# Little John > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Little_John > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Little_John.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_John > Source revision: 1353924495 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Companion of Robin Hood For other uses, see [Little John (disambiguation)](/source/Little_John_(disambiguation)). This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Little John" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (January 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) An editor has determined that sufficient sources exist to establish the subject's notability. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Little John" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Little John 1921 illustration of Little John (right) dueling Robin Hood Born Yorkshire Died Hathersage, Derbyshire Other name Reynold Greenlefe Known for Companion of Robin Hood **Little John** is a companion of [Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood) who serves as his chief lieutenant and second-in-command of the [Merry Men](/source/Merry_Men). He is one of only a handful of consistently named characters who relate to Robin Hood and one of the two oldest Merry Men, alongside [Much the Miller's Son](/source/Much_the_Miller's_Son). His name is an [ironic](/source/Irony) reference to his giant frame, as he is usually portrayed in legend as a huge warrior – a 7-foot-tall (2.1-metre) master of the [quarterstaff](/source/Quarterstaff). In folklore, he fought Robin Hood on a tree bridge across a river on their first meeting. ## Folklore The first known reference in English verse to Robin Hood is found in [The Vision of Piers Plowman](/source/The_Vision_of_Piers_Plowman), written by [William Langland](/source/William_Langland) in the second part of the 14th century. Little John appears in the earliest recorded Robin Hood ballads and stories,[1] and in one of the earliest references to Robin Hood by [Andrew of Wyntoun](/source/Andrew_of_Wyntoun) in 1420 and by [Walter Bower](/source/Walter_Bower) in 1440.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] In the early tales, Little John is shown to be intelligent and highly capable. In "[A Gest of Robyn Hode](/source/A_Gest_of_Robyn_Hode)", he captures the sorrowful knight and, when Robin Hood decides to pay the knight's mortgage for him, accompanies him as a servant.[2] In "[Robin Hood's Death](/source/Robin_Hood's_Death)", he is the only one of the Merry Men that Robin takes with him. In the 15th-century ballad commonly called "[Robin Hood and the Monk](/source/Robin_Hood_and_the_Monk)", Little John leaves in anger after a dispute with Robin. When Robin Hood is captured, it is Little John who plans his leader's rescue. In thanks, Robin offers Little John leadership of the band, but John refuses. Later depictions of Little John portray him as less cunning. The earliest ballads do not feature an origin story for this character. According to a 17th-century ballad, he was at least seven feet tall and introduced when he tried to prevent Robin from crossing a narrow bridge, whereupon they fought with [quarterstaves](/source/Quarterstaff), and Robin was overcome. Despite having won the duel, John agreed to join his band and fight alongside him. From then on he was called Little John in whimsical reference to his size. This scene is almost always re-enacted in film and television versions of the story. In some modern film versions, Little John loses the duel to Robin. Little John's grave in St Michael's Church graveyard, [Hathersage](/source/Hathersage) Starting from the ballad tradition, Little John is commonly shown to be the only Merry Man present at Robin Hood's death. Despite a lack of historical evidence for his existence, Little John is reputed to be buried in a churchyard in the village of [Hathersage](/source/Hathersage), Derbyshire. A modern tombstone marks the supposed location of his grave, which lies under an old yew tree. This grave was owned by the Nailor (Naylor) family, and sometimes some variation of "Nailer" is given as John's surname. In other versions of the legends, his name is given as John Little, losing the irony of his nickname. According to local legend, Little John built himself a small cottage across the River Derwent from the family home. The site now has a 15th century [Grade II listed](/source/Listed_building) ex-farmhouse and barn built on it, called Nether House[3] at [Offerton](/source/Offerton%2C_Derbyshire). In Dublin, a local legend suggests that Little John visited the city in the 12th century and was hanged there. ## Film and television This section may contain irrelevant references to popular culture. Please help improve it by removing such content and adding citations to