Robin Hood (2025) s01e01 Episode Script
I See Him
[dramatic music]
[moody music]
[birds chirping]
[battle-cries]
[arrows whistling]
[roaring]
[roaring]
HUGH LOCKSLEY: Aedric
Wild Aedric,
as he was known
was a Saxon thane
like a lord or a king
to his people.
[battle-cry echoing]
Aedric didn't believe
England had been conquered,
even when a Norman king came
and stole the English crown.
He rebelled.
And he retreated
into the woods
and became an outlaw.
For many summers,
Aedric defied
the king's soldiers,
and he and his men feasted
on the king's deer
What about Godda, Father?
I'm coming to Godda.
One day,
when the cold crept in,
and the mists came forth
Aedric was hunting alone
deep in the forest,
and he came upon
a dwelling,
and he saw something
that no man was meant to see.
- Fairies.
- Dancing.
[eerie music]
Naked.
[chuckling]
And the most beautiful
of them all
was Godda.
[women whispering]
[whispers continue]
Bewitched by her beauty,
Aedric stole her away
into the forest.
On their wedding night,
after Aedric laid with Godda,
she turned him
into a magnificent stag
and immediately
he darted off
deep into the forest.
Godda's spell
made Aedric eternal
and he became
the protector of the forest,
and to this day
he watches over all of us.
BOY: Have you ever
seen the stag?
FATHER:
I know many who have,
and they all say
when you see it,
you know Wild Aedric
is gazing back at you.
[dramatic music]
[music fades]
You still going tomorrow?
I must.
I have to try one more time.
[sighing]
[cattle bleating]
[soft music]
Where's Father?
He's gone to Nottingham,
my love.
[distant neighing]
[distant metalwork clanging]
Why is Huntingdon
coming, Father?
I'm not certain,
but he is a Norman lord,
and it is my duty as sheriff
to grant him an audience.
I don't like him.
It is wiser, Priscilla,
to understand a man
than to dislike him.
Many are driven
by greed and violence.
From such men
comes only evil and ruin.
Sheriff.
Huntingdon.
You have
over a thousand acres.
A fine manor.
- What did you expect?
- More.
Then perhaps you should
consider another crusade.
The last one seemed
to benefit you well.
Others got more.
You have Nottingham.
[laughing]
Nottingham is not mine.
It is the king's.
I sit in his governance only.
We provide taxes
and loyalty.
In return, we enjoy the benefits
of the king's generosity.
His lands are ours
to prosper.
Where are you going?
To the garderobe, Father.
No, sit.
You must learn.
[soft music]
[tense music]
[horse neighing]
Your Eminence.
We're grateful.
Which one is he?
I'm Hugh of Locksley.
He'll hear your cause
but be quick with it.
I've waited months
to see him.
Then be grateful
he's showing you compassion.
Locksley Manor
is my ancestral home.
Its lands were granted
to my father's father
- by King Harold himself.
- A Saxon king
who lost your lands
when he lost England
to my father's uncle,
William the Conqueror.
Your lands have not
been yours since that day.
Just as your gods have
not been yours
since Christ followed
the Normans here.
Other Saxon lands have
been returned.
I know one
who wrote to the Pope.
[chuckling] You're free
to write to the Pope.
But I cannot do as you ask.
I am a fair man, Locksley.
Try to be.
I shall grant you the position
of a royal forester.
You will have coin
and duties to the King.
This is a good life,
one most men in my position
would not offer.
He accepts, My Lord.
Gratefully.
I wish to hear it
from his tongue.
Come on, Hugh.
Do it for Joan.
For Robert.
You have a son.
Then consider his future.
An heir is everything
to a man,
as is Priscilla to me.
You may rise.
Hugh of Locksley, do you accept
what is offered to you?
I do.
Excellent.
The matter is settled.
Are you going to stand there
watching the rest of your life?
Are you going to be angry
the rest of yours?
Better to take it out
on a wooden block, I suppose.
Or a Norman head.
What about me?
What about Robert?
Those were our lands.
That was our house.
- Yes.
- And now that bastard Huntingdon
- sleeps in my bed.
- And they took them,
but what can you do
about that now?
Are you going to spend the rest
of your life fighting this?
What is to become of you?
What is to become of Robert?
Keep teaching him
like you always do.
Yes, I can teach him
to read and write.
He might even have
a life at court,
- but he needs a father.
- Life in court, Joan?
They'd make us take
their religion.
No, I'm never doing that, ever.
You need to release
a little quicker. Here.
It's not about your eye
or your arms.
You-- when you grow,
this'll take care of itself.
It's in here.
This is the secret
to the longbow.
It's your chest,
and you listen to the bow.
For it breathes, too.
So do it again.
This time, close your eyes.
Listen as it stretches.
It will tell you its reach.
[bowstring tenses]
Hear that?
A bit further.
Now breathe and release.
You've got talent, my boy.
[chuckling]
When the Normans came,
why didn't they all
run in the forest
like Wild Aedric?
Well, they stayed
to protect their king.
But the woods would've
protected them.
Why did they stay and die?
Pride, I suppose.
The Normans can put
their castles
all over this land.
These woods
these are
as old as the Earth.
No man will ever own them.
Here, look at this.
My forefathers made this,
long before
the Normans came.
That stone,
it's from a sacred place.
The heart of the forest.
It's a great cave
that few men have ever seen.
- Will you take me there?
- [chuckling]
Godda will lead you.
One day.
When you're ready.
[horse neighing]
Welcome back, sire.
[frog croaking]
He's mine!
Don't hurt him.
Why would I hurt him?
His name's Henry.
He has a name?
What are you doing here?
That used to be our home.
Our house?
My family lived there before,
until I was five.
But my father made that house.
He didn't make it.
He took it.
I don't believe you.
There's a hall with
glass windows and wooden panels.
In the corner behind
one of the wooden panels,
there's a secret room.
It was used as a hiding place
if ever the castle
was attacked.
Marian!
Marian!
What were you doing?
- There was a boy, Father.
- Boy?
He said
he used to live here.
Go in the house.
I know who you are,
Locksley!
