Robin Hood

Robin Hood is a legendary figure in British folklore, rumoured to be a highwayman who robbed wealthy travelers, and beloved for his generosity.

Background
The earliest surviving text of a Robin Hood ballad is the 15th century 'Robin Hood and the Monk.' Where he is loaded for being charitable to the poor farmers of England, despite living as an outlaw and bandit.

Inspiration
The very existence of a real Robin Hood is disputed by historians, however many believe he could be based on an actual historical figure. Several candidates have been proposed who share similarities in circumstance, lifestyle, history, or name.

However, in the 11th-13th century Robert and it's diminutive Robin were very common names in England, as was the surname Hood, making it entirely possible that there were several Robin Hoods traveling Britain at the same time. Some of the individuals who could possibly be Robin Hood include:
 * Robert Hood of York

One explanation is that Robin Hood was a common nom de guerre used by English soldiers, or a pseudonym for poor Englishmen of distinction or unidentified casualties of war.
 * David, Earl of Huntingdon