reliable, independent sources. (January 2023) [Alan Hale, Sr.](/source/Alan_Hale%2C_Sr.) played the role of Little John in three movies. He first played Little John as a young squire in 1922's *[Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood_(1922_film))* starring [Douglas Fairbanks](/source/Douglas_Fairbanks). He reprised the role opposite [Errol Flynn](/source/Errol_Flynn)'s Robin in 1938's *[The Adventures of Robin Hood](/source/The_Adventures_of_Robin_Hood)*. And finally, he played an older Little John opposite [John Derek](/source/John_Derek), as Robin's son, in *[Rogues of Sherwood Forest](/source/Rogues_of_Sherwood_Forest)* from 1951. Other notable film and TV Little Johns include [Archie Duncan](/source/Archie_Duncan_(actor)) in the [1950s TV series](/source/The_Adventures_of_Robin_Hood_(TV_series)), [Nicol Williamson](/source/Nicol_Williamson) in *[Robin and Marian](/source/Robin_and_Marian)*, [James Robertson Justice](/source/James_Robertson_Justice) in the 1952 Disney film *[The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men](/source/The_Story_of_Robin_Hood_and_His_Merrie_Men)*, [Clive Mantle](/source/Clive_Mantle) in the 1980s TV series *[Robin of Sherwood](/source/Robin_of_Sherwood)*, [Bin Shimada](/source/Bin_Shimada) as the voice of Little John in the anime series *[Robin Hood no Daibōken](/source/Robin_Hood_no_Daib%C5%8Dken)*, [Terrence Scammell](/source/Terrence_Scammell_(Canadian_actor)) as the voice of Little John in the animated series *[Young Robin Hood](/source/Young_Robin_Hood)*, [Phil Harris](/source/Phil_Harris) as the voice of Little John the Bear in the 1973 Disney animated film *[Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood_(1973_film))*, [David Morrissey](/source/David_Morrissey) in *[Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood_(1991_British_film))* and [Nick Brimble](/source/Nick_Brimble) in *[Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves](/source/Robin_Hood%3A_Prince_of_Thieves)* – both in 1991, and [Eric Allan Kramer](/source/Eric_Allan_Kramer) in 1993's *[Robin Hood: Men in Tights](/source/Robin_Hood%3A_Men_in_Tights)*. [Kevin Durand](/source/Kevin_Durand) plays John in 2010's *[Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood_(2010_film))*. In this incarnation, he is a Scottish foot soldier in the Crusades who fights Robin over a lost bet, claiming he was cheating, then joins Robin, Will, and Alan when the king is killed. In the BBC's *[Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood_(2006_TV_series))*, Little John was played by [Gordon Kennedy](/source/Gordon_Kennedy_(actor)). John meets Robin when his band of outlaws steals from Robin's band. John also has a wife, Alice, and a son, both of whom believe he is dead until late in the first series. He dislikes Robin immediately but has a change of heart after Robin makes a stand to protect John's wife and son. When the sheriff attempts to interrogate the villagers of Loxley on Robin's whereabouts by cutting out their tongues, Robin surrenders just as they are threatening Alice, thus sparing her. While Robin is awaiting execution, John discreetly meets his son, who mentions how Robin helped him and his mother, and the rest of the village by feeding them all. This causes John to lead the others to Nottingham Castle to rescue Robin, after which John and Robin become good friends. John is the oldest of the outlaws and fights with a quarterstaff. He was portrayed by Jason Burkart in the TV series *[Once Upon a Time](/source/Once_Upon_a_Time_(TV_series))* and its spin-off *[Once Upon a Time in Wonderland](/source/Once_Upon_a_Time_in_Wonderland)*. [Jamie Foxx](/source/Jamie_Foxx) portrayed John in the 2018 movie *[Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood_(2018_film))*.[4] In contrast to most versions of John, this version is officially known as 'Yahya'—which he says translates to 'John'—and is originally Muslim fighting against Robin when they meet in battle during the Crusades, with this first encounter resulting in Yahya's left hand being cut off. However, when he sees Robin try to save his son from being executed by Sir Gisborne, he stows away on a ship taking Robin back to England with the goal of helping Robin take up an opposing role to the Crusades. Despite the loss of his left hand making it impossible for him to use a bow, he is still a skilled enough fighter to intercept Robin's arrows with only his staff and soon adapts to the use of his metal-clad stump as another weapon in combat. In the British television show *Fact or Fiction*, episode 4, hosted by [Tony Robinson](/source/Tony_Robinson), it is postulated that "Little John" is in actuality Reynolde Greenleaf from near [Beverley](/source/Beverley) in the [East Riding of Yorkshire](/source/East_Riding_of_Yorkshire). ## Analysis Little John has been argued to play a crucial role in illustrating the ties between the servant and the master, and his actions can be seen as challenging the power hierarchy of the depicted society.