Rob!
You don't come 'round here!
I'll take your eyes out!
[soft music]
- What were you doing there?
- Where was he?
At the house.
What were you doing there?
- Nothing!
- No, Hugh--
- Tell me why you went there.
- To see!
To see what? Huh?
To see what?
Huh?
- To see what?
- Don't, Hugh!
- Answer me, Rob!
- How dare you.
How dare you bring this
into my life!
Our son went there,
I didn't go there--
Because of you!
Because you wouldn't
let it be!
I have told you to let it be!
How can I let it be?!
They've taken everything, Joan.
Joan, this was my land.
This was my home,
this was my life.
I am your life!
Rob is your life.
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music continues]
[measured breathing]
[dramatic music continues]
Caught three poachers today,
down by the brook.
Spragart among them.
They actually
caught something?
Mm.
Five pheasants, no less.
On their way to Nottingham
to sell them.
Right under
the Sheriff's nose.
And they'll pay dearly
for that.
No, I let them go.
I wasn't about
to cut the hand off a lad,
and Alwin wouldn't.
I gave him the axe,
said, "You do it,"
and he crapped his britches.
[speaking French]
Thank you.
[both speaking in French]
Good.
Did you decide yet?
Why can't I come on the hunt?
I'm old enough.
Uh
[clearing throat]
yeah, let me talk
to your mother.
Then I already know
the answer.
[speaking French]
[sighing]
Why do you persist
in teaching him that?
Because it is
the language of the court.
He's never going, Joan.
He's not the son of an earl.
- I know what he is.
- Then why don't you accept him?
I have, and I've never
blamed you for it.
Least, not as you have
blamed yourself.
I accepted it
a very long time ago.
Really
I must have missed
that year.
Mm.
[sighing]
Take him on the hunt.
Maybe he'll find Godda,
and she can decide
what's to become of him.
[both sighing]
[breathing heightens]
[grunting]
[gasping heightens]
Oh oh
[breathing softens]
You're dangerous.
Yes.
I am.
Back to your post, Captain.
[horse nickering]
[horse nickering]
[soft music]
Father, perfect day for it.
Yah!
[horses neighing]
Hyah! Yah! Yah!
HUGH:
Godda, protect him.
May the old gods look upon us.
[approaching horse hooves]
[neighing]
Welcome to Sherwood, My Lord.
Locksley.
- How is the King's forest?
- Flourishing, My Lord.
And the game is plentiful?
There are herds
on the Eastern Ridge.
Some this side of the river
[approaching horse hooves]
You know Huntingdon.
And his daughter Marian.
Aren't you going
to comment on my dress?
- It's fetching.
- But a little short.
Ugh, nonsense.
Why do you look so drab?
Dress up for hunting?
I detest it.
Really, Marian, no wonder
your father's angry at you.
He made me come here,
but he can't force me
to enjoy it.
Don't be boring.
There's plenty to enjoy.
Like all the young
foresters there.
Like that one.
- Eyes on the trees, Robert.
- [scoffs]
It'll take more than an arrow
to pierce their hides, Rob.
[chuckling]
Locksley
I thought he'd be dead by now.
He probably feels
the same way about you.
To Wild Aedric,
and to the great hunt.
- Aedric.
- Aedric.
[distant nickering]
[distant neighing]
Offer the Sheriff
some wine, Rob.
Go on, be all right.
Come straight back.
Oh, let him through.
My Lord,
would you care to
SHERIFF:
What do you have there?
Forester's wine, sire.
[crunching]
Come here.
What are we toasting to, lad?
To the forest.
For the gifts of a good hunt.
[laughing]
You want me to drink
to old Saxon beliefs?
You're bold, young man,
what's your name?
Locksley, sire.
Robert of Locksley.
[chuckling]
PRISCILLA:
That's the son of the man
your family's estate
used to belong to.
I see you haven't lost
your enjoyment
for other people's
misfortune.
Heh oh,
there's far more
to enjoy about him
than his misfortune.
[croaking]
Hey-hey-hey-hey
[blaring]
[dramatic music]
[horse neighing]
[arrows whooshing]
[dramatic music continues]
[hounds barking]
[neighing]
- [whooshing]
- Aah!
[music fading]
It's a man.
[nocking arrow]
No!
It's a man there!
You touch me again
and I'll kill you.
Fetch those men.
What happened?
Poachers, I bet.
Caught them with this,
My Lord.
- Do you know where you are?
- Sherwood.
Sherwood Forest,
which belongs to the King,
as does all
that lives within it.
Do you know what happens
when you steal from the King?
You lose your hand.
No, please.
Please, I beg you,
sir, please!
Please.
[grunting]
Just stop-- stop!
My Lord, we know this man.
- Aah!
- He's wronged you,
but he's just a fool
trying to feed his family.
Who deserves Norman justice.
Please, My Lord.
He deserves a trial,
doesn't he?
Isn't that Norman law?
Very well,
bring them to Nottingham,
where they'll be tried.
If found guilty,
they will hang.
By your decision, Locksley.
- Get your hands off me!
- I didn't touch you!
Lower your sword,
Huntingdon, damn you!
Put down your sword,
all of you.
Locksley has offended me
on this day.
It shall not be forgotten.
Bring me that arrow.
Rob's arrow.
Hit the deer
and the poacher, My Lord.
[chuckling]
Huntingdon, your daughter
shall mark the victor.
Come forward, my dear.
No
no, by his blood.
It's them
who should be blooded.
Hm.
Now you're marked
by a man's blood.
Next time you toast the forest,
young Locksley,
be careful
what you wish for.
Bring them to Nottingham.
[horse neighing]
- Hah!
- Hah!
Hanged for killing a deer.
What did you do, Locksley?
You'd've lost your hand.
At least now
you have a chance.
Let us go.
You'll never see me again,
I swear.
I can't do that.
Take them to Nottingham!
You bitch of a whore!
I curse you forever!
Locksley!
[soft music]
JOAN: You'll catch a fairy
gazing like that.
It's been
a week since the hunt.
And you haven't been outside.
You should've gone
with Rob this morning.
