are the group of Outlaw (stock character), outlaws who follow Robin Hood in English literature and folklore. The group appears in the earliest ballads about Robin Hood and remains popular in modern adaptations.
History
The Merr ...
. He is present in the earliest ballads along with
Little John
Little John is a companion of Robin Hood who serves as his chief lieutenant and second-in-command of the Merry Men. He is one of only a handful of consistently named characters who relate to Robin Hood and one of the two oldest Merry Men, al ...
and
Much the Miller's Son
Much, the Miller's Son is one of the Merry Men in the tales of Robin Hood. He appears in some of the oldest ballads, ''A Gest of Robyn Hode'' and ''Robin Hood and the Monk'', as one of the company.
History
In ''A Gest of Robyn Hode'', he helps ...
.
The confusion of surnames has led some authors to distinguish them as belonging to different characters. The Elizabethan playwright
Anthony Munday featured Scarlet and Scathlocke as half-brothers in his play ''
The Downfall of Robert, Earl of Huntington''.
Howard Pyle
Howard Pyle (March 5, 1853 – November 9, 1911) was an American illustrator and author, primarily of books for young people. He was a native of Wilmington, Delaware, and he spent the last year of his life in Florence, Italy.
In 1894, he began ...
included both a Will Scathelock and a Will Scarlet in his ''
Merry Adventures of Robin Hood''.
Will Stutely may also exist as a separate character because of a mistaken surname.
Ballads
The first appearance of Will Scarlet was in one of the oldest surviving Robin Hood ballads, ''
A Gest of Robyn Hode''. He helps capture
Richard at the Lee and when Robin lends that knight money to pay off his debts, Scarlet stands laughing at Little John for the cost of clothing the knight (Richard at the Lee) being nothing. (Child Ballad 117A p,74)
But after the knight has received four hundred pounds, 3 yards of every coloured cloth, a horse and saddle Will Scarlet insists the knight should have a pair of boots.(Child Ballad 117A p,77)
Another very early ballad featuring Will Scarlet is one variant of ''
Robin Hood's Death
Robin Hood's Death is the 120th ballad of the Child ballads collection published by Houghton Mifflin. The fragmentary Percy Folio version of it appears to be one of the oldest existing tales of Robin Hood; there is a synopsis of the story in the ...
'', in which Will's only role is to urge a bodyguard, which Robin scorns.
A later ballad, ''
Robin Hood and the Newly Revived
Robin Hood Newly Revived is Child Ballads, Child ballad 128, and an origin story for Will Scarlet.
Synopsis
Robin Hood and Little John are hunting when they see a finely dressed stranger shoot a deer. Robin says if he accepts it, he can be a yeom ...
'', ascribes an origin story to him. Robin finds a finely dressed young man shooting deer in Sherwood, and offers to let him join the band; they quarrel and fight. Robin asks who he is; he says he is Young Gamwell, who killed his father's steward and fled his father's estate to seek out his uncle, Robin Hood. Robin makes him welcome and renames him Scarlet. This story, more or less, is the common origin story for Will Scarlet, although variations occur.
Francis Child indexed those tales: ''A Gest of Robyn Hode'' as
Child Ballad 117, ''Robin Hood's Death'' as Child ballad 120, and ''Robin Hood Newly Revived'' as Child ballad 128. He also listed several other ballads featuring Will Scarlet, sometimes in a very minor role. In ''
Robin Hood's Delight
Robin Hood's Delight is Child ballad 136. It is a story in the Robin Hood canon which has survived as, among other forms, a late seventeenth-century English broadside ballad, and is one of several ballads about the medieval folk hero that form par ...
'' (Child Ballad 136), the common story in which Robin meets a stranger, cannot outfight him, and must outwit him is altered: Robin has Little John and Will with him, and they meet three foresters, resulting in the usual fight and outwitting. In ''
Robin Hood and the Curtal Friar
"Robin Hood and the Curtal Friar" is Child Ballad number 123, about Robin Hood.
Synopsis
This ballad is one of those appearing in later and later versions, the earlier one appearing in damaged form in the Percy manuscript but, as with Robin Hood a ...
'' (Child Ballad 123), Will Scarlet tells Robin of the friar, resulting in their encounter. In ''Robin Hood and
Guy of Gisbourne
Sir Guy of Gisbourne (also spelled Gisburne, Gisborne, Gysborne, or Gisborn) is a character from the Robin Hood legends of English folklore. He first appears in "Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne" (Child Ballad 118), where he is an assassin who atte ...
'' (Child Ballad 118), Little John is captured coming to Will's rescue after two of their band had been killed and Will was fleeing. In an unusual Robin Hood ballad ''
Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon
Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon is Child ballad 129. The song portrays Robin Hood in a tale of chivalrous adventures, such as are uncommon in his ballads, and has seldom been featured in later tales.Holt, J. C. ''Robin Hood'' p 165 (1982) Tha ...
'' (Child ballad 129), Robin, Little John, and Will Scarlet come to the king's rescue, fighting the prince of the title and two giants, and ending with Will marrying the princess; this ballad, unlike the other Child ballads, is seldom used in later adaptations.
Later versions
Traditionally, when the
outlaw
An outlaw, in its original and legal meaning, is a person declared as outside the protection of the law. In pre-modern societies, all legal protection was withdrawn from the criminal, so that anyone was legally empowered to persecute or kill them ...
s are depicted as being
middle-aged
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the Post-classical, post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with t ...
, Scarlet is often depicted as young or youthful, sometimes in his late teens. In the traditional tales, he is hot-headed and tempestuous, but has a love of fine elegant clothes and is often seen wearing red silk. He is the most skilled swordsman of the merry men whilst Robin Hood is the most skilled
archer
Archery is the sport, practice, or skill of using a bow to shoot arrows.Paterson ''Encyclopaedia of Archery'' p. 17 The word comes from the Latin ''arcus'', meaning bow. Historically, archery has been used for hunting and combat. In m ...
and Little John the most skilled
staff wielder. In some tales, Scarlet uses two swords at the same time (this was parodied in the movie ''
Robin Hood: Men in Tights'').
According to local tradition, Will Scarlet was killed after a battle with the Sheriff's men and is buried in the churchyard of the
Church of St. Mary of the Purification, Blidworth in Nottinghamshire. The apex of the old church spire stands in the graveyard and is popularly referred to as a monument to Will Scarlet, whose grave is otherwise unmarked.
Other depictions
*In both the
1938 film, starring
Errol Flynn
Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn (20 June 1909 – 14 October 1959) was an Australian-American actor who achieved worldwide fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He was known for his romantic swashbuckler roles, frequent partnerships with Olivia ...
, and
1991 TV movie, Will Scarlet is portrayed as Robin's friend from the beginning, and is a humorous character. In the 1938 film, his given name is "Will o' Gamwell" and is played by actor
Patric Knowles
Reginald Lawrence Knowles (11 November 1911 – 23 December 1995), better known as Patric Knowles, was an English film actor. Born in Horsforth, West Riding of Yorkshire, he made his film debut in 1932, and played either first or second fi ...
.
*In the 1950s series ''
The Adventures of Robin Hood
''The Adventures of Robin Hood'' is a 1938 American Technicolor swashbuckler film from Warner Bros. Pictures. It was produced by Hal B. Wallis and Henry Blanke, directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, and stars Errol Flynn, Olivia de H ...
'', the character was played by
Ronald Howard and later by
Paul Eddington
Paul Clark Eddington (18 June 1927 – 4 November 1995) was an English actor best known for playing Jerry Leadbetter in the television sitcom '' The Good Life'' (1975–78) and politician Jim Hacker in the sitcom '' Yes Minister'' (1980–84) ...
. When they first met he and
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depic ...
get into a fight with each other before Scarlet escapes from the Sheriff's men.
*In the UK TV series ''
Robin of Sherwood
''Robin of Sherwood'' is a British television series, based on the legend of Robin Hood. Created by Richard Carpenter, it was produced by HTV in association with Goldcrest, and ran from 28 April 1984 to 28 June 1986 on the ITV network. In th ...
'' (1984–1986),
Ray Winstone
Raymond Andrew Winstone (; born 19 February 1957) is an English television, stage and film actor with a career spanning five decades. Having worked with many prominent directors, including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, Winstone is perha ...
portrays a different version of Will Scarlet. Rather than the merry sidekick, this interpretation is bleaker.
*In the anime series
Robin Hood no Daibōken
is an Italian-Japanese anime series produced by Tatsunoko Productions, Mondo TV and NHK. It is an adaptation of the classic Robin Hood story consisting of 52 episodes. In this version, Robin and his allies are mostly pre-teens.
Overview
Robi ...
, Will Scarlet (voiced by
Yuko Mita) is Robin's cousin who fights along his side when trouble arises.
*In the animated series
Young Robin Hood
''Young Robin Hood'' is an animated series produced for television by Hanna-Barbera, CINAR and France Animation and aired in syndication from 1991 to 1992. It ran for two seasons as part of the Sunday-morning programming block, ''The Funtastic W ...
, Will Scarlet (voiced by Sonja Ball) is a young and talented thief who idolises Robin.
*The ninety-fourth episode of ''
Star Trek: The Next Generation'',
Qpid
"Qpid" is the 94th episode of the syndicated American science fiction television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'', the 20th episode of the fourth season.
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet cr ...
, the character of
Worf
Worf, son of Mogh is a fictional character in the ''Star Trek'' franchise. He appears in the television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' (''TNG'') and seasons four through seven of ''Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'' (''DS9'') as well as t ...
(
Michael Dorn
Michael Dorn (born December 9, 1952) is an American actor best known for his role as the Klingon Worf in the '' Star Trek'' franchise. He has appeared more times as a regular cast member than any other ''Star Trek'' actor in the franchise's hist ...
) plays the role of Scarlet after the crew of the Enterprise are transformed into characters of Robin Hood.
*In ''
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'',
Christian Slater
Christian Michael Leonard Slater (born August 18, 1969) is an American actor and producer. He made his film debut with a leading role in ''The Legend of Billie Jean'' (1985) and gained wider recognition for his breakthrough role as Jason "J.D." D ...
plays Will Scarlet, whom the film depicts as the illegitimate half-brother of Robin Hood. He initially appears as a treacherous character, but later finds redemption when he helps the Merry Men rescue
Maid Marian
Maid Marian is the heroine of the Robin Hood legend in English folklore, often taken to be his lover. She is not mentioned in the early, medieval versions of the legend, but was the subject of at least two plays by 1600. Her history and circums ...
and several others from the
Sheriff of Nottingham
The Sheriff of Nottingham is the main antagonist in the legend of Robin Hood. He is generally depicted as an unjust tyrant who mistreats the local people of Nottinghamshire, subjecting them to unaffordable taxes. Robin Hood fights against him, ...
.
*In the
Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks (born Melvin James Kaminsky; June 28, 1926) is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. With a career spanning over seven decades, he is known as a writer and director of a variety of successful broad farces and parodies. He began h ...
movie ''
Robin Hood: Men in Tights'', Will is shown as Little John's best friend. He is played by
Matthew Porretta
Matthew Charles Porretta (born May 29, 1965) is an American television-, voice-, and film-actor, known for his appearances in ''Wings'', ''Beverly Hills, 90210'', and '' Robin Hood: Men in Tights''. He has also appeared on Broadway and in video ...
. In the film, his full name is Will Scarlet O’Hara, and explains that they’re from Georgia (In reference to the book and film Gone With the Wind)
*In the BBC 2006 series ''
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depic ...
