In archery, the term ‘Robin Hood’, refers to a particular type of archery event where one arrow hits an already target embedded arrow directly on the nock. This obviously refers to the story in the ‘Tales of Robin Hood’ where Robin of Loxley performs the same feat during a competition.
Robin Hoods don’t tend to happen too often and are to be actively discouraged as it generally results in the destruction of two expensive arrows. It has to be admitted that while Robin Hoods look cool, the loss of two arrows offer scant consolation. With regard to highly accurate compound bows and competition recurves, Robin Hoods would be relatively common if a single target was continuously used. This is why competition targets often consist of several targets, thus diluting the possibility of direct hits.
Imagine my horror mixed with chagrin when I performed a ‘Robin’ the other day. The picture above is a true representation of the event. As this was performed at about 50 yards with a primitive horse bow, without sights, this would represent a rare event indeed. To be honest I’m not that good of an archer to perform this shot by intent and skill. The whole exercise was a fluke. Luckily only one arrow was damaged as the other arrow bounced out unsullied, after impact. As can be seen, the arrow left in the target was split asunder. However, the shaft was not split all the way through and subsequently I have been able to repair the wooden arrow with a little glue. Truly, I have been favoured by the gods that look after this sort of thing, and most importantly, both arrows remain serviceable.
This is my first ‘Robin Hood’ after shooting many thousands of arrows at distances various and it is my fervent hope it is my last.
Kevin Hicks is a fella worth listening to
We always loved the opening sequence:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH9uSd9xcx0
I remember watching the show as a kid in the 60s- whatever happened to Richard Greene?
DeleteMust have been an arrowing experience...
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll get my tabard.
Did you know that, when he knew he was dying, Robin Hood called for Little John, his favourite bow, and one arrow. He told Little John that he wanted to he buried wherever this last arrow landed. With his last remaining strength, he drew back the bow, let the arrow fly, and quietly died. True to his oath, Little John laid Robin to rest where the arrow landed. Today, if you'receiver in Nottingham, check the top of the wardrobe in the main bedroom of 43 Railway Cuttings.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that, when he knew he was dying, Robin Hood called for Little John, his favourite bow, and one arrow. He told Little John that he wanted to he buried wherever this last arrow landed. With his last remaining strength, he drew back the bow, let the arrow fly, and quietly died. True to his oath, Little John laid Robin to rest where the arrow landed. Today, if you'receiver in Nottingham, check the top of the wardrobe in the main bedroom of 43 Railway Cuttings.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the story, except the arrow landed, next door at 41. Thus the story changes by the telling. From now on you will be known as: 'Two comments, 'Penseivat'.
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