No, my stomach's bothersome.
You told me the Sheriff
singled Rob out at the hunt,
and he regarded you warmly.
He's kept you as head forester
all these years.
Why would he take that
away now?
I won't pretend to understand
the Norman mind.
Oh
[chuckling]
neither would I,
the Saxon mind is
quite enough.
[chuckling]
Does it really matter
that Huntingdon was there?
It matters that I was there.
I should never have taken Rob.
Come on.
[dog barking]
There's someone there.
[dog continues barking]
What is it?
ARONNE: Aleppo thinks
he saw someone in the trees.
[dog resumes barking]
There, I see him.
Stay here.
- [dog barking]
- [sheep bleating]
Hello?
Is it you?
From the hunt?
I thought
I recognized you.
- But perhaps not.
- I'm here.
Where are you?
- You're the frog girl.
- Frog girl?
You used to collect them
in the forest, as a child.
I would take them
to the moat, yes.
So it is you.
Why are you hiding?
I'm not.
Oh.
That's better.
I'm not used
to being spoken to by a tree.
Why, they have much to say,
and you cannot lie
to a tree.
Lie?
[chuckling]
I see your Saxon manners
lack for nothing.
[speaking French]
Who taught you
to be so bold?
My mother taught me
to read and write,
my father taught me
of the forest and its secrets.
So he is to blame.
What are you doing here?
At the hunt
why did you say it's them
who should be blooded?
- [approaching horse hooves]
- [neighing]
My father's men! Go!
[neighing]
Never with the likes
of her, boy!
Understand?
This is Norman land!
A good thing
your father isn't here.
Yah!
The forester Locksley has been
harboring poachers.
The deeds
to your land and title
are in your name,
signed by the King.
This king--
the next could undo it.
A Norman king grant lands
back to Saxons?
- I doubt it.
- There are other Saxons
whose lands have
been restored.
Only those who have
taken Christ.
If Locksley is
harboring poachers,
doesn't sound like a man ready
to kneel before the cross.
He is a traitor to Normandy
and a criminal.
And you have proof of this?
I do.
What happened?
I fell.
- [distant horse neighing]
- While hunting.
[neighing]
Does Robert of Locksley
live here?
May I help you?
I am Marian of Huntingdon.
Oh, that's not necessary.
Rob, you'd better come.
- [clears throat]
- I came to apologize,
for the way
my father's men treated you.
I wasn't hurt.
All the same,
it was unforgivable.
- This is where you live?
- Uh, yes, um
- would you like to come in?
- No, uh
[chuckling]
thank you.
I'm out riding.
It's a beautiful day.
Oh my mother made it.
We're going to a wedding.
It's fetching,
to be sure.
I passed the chapel
on my way,
but there was
no sign of a wedding.
Oh, it's not a wedding
in the church.
I bid you all a fine day.
Would you like to join us?
If it's not in a church,
and there's no priest,
who marries them?
Usually the village elder.
A village elder?
What makes it legal
in the eyes of the Lord?
Getting drunk and dancing.
Dancing at a wedding?
You'll see.
[gentle music]
Marigolds.
You like them?
"Marigold" means
"Mary's gold."
Marian, of course,
another way to say "Mary."
Yes, I like them.
My favorite flower,
in fact.
Something wrong?
If I'm not back soon,
my father will look for me.
You don't have to go.
[upbeat music]
[soft chatter, laughter]
Will!
[laughter]
[sighing]
My cousin Will.
- Marian.
- Will.
I hope you like
to dance, Marian,
because we are
going to do a lot
of dancing tonight.
There she is!
[laughing]
Managed to drag him
out of the lodge, then.
I didn't have much choice.
And who is this?
Brought your own bride?
This is Marian.
Come on.
Hey, isn't that
Time for an ale, yes.
[playing upbeat music]
Here they come.
Who is she?
Her name is Isabel.
Her family are woodcutters
from near the Western Ridge
of Sherwood.
Will is a little sore.
She was his first love.
Then we'd better get him
really drunk.
Yeah!
[laughing]
And the groom?
Family's choice.
We are brought here together
in this most sacred place
to honor the old gods
and ask
for their protection.
May they grant love,
happiness,
and fertility
to this young woman and man.
[gentle music]
What are they doing?
It's called hand-fasting.
They will be bound
by the spirit of the tree.
And now they kiss
under the mistletoe.
[gentle music continues]
[gentle music continues]
Well, come on.
Come and sit with us.
[door thudding closed]
Remove your hood.
I remember you.
You're a forester.
Alwin.
HUNTINGDON:
Wine? It's from Gascony.
So, Alwin
tell me what you know
of the forester
Hugh of Locksley.
[band playing]
I heard about Spragart.
Ah, he's always making
trouble for others.
It's not your fault.
What were you to do?
You're the head forester.
I only do it for the boy.
That he'll have more one day.
Be more fortunate
than me anyway.
As do I for Will.
and I pay my taxes
handsomely.
Perfect Saxons,
the both of us.
- The Sheriff would be proud.
- [laughing]
Perfect Saxons,
the pair of us.
[laughter]
The best part of a wedding
is the dance,
- don't you think, Marian?
- I've never danced
at a wedding.
Do you dance?
Mm, like his father,
two iron boots.
[muttering]
Well, then,
show me otherwise.
[chuckling]
[chuckling]
Go on, boy.
[laughter]
And you are
a conniving squirrel.
Uh-huh.
I love you.
And I love you.
[music continues]
[music fades]
[bird cawing]
Welcome back, sire.
Where's Marian?
We looked
to the edge of the estate.
I think she's gone
beyond the woods.
Maybe that boy came back.
Take the horses.
Don't come back
until you find her.
[horse neighing]
[upbeat music playing]
[music continues]
Will!
- [crowd murmurs]
- [overlapping shouts]
Aah!
[both laughing]
You don't say much, do you
Robert of Locksley?
Something I said?
My name, it's a place
I'm no longer from.
Then choose a new name.
I prefer just Rob.
[laughing]
Just Rob?
Well, Rob from where?
- From here.
- The forest?
That won't do.
Why not
Rob of Sherwood?
[soft chuckle]
They bring good fortune
and love
to those who kiss
beneath them.
In my culture,
it's rude to stare.
In mine,
it's rude not to.
Then you may look,
if you wish.
[gentle music]
[gentle music continues]
Goodbye
Rob of Sherwood.
Goodbye, Marian of Huntingdon.
I
hate my name
as much as you hate yours.
[horse nickering]
[horse nickering]
Where've you been?
I was with Priscilla
in Nottingham.
I'm sorry it got so late.
[gasping]
No, you were
not with Priscilla.
Now
where were you?
- [belt cracking]
- [Marian screaming]
[thunder crashing]
[thunder crashing]
[thunder crashing]
[thunder rumbling]
[gasping]
Father?
Why are you awake, dear?
I had a dream
I was in the forest.
Something emerged
from the ground
like the earth was
giving birth.
It was hideous, unholy.
It was only a dream, Priscilla.
Do you mean
to grant Huntingdon
his wishes
over his lands and title?
What do you know
of such things?
I know it comes at the expense
of Hugh of Locksley.
An expense made convenient
by his treason.
Locksley has been
protecting poachers.
Shielding them to justice.
I fear arresting Locksley
will give birth
to something terrible.
That's what my dream was about.
Saxon traitors must be
brought to justice.
That is my duty
as the King's justiciar.
It was just a dream,
Priscilla, nothing more.
Go back to sleep.
[distant dogs barking]
[more dogs barking]
[approaching horse hooves]
[distant neighing]
[louder neighing]
[neighing]
Where's Hugh of Locksley?
I'm Locksley.
You're under arrest.
Father-- Father?!
In the morning
I'll talk to the Sheriff.
All right?
It'll all be all right.
Don't you be stubborn with him,
don't be angry, do you hear me?
I do, I do.
I love you.
I love both of you.
Go on, you take your mother,
and you go to your uncle's.
Do you hear me?
Do you hear me?
- Yes, Father, yes.
- Whatever happens,
you make sure she's safe.
- It's you who must be safe!
- That's enough.
JOAN: No! No!
[overlapping shouts echoing]
- JOAN: No!
- Rob, stay back, don't!
SOLDIER:
Come on, on the horse!
SOLDIER: Let's go!
[horses neighing]
[sobbing]
[portcullis rattling]
[dramatic choir]
[horses neighing]
Father?
Go to bed.
[dramatic choir continues]
[horse neighing]
[neighing]
[choir fading]
Why am I here?
I demand to know
what I've done.
Demands will be heard
in the morning,
with the Sheriff.
VOICE: Locksley
fancy that.
The very him who put us here.
Lerch, someone wants you.
[door creaking]
[door thudding closed]
We got a job for you.
Do it,
and you and your friend
go free.
[tense music]
[thunder rumbling]
I don't understand.
The Sheriff jailed him?
- On what charges?
- They didn't say, Uncle.
I know his Saxon blood
runs deep,
but not Hugh.
He's a royal forester.
I'll ride back tonight.
We can't ride out
in this storm.
First light,
we'll go together.
The Sheriff's a fair man,
he knows me well.
I paid my share.
It's worth a life.
Rest now.
Tend to your mother.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Mother, I must go.
[thunder rumbling]
It's time, Locksley.
Stay back.
[dramatic music]
[both grunting]
Aah!
[both screaming]
Bastard!
- Bastard!
- Go on, break it up!
- Help!
- No!
[grunting]
[groaning]
Help
Help
Oh, God
Guards!
SOLDIER: Murderer!
[thunder rumbling]
What do you have to say
for yourself?
I didn't kill him.
- [groaning]
- Address him as "My Lord."
I've done nothing,
My Lord, nothing.
A man lies dead,
and you call it nothing.
Who else was in the cell?
- Two poachers.
- Lerch killed the guard.
- He's a criminal.
- A criminal
who you caught and released.
A criminal who would've already
faced justice if not for you.
Do you deny it?
I showed mercy
where I thought it was right.
Mercy.
Mercy.
[chuckling]
You took an oath
to uphold the King's law
and protect his forests,
not to extend his mercy.
That is his privilege
and his alone.
We are merely
the King's subjects.
Your king.
Not mine.
I have shown you tolerance,
respect,
even kindness, and--
You've shown me nothing!
All you Norman dogs have done
is take everything!
My land!
My home! My title!
You've destroyed
everything that is
good and true!
Everything that was ours!
That was Saxon!
We conquered your lands
and now we rule.
In a hundred years,
all that is Saxon
will be gone.
No one will ever know
you or your kind existed.
When I heard it was you
I wanted to be lenient,
to show mercy.
But all that is over now.
What must be done,
you've made clear.
Take him.
In the morning, he shall be
hanged by the neck until dead.
And Locksley
I pray you find peace
in the presence
of our almighty God,
and that
your son will learn--
My son will learn
nothing from you, ever.
Ever!
[mournful music]
News from Nottingham.
Hugh of Locksley will be hanged
this very morning.
[dramatic music]
[soft chatter]
BISHOP: The mercy
of Christ is boundless.
But his salvation
is not freely given.
Only those who kneel
before his grace
may rise anew.
For those heathens
still bound to false gods,
there can be
no absolution,
no salvation.
Only judgment.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd continues cheering]
[crowd continues cheering]
No
That's That's
no, he's innocent!
- He's innocent!
- No, Rob
Please stop,
he's innocent!
- No, no, no, no!
- Rob! Don't fight!
Silence that boy!
- Stop! Stop!
- No!
No, you'll only
make it worse!
- Don't fight!
- Silence!
- Rob!
- You will enter
the kingdom of God
in silence!
Rob, stop, don't--
stop, stop, Rob!
Please, don't fight
don't fight.
[whispering]
My boy
it's all right,
it's all right.
Look away, Rob.
Look away.
[mournful music]
[mournful music continues]
Godda
see him.
Protect him.
[whispers echoing]
Make him your weapon.
[whispers echoing]
- [rope snaps]
- [crowd roaring]
[rope creaking]
[dramatic music crescendo]
[mournful music]
[moody music]
[birds chirping]
[battle-cries]
[arrows whistling]
[roaring]
[roaring]
HUGH LOCKSLEY: Aedric
Wild Aedric,
as he was known
was a Saxon thane
like a lord or a king
to his people.
[battle-cry echoing]
Aedric didn't believe
England had been conquered,
even when a Norman king came
and stole the English crown.
He rebelled.
And he retreated
into the woods
and became an outlaw.
For many summers,
Aedric defied
the king's soldiers,
and he and his men feasted
on the king's deer
What about Godda, Father?
I'm coming to Godda.
One day,
when the cold crept in,
and the mists came forth
Aedric was hunting alone
deep in the forest,
and he came upon
a dwelling,
and he saw something
that no man was meant to see.
- Fairies.
- Dancing.
[eerie music]
Naked.
[chuckling]
And the most beautiful
of them all
was Godda.
[women whispering]
[whispers continue]
Bewitched by her beauty,
Aedric stole her away
into the forest.
On their wedding night,
after Aedric laid with Godda,
she turned him
into a magnificent stag
and immediately
he darted off
deep into the forest.
Godda's spell
made Aedric eternal
and he became
the protector of the forest,
and to this day
he watches over all of us.
BOY: Have you ever
seen the stag?
FATHER:
I know many who have,
and they all say
when you see it,
you know Wild Aedric
is gazing back at you.
[dramatic music]
[music fades]
You still going tomorrow?
I must.
I have to try one more time.
[sighing]
[cattle bleating]
[soft music]
Where's Father?
He's gone to Nottingham,
my love.
[distant neighing]
[distant metalwork clanging]
Why is Huntingdon
coming, Father?
I'm not certain,
but he is a Norman lord,
and it is my duty as sheriff
to grant him an audience.
I don't like him.
It is wiser, Priscilla,
to understand a man
than to dislike him.
Many are driven
by greed and violence.
From such men
comes only evil and ruin.
Sheriff.
Huntingdon.
You have
over a thousand acres.
A fine manor.
- What did you expect?
- More.
Then perhaps you should
consider another crusade.
The last one seemed
to benefit you well.
Others got more.
You have Nottingham.
[laughing]
Nottingham is not mine.
It is the king's.
I sit in his governance only.
We provide taxes
and loyalty.
In return, we enjoy the benefits
of the king's generosity.
His lands are ours
to prosper.
Where are you going?
To the garderobe, Father.
No, sit.
You must learn.
[soft music]
[tense music]
[horse neighing]
Your Eminence.
We're grateful.
Which one is he?
I'm Hugh of Locksley.
He'll hear your cause
but be quick with it.
I've waited months
to see him.
Then be grateful
he's showing you compassion.
Locksley Manor
is my ancestral home.
Its lands were granted
to my father's father
- by King Harold himself.
- A Saxon king
who lost your lands
when he lost England
to my father's uncle,
William the Conqueror.
Your lands have not
been yours since that day.
Just as your gods have
not been yours
since Christ followed
the Normans here.
Other Saxon lands have
been returned.
I know one
who wrote to the Pope.
[chuckling] You're free
to write to the Pope.
But I cannot do as you ask.
I am a fair man, Locksley.
Try to be.
I shall grant you the position
of a royal forester.
You will have coin
and duties to the King.
This is a good life,
one most men in my position
would not offer.
He accepts, My Lord.
Gratefully.
I wish to hear it
from his tongue.
Come on, Hugh.
Do it for Joan.
For Robert.
You have a son.
Then consider his future.
An heir is everything
to a man,
as is Priscilla to me.
You may rise.
Hugh of Locksley, do you accept
what is offered to you?
I do.
Excellent.
The matter is settled.
Are you going to stand there
watching the rest of your life?
Are you going to be angry
the rest of yours?
Better to take it out
on a wooden block, I suppose.
Or a Norman head.
What about me?
What about Robert?
Those were our lands.
That was our house.
- Yes.
- And now that bastard Huntingdon
- sleeps in my bed.
- And they took them,
but what can you do
about that now?
Are you going to spend the rest
of your life fighting this?
What is to become of you?
What is to become of Robert?
Keep teaching him
like you always do.
Yes, I can teach him
to read and write.
He might even have
a life at court,
- but he needs a father.
- Life in court, Joan?
They'd make us take
their religion.
No, I'm never doing that, ever.
You need to release
a little quicker. Here.
It's not about your eye
or your arms.
You-- when you grow,
this'll take care of itself.
It's in here.
This is the secret
to the longbow.
It's your chest,
and you listen to the bow.
For it breathes, too.
So do it again.
This time, close your eyes.
Listen as it stretches.
It will tell you its reach.
[bowstring tenses]
Hear that?
A bit further.
Now breathe and release.
You've got talent, my boy.
[chuckling]
When the Normans came,
why didn't they all
run in the forest
like Wild Aedric?
Well, they stayed
to protect their king.
But the woods would've
protected them.
Why did they stay and die?
Pride, I suppose.
The Normans can put
their castles
all over this land.
These woods
these are
as old as the Earth.
No man will ever own them.
Here, look at this.
My forefathers made this,
long before
the Normans came.
That stone,
it's from a sacred place.
The heart of the forest.
It's a great cave
that few men have ever seen.
- Will you take me there?
- [chuckling]
Godda will lead you.
One day.
When you're ready.
[horse neighing]
Welcome back, sire.
[frog croaking]
He's mine!
Don't hurt him.
Why would I hurt him?
His name's Henry.
He has a name?
What are you doing here?
That used to be our home.
Our house?
My family lived there before,
until I was five.
But my father made that house.
He didn't make it.
He took it.
I don't believe you.
There's a hall with
glass windows and wooden panels.
In the corner behind
one of the wooden panels,
there's a secret room.
It was used as a hiding place
if ever the castle
was attacked.
Marian!
Marian!
What were you doing?
- There was a boy, Father.
- Boy?
He said
he used to live here.
Go in the house.
I know who you are,
Locksley!
Rob!
You don't come 'round here!
I'll take your eyes out!
