Robin Hood Dobson and Taylor wrote, 'More generally the Robin of the broadsides is a much less tragic, less heroic and in the last resort less mature figure than his medieval predecessor'. In most of the broadside ballads Robin Hood remains a plebeian figure, a notable exception being Martin Parker's attempt at an overall life of Robin Hood, A True Tale of Robin Hood, which also emphasises the theme of Robin Hood's generosity to the poor more than the broadsheet ballads do in general. The 17th century introduced the minstrel Alan-a-Dale. He first appeared in a 17th-century broadside ballad, and unlike many
Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon prince himself and two giants, and has set a deadline of Midsummer. Robin Hood, Will Scadlock, and Little John arrive just in time; Robin defeats the prince, and his men the giants. Robin begs, and gets, a pardon for himself and his men. The princess chooses to marry Will. A noble weeps on seeing him, because he had a son much like him, now dead, and Will says that he is that son, still alive. They celebrate the wedding. Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon is Child ballad 129. Showing more imagination