'', Will Scarlet, portrayed by
Harry Lloyd
Harry Charles Salusbury Lloyd (born 17 November 1983) is an English actor. His performance in the Channel 4 miniseries '' The Fear'' (2012) earned him a British Academy Television Award nomination. He gained prominence through his roles as Wil ...
, is an eighteen-year-old carpenter whom Robin saves from hanging.
*In ''
Princess of Thieves'', Will Scarlet (Crispin Letts) is said to be Robin Hood's loyal friend and companion.
*In the 2010 film ''
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depic ...
'', directed by
Ridley Scott
Sir Ridley Scott (born 30 November 1937) is a British film director and producer. Directing, among others, science fiction films, his work is known for its atmospheric and highly concentrated visual style. Scott has received many accolades thr ...
, Will Scarlet is portrayed by actor
Scott Grimes
Scott Christopher Grimes (born July 9, 1971) is an American actor and singer. Some of his most prominent roles include appearances in the 1984 cult classic ''The Night They Saved Christmas'', '' ER'' as Dr. Archie Morris, ''Party of Five'' as Wil ...
and is a
Welsh
Welsh may refer to:
Related to Wales
* Welsh, referring or related to Wales
* Welsh language, a Brittonic Celtic language spoken in Wales
* Welsh people
People
* Welsh (surname)
* Sometimes used as a synonym for the ancient Britons (Celtic peop ...
Archer in Robin's service.
*In the 2013 TV series ''
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland'', it is revealed that one of its main characters was Will Scarlet. He is portrayed by
Michael Socha
Michael Robert Socha (born 13 December 1987) is an English actor, known for his roles in the films ''This Is England'' and ''Summer'', and the television series ''This Is England '86'', '' '88'', '' '90'', '' Being Human'', '' Once Upon a Time ...
. In 2014, Socha returned to the role in ''
Once Upon a Time
"Once upon a time" is a stock phrase used to introduce a narrative of past events, typically in fairy tales and folk tales. It has been used in some form since at least 1380 (according to the ''Oxford English Dictionary'') in storytelling in t ...
''.
*
Jamie Dornan
James Peter Maxwell Dornan (; born 1 May 1982) is an actor, model and musician from Northern Ireland. Formerly a character actor, he often portrays solemn, steady characters. The recipient of two Irish Film and Television Awards, he has been n ...
portrayed a much more villainous version of Will "Scarlet", known as Will Tillman in the 2018 film ''
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore and subsequently featured in literature and film. According to legend, he was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. In some versions of the legend, he is depic ...
''.
Tillman is Marian's love interest in the intern between Robin's service in the Crusades and his return. He's an aspiring politician who wishes to earn in with the Sheriff and keep Marian, but is jealous of her past love. He becomes an ally of Robin Hood and even aides Robin in attacking the Sheriff's convoy with the citizens of Nottingham but is horribly scarred by a
Molotov cocktail
A Molotov cocktail (among several other names – ''see other names'') is a hand thrown incendiary weapon constructed from a frangible container filled with flammable substances equipped with a fuse (typically a glass bottle filled with flamma ...
after witnessing a kiss between the two. Will scolds Marian and is recruited by the corrupt Cardinal as the new Sheriff of Nothingham who plans to bring in Robin and his men.
• In the CG-animated series
Robin Hood: Mischief in Sherwood,the character is a cousin of Robin Hood and is changed to girl in the show.This version is also Marian's(this series version of Maid Marian) attendant.They both spy from within the castle and provide information to Robin Hood.Robin and majority of characters associated with him are depicted as children in the series, including the female Scarlet.
References
External links
A website concerning his character - 2021 archive
{{DEFAULTSORT:Scarlet, Will
Merry Men
Sidekicks in literature
Film sidekicks
Robin Hood characters
Adventure film characters