[soft music]
- What were you doing there?
- Where was he?
At the house.
What were you doing there?
- Nothing!
- No, Hugh--
- Tell me why you went there.
- To see!
To see what? Huh?
To see what?
Huh?
- To see what?
- Don't, Hugh!
- Answer me, Rob!
- How dare you.
How dare you bring this
into my life!
Our son went there,
I didn't go there--
Because of you!
Because you wouldn't
let it be!
I have told you to let it be!
How can I let it be?!
They've taken everything, Joan.
Joan, this was my land.
This was my home,
this was my life.
I am your life!
Rob is your life.
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music continues]
[measured breathing]
[dramatic music continues]
Caught three poachers today,
down by the brook.
Spragart among them.
They actually
caught something?
Mm.
Five pheasants, no less.
On their way to Nottingham
to sell them.
Right under
the Sheriff's nose.
And they'll pay dearly
for that.
No, I let them go.
I wasn't about
to cut the hand off a lad,
and Alwin wouldn't.
I gave him the axe,
said, "You do it,"
and he crapped his britches.
[speaking French]
Thank you.
[both speaking in French]
Good.
Did you decide yet?
Why can't I come on the hunt?
I'm old enough.
Uh
[clearing throat]
yeah, let me talk
to your mother.
Then I already know
the answer.
[speaking French]
[sighing]
Why do you persist
in teaching him that?
Because it is
the language of the court.
He's never going, Joan.
He's not the son of an earl.
- I know what he is.
- Then why don't you accept him?
I have, and I've never
blamed you for it.
Least, not as you have
blamed yourself.
I accepted it
a very long time ago.
Really
I must have missed
that year.
Mm.
[sighing]
Take him on the hunt.
Maybe he'll find Godda,
and she can decide
what's to become of him.
[both sighing]
[breathing heightens]
[grunting]
[gasping heightens]
Oh oh
[breathing softens]
You're dangerous.
Yes.
I am.
Back to your post, Captain.
[horse nickering]
[horse nickering]
[soft music]
Father, perfect day for it.
Yah!
[horses neighing]
Hyah! Yah! Yah!
HUGH:
Godda, protect him.
May the old gods look upon us.
[approaching horse hooves]
[neighing]
Welcome to Sherwood, My Lord.
Locksley.
- How is the King's forest?
- Flourishing, My Lord.
And the game is plentiful?
There are herds
on the Eastern Ridge.
Some this side of the river
[approaching horse hooves]
You know Huntingdon.
And his daughter Marian.
Aren't you going
to comment on my dress?
- It's fetching.
- But a little short.
Ugh, nonsense.
Why do you look so drab?
Dress up for hunting?
I detest it.
Really, Marian, no wonder
your father's angry at you.
He made me come here,
but he can't force me
to enjoy it.
Don't be boring.
There's plenty to enjoy.
Like all the young
foresters there.
Like that one.
- Eyes on the trees, Robert.
- [scoffs]
It'll take more than an arrow
to pierce their hides, Rob.
[chuckling]
Locksley
I thought he'd be dead by now.
He probably feels
the same way about you.
To Wild Aedric,
and to the great hunt.
- Aedric.
- Aedric.
[distant nickering]
[distant neighing]
Offer the Sheriff
some wine, Rob.
Go on, be all right.
Come straight back.
Oh, let him through.
My Lord,
would you care to
SHERIFF:
What do you have there?
Forester's wine, sire.
[crunching]
Come here.
What are we toasting to, lad?
To the forest.
For the gifts of a good hunt.
[laughing]
You want me to drink
to old Saxon beliefs?
You're bold, young man,
what's your name?
Locksley, sire.
Robert of Locksley.
[chuckling]
PRISCILLA:
That's the son of the man
your family's estate
used to belong to.
I see you haven't lost
your enjoyment
for other people's
misfortune.
Heh oh,
there's far more
to enjoy about him
than his misfortune.
[croaking]
Hey-hey-hey-hey
[blaring]
[dramatic music]
[horse neighing]
[arrows whooshing]
[dramatic music continues]
[hounds barking]
[neighing]
- [whooshing]
- Aah!
[music fading]
It's a man.
[nocking arrow]
No!
It's a man there!
You touch me again
and I'll kill you.
Fetch those men.
What happened?
Poachers, I bet.
Caught them with this,
My Lord.
- Do you know where you are?
- Sherwood.
Sherwood Forest,
which belongs to the King,
as does all
that lives within it.
Do you know what happens
when you steal from the King?
You lose your hand.
No, please.
Please, I beg you,
sir, please!
Please.
[grunting]
Just stop-- stop!
My Lord, we know this man.
- Aah!
- He's wronged you,
but he's just a fool
trying to feed his family.
Who deserves Norman justice.
Please, My Lord.
He deserves a trial,
doesn't he?
Isn't that Norman law?
Very well,
bring them to Nottingham,
where they'll be tried.
If found guilty,
they will hang.
By your decision, Locksley.
- Get your hands off me!
- I didn't touch you!
Lower your sword,
Huntingdon, damn you!
Put down your sword,
all of you.
Locksley has offended me
on this day.
It shall not be forgotten.
Bring me that arrow.
Rob's arrow.
Hit the deer
and the poacher, My Lord.
[chuckling]
Huntingdon, your daughter
shall mark the victor.
Come forward, my dear.
No
no, by his blood.
It's them
who should be blooded.
Hm.
Now you're marked
by a man's blood.
Next time you toast the forest,
young Locksley,
be careful
what you wish for.
Bring them to Nottingham.
[horse neighing]
- Hah!
- Hah!
Hanged for killing a deer.
What did you do, Locksley?
You'd've lost your hand.
At least now
you have a chance.
Let us go.
You'll never see me again,
I swear.
I can't do that.
Take them to Nottingham!
You bitch of a whore!
I curse you forever!
Locksley!
[soft music]
JOAN: You'll catch a fairy
gazing like that.
It's been
a week since the hunt.
And you haven't been outside.
You should've gone
with Rob this morning.
No, my stomach's bothersome.