[5]: 14, 28, 33 ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Richards, Jeffrey (1977), *Swordsmen of the Screen: From Douglas Fairbanks to Michael York*, London and Boston: Henly, Routledge & Kegan Paul, p. 190, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0710084781](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0710084781). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHolt198217_2-0)** [Holt 1982](#CITEREFHolt1982), p. 17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Historic England](/source/Historic_England). ["NETHER HOUSE AND ATTACHED OUTBUILDING (1109770)"](https://HistoricEngland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1109770?section=official-list-entry). *[National Heritage List for England](/source/National_Heritage_List_for_England)*. Retrieved 5 December 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Kit, Borys (11 January 2016). ["Jamie Foxx to Join Taron Egerton in 'Robin Hood: Origins'"](http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/jamie-foxx-join-taron-egerton-854688). *The Hollywood Reporter*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Steiner, Emily; Barrington, Candace (2002). [*The Letter of the Law: Legal Practice and Literary Production in Medieval England*](https://books.google.com/books?id=jGSPJTIyXVYC&q=Little+john%22&pg=PA1). Cornell University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8014-8770-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8014-8770-5). ## Bibliography - Holt, JC (1982), *Robin Hood*, Thames & Hudson, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-500-27541-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-500-27541-6). ## External links - Media related to [Little John](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Little_John) at Wikimedia Commons - [*Robin Hood and Little John*](http://www.boldoutlaw.com/rhbal/bal125.html) (ballad), Bold outlaw - Knight, Stephen; Ohlgren, Thomas H (eds.), [*Robin Hood and the Monk: An Introduction*](http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams/monkint.htm), Rochester, information presented before a 15th-century Robin Hood ballad that features Little John in a prominent role. v t e Robin Hood Characters and settings Characters Main Robin Hood Maid Marian The Jolly Pinder of Wakefield Sheriff of Nottingham Guy of Gisbourne Prince John Bishop of Hereford Richard at the Lee King Richard Merry Men Little John Much the Miller's Son Will Scarlet Arthur a Bland David of Doncaster Will Stutely Friar Tuck Alan-a-Dale Gilbert Whitehand Settings Sherwood Forest Major Oak Nottingham Loxley St Mary's Abbey, York Barnsdale Wentbridge Media Screen Film Robin Hood (1912) Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood (1922) The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946) The Prince of Thieves (1948) Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950) Tales of Robin Hood (1951) The Story of Robin Hood (1952) The Men of Sherwood Forest (1954) Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960) The Triumph of Robin Hood (1962) A Challenge for Robin Hood (1967) Long Live Robin Hood (1971) Wolfshead: The Legend of Robin Hood (1973) The Arrows of Robin Hood (1975) Robin and Marian (1976) Aaj Ka Robin Hood (1988) O Mistério de Robin Hood (1990) Robin Hood (1991) Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) Princess of Thieves (2001) Robin Hood (2010) Robin Hood (2018) The Death of Robin Hood (2026) TV Robin Hood (1953) The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955) The Legend of Robin Hood (1968) The Legend of Robin Hood (1975) Robin of Sherwood (1984) The New Adventures of Robin Hood (1997) Robin Hood (2006, episodes, characters) Robyn Hood (2023) Robin Hood (2025) Animated Robin Hood Makes Good (1939) Rabbit Hood (1949) Robin Hood Daffy (1958) Robin Hoodwinked (1958) Rocket Robin Hood (1966) Robin Hood (1973) Robin Hood (1990) Young Robin Hood (1991) Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse (2012) Sherwood (2019) Parody About Seven Brothers (1968) When Things Were Rotten (1975) The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood (1984) Maid Marian and Her Merry Men (1989) Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) Alternate settings Mexicali Rose (1939 film) Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964 film) Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985 Tamil film) Nyayam Meere Cheppali (1985 Telugu film) Robin of Locksley (1996 film) Catch Me Now (2008 Chinese TV series) Alyas Robin Hood (2016 Philippines TV series) Popular culture Statue of Robin Hood Robin Hood (DC Comics character) Robