Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe LONDON, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Researchers in London are prepared to debunk the image of Robin Hood as a noble outlaw who was exiled to Sherwood Forest by evil barons. New research to be published in the journal English Literary Renaissance, says Robin Hood was just a working class hero fighting for social justice, the Sunday Independent reported. Advertisement Early stories and ballads depicted Robin Hood as a common man, but between 1598 and 1601, his social status was elevated, most notably in William Shakespeare's "As You Like It." Professor Meredith Skura told the Independent that back then, theater audiences longed for a higher class of hero. "The traditional Robin Hood was no longer viable on the stage in London," he said. "The noble outlaw triumphing over the sheriff had been a countryman's dream. But London merchants dreamed not only about triumphing over superiors, but also about moving up to join them."