You told me the Sheriff
singled Rob out at the hunt,
and he regarded you warmly.
He's kept you as head forester
all these years.
Why would he take that
away now?
I won't pretend to understand
the Norman mind.
Oh
[chuckling]
neither would I,
the Saxon mind is
quite enough.
[chuckling]
Does it really matter
that Huntingdon was there?
It matters that I was there.
I should never have taken Rob.
Come on.
[dog barking]
There's someone there.
[dog continues barking]
What is it?
ARONNE: Aleppo thinks
he saw someone in the trees.
[dog resumes barking]
There, I see him.
Stay here.
- [dog barking]
- [sheep bleating]
Hello?
Is it you?
From the hunt?
I thought
I recognized you.
- But perhaps not.
- I'm here.
Where are you?
- You're the frog girl.
- Frog girl?
You used to collect them
in the forest, as a child.
I would take them
to the moat, yes.
So it is you.
Why are you hiding?
I'm not.
Oh.
That's better.
I'm not used
to being spoken to by a tree.
Why, they have much to say,
and you cannot lie
to a tree.
Lie?
[chuckling]
I see your Saxon manners
lack for nothing.
[speaking French]
Who taught you
to be so bold?
My mother taught me
to read and write,
my father taught me
of the forest and its secrets.
So he is to blame.
What are you doing here?
At the hunt
why did you say it's them
who should be blooded?
- [approaching horse hooves]
- [neighing]
My father's men! Go!
[neighing]
Never with the likes
of her, boy!
Understand?
This is Norman land!
A good thing
your father isn't here.
Yah!
The forester Locksley has been
harboring poachers.
The deeds
to your land and title
are in your name,
signed by the King.
This king--
the next could undo it.
A Norman king grant lands
back to Saxons?
- I doubt it.
- There are other Saxons
whose lands have
been restored.
Only those who have
taken Christ.
If Locksley is
harboring poachers,
doesn't sound like a man ready
to kneel before the cross.
He is a traitor to Normandy
and a criminal.
And you have proof of this?
I do.
What happened?
I fell.
- [distant horse neighing]
- While hunting.
[neighing]
Does Robert of Locksley
live here?
May I help you?
I am Marian of Huntingdon.
Oh, that's not necessary.
Rob, you'd better come.
- [clears throat]
- I came to apologize,
for the way
my father's men treated you.
I wasn't hurt.
All the same,
it was unforgivable.
- This is where you live?
- Uh, yes, um
- would you like to come in?
- No, uh
[chuckling]
thank you.
I'm out riding.
It's a beautiful day.
Oh my mother made it.
We're going to a wedding.
It's fetching,
to be sure.
I passed the chapel
on my way,
but there was
no sign of a wedding.
Oh, it's not a wedding
in the church.
I bid you all a fine day.
Would you like to join us?
If it's not in a church,
and there's no priest,
who marries them?
Usually the village elder.
A village elder?
What makes it legal
in the eyes of the Lord?
Getting drunk and dancing.
Dancing at a wedding?
You'll see.
[gentle music]
Marigolds.
You like them?
"Marigold" means
"Mary's gold."
Marian, of course,
another way to say "Mary."
Yes, I like them.
My favorite flower,
in fact.
Something wrong?
If I'm not back soon,
my father will look for me.
You don't have to go.
[upbeat music]
[soft chatter, laughter]
Will!
[laughter]
[sighing]
My cousin Will.
- Marian.
- Will.
I hope you like
to dance, Marian,
because we are
going to do a lot
of dancing tonight.
There she is!
[laughing]
Managed to drag him
out of the lodge, then.
I didn't have much choice.
And who is this?
Brought your own bride?
This is Marian.
Come on.
Hey, isn't that
Time for an ale, yes.
[playing upbeat music]
Here they come.
Who is she?
Her name is Isabel.
Her family are woodcutters
from near the Western Ridge
of Sherwood.
Will is a little sore.
She was his first love.
Then we'd better get him
really drunk.
Yeah!
[laughing]
And the groom?
Family's choice.
We are brought here together
in this most sacred place
to honor the old gods
and ask
for their protection.
May they grant love,
happiness,
and fertility
to this young woman and man.
[gentle music]
What are they doing?
It's called hand-fasting.
They will be bound
by the spirit of the tree.
And now they kiss
under the mistletoe.
[gentle music continues]
[gentle music continues]
Well, come on.
Come and sit with us.
[door thudding closed]
Remove your hood.
I remember you.
You're a forester.
Alwin.
HUNTINGDON:
Wine? It's from Gascony.
So, Alwin
tell me what you know
of the forester
Hugh of Locksley.
[band playing]
I heard about Spragart.
Ah, he's always making
trouble for others.
It's not your fault.
What were you to do?
You're the head forester.
I only do it for the boy.
That he'll have more one day.
Be more fortunate
than me anyway.
As do I for Will.
and I pay my taxes
handsomely.
Perfect Saxons,
the both of us.
- The Sheriff would be proud.
- [laughing]
Perfect Saxons,
the pair of us.
[laughter]
The best part of a wedding
is the dance,
- don't you think, Marian?
- I've never danced
at a wedding.
Do you dance?
Mm, like his father,
two iron boots.
[muttering]
Well, then,
show me otherwise.
[chuckling]
[chuckling]
Go on, boy.
[laughter]
And you are
a conniving squirrel.
Uh-huh.
I love you.
And I love you.
[music continues]
[music fades]
[bird cawing]
Welcome back, sire.
Where's Marian?
We looked
to the edge of the estate.
I think she's gone
beyond the woods.
Maybe that boy came back.
Take the horses.
Don't come back
until you find her.
[horse neighing]
[upbeat music playing]
[music continues]
Will!
- [crowd murmurs]
- [overlapping shouts]
Aah!
[both laughing]
You don't say much, do you
Robert of Locksley?
Something I said?
My name, it's a place
I'm no longer from.
Then choose a new name.
I prefer just Rob.
[laughing]
Just Rob?
Well, Rob from where?
- From here.
- The forest?
That won't do.
Why not
Rob of Sherwood?
[soft chuckle]
They bring good fortune
and love
to those who kiss
beneath them.
In my culture,
it's rude to stare.
In mine,
it's rude not to.
Then you may look,
if you wish.
[gentle music]
[gentle music continues]
Goodbye
Rob of Sherwood.
Goodbye, Marian of Huntingdon.
I
hate my name
as much as you hate yours.
[horse nickering]
[horse nickering]
Where've you been?
I was with Priscilla
in Nottingham.
I'm sorry it got so late.
[gasping]
No, you were
not with Priscilla.
Now
where were you?
- [belt cracking]
- [Marian screaming]
[thunder crashing]
[thunder crashing]
[thunder crashing]
[thunder rumbling]
[gasping]
Father?
Why are you awake, dear?
I had a dream
I was in the forest.
Something emerged
from the ground
like the earth was
giving birth.
It was hideous, unholy.
It was only a dream, Priscilla.
Do you mean
to grant Huntingdon
his wishes
over his lands and title?
What do you know
of such things?
I know it comes at the expense
of Hugh of Locksley.
An expense made convenient
by his treason.
Locksley has been
protecting poachers.
Shielding them to justice.
I fear arresting Locksley
will give birth
to something terrible.
That's what my dream was about.
Saxon traitors must be
brought to justice.
That is my duty
as the King's justiciar.
It was just a dream,
Priscilla, nothing more.
Go back to sleep.
[distant dogs barking]
[more dogs barking]
[approaching horse hooves]
[distant neighing]
[louder neighing]
[neighing]
Where's Hugh of Locksley?
I'm Locksley.
You're under arrest.
Father-- Father?!
In the morning
I'll talk to the Sheriff.
All right?
It'll all be all right.
Don't you be stubborn with him,
don't be angry, do you hear me?
I do, I do.
I love you.
I love both of you.
Go on, you take your mother,
and you go to your uncle's.
Do you hear me?
Do you hear me?
- Yes, Father, yes.
- Whatever happens,
you make sure she's safe.
- It's you who must be safe!
- That's enough.
JOAN: No! No!
[overlapping shouts echoing]
- JOAN: No!
- Rob, stay back, don't!
SOLDIER:
Come on, on the horse!
SOLDIER: Let's go!
[horses neighing]
[sobbing]
[portcullis rattling]
[dramatic choir]
[horses neighing]
Father?
Go to bed.
[dramatic choir continues]
[horse neighing]
[neighing]
[choir fading]
Why am I here?
I demand to know
what I've done.
Demands will be heard
in the morning,
with the Sheriff.
VOICE: Locksley
fancy that.
The very him who put us here.
Lerch, someone wants you.
[door creaking]
[door thudding closed]
We got a job for you.
Do it,
and you and your friend
go free.
[tense music]
[thunder rumbling]
I don't understand.
The Sheriff jailed him?
- On what charges?
- They didn't say, Uncle.
I know his Saxon blood
runs deep,
but not Hugh.
He's a royal forester.
I'll ride back tonight.
We can't ride out
in this storm.
First light,
we'll go together.
The Sheriff's a fair man,
he knows me well.
I paid my share.
It's worth a life.
Rest now.
Tend to your mother.
[door opens]
[door closes]
Mother, I must go.
[thunder rumbling]
It's time, Locksley.
Stay back.
[dramatic music]
[both grunting]
Aah!
[both screaming]
Bastard!
- Bastard!
- Go on, break it up!
- Help!
- No!
[grunting]
[groaning]
Help
Help
Oh, God
Guards!
SOLDIER: Murderer!
[thunder rumbling]
What do you have to say
for yourself?
I didn't kill him.
- [groaning]
- Address him as "My Lord."
I've done nothing,
My Lord, nothing.
A man lies dead,
and you call it nothing.
Who else was in the cell?
- Two poachers.
- Lerch killed the guard.
- He's a criminal.
- A criminal
who you caught and released.
A criminal who would've already
faced justice if not for you.
Do you deny it?
I showed mercy
where I thought it was right.
Mercy.
Mercy.
[chuckling]
You took an oath
to uphold the King's law
and protect his forests,
not to extend his mercy.
That is his privilege
and his alone.
We are merely
the King's subjects.
Your king.
Not mine.
I have shown you tolerance,
respect,
even kindness, and--
You've shown me nothing!
All you Norman dogs have done
is take everything!
My land!
My home! My title!
You've destroyed
everything that is
good and true!
Everything that was ours!
That was Saxon!
We conquered your lands
and now we rule.
In a hundred years,
all that is Saxon
will be gone.
No one will ever know
you or your kind existed.
When I heard it was you
I wanted to be lenient,
to show mercy.
But all that is over now.
What must be done,
you've made clear.
Take him.
In the morning, he shall be
hanged by the neck until dead.
And Locksley
I pray you find peace
in the presence
of our almighty God,
and that
your son will learn--
My son will learn
nothing from you, ever.
Ever!
[mournful music]
News from Nottingham.
Hugh of Locksley will be hanged
this very morning.
[dramatic music]
[soft chatter]
BISHOP: The mercy
of Christ is boundless.
But his salvation
is not freely given.
Only those who kneel
before his grace
may rise anew.
For those heathens
still bound to false gods,
there can be
no absolution,
no salvation.
Only judgment.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd continues cheering]
[crowd continues cheering]
No
That's That's
no, he's innocent!
- He's innocent!
- No, Rob
Please stop,
he's innocent!
- No, no, no, no!
- Rob! Don't fight!
Silence that boy!
- Stop! Stop!
- No!
No, you'll only
make it worse!
- Don't fight!
- Silence!
- Rob!
- You will enter
the kingdom of God
in silence!
Rob, stop, don't--
stop, stop, Rob!
Please, don't fight
don't fight.
[whispering]
My boy
it's all right,
it's all right.
Look away, Rob.
Look away.
[mournful music]
[mournful music continues]
Godda
see him.
Protect him.
[whispers echoing]
Make him your weapon.
[whispers echoing]
- [rope snaps]
- [crowd roaring]
[rope creaking]
[dramatic music crescendo]
[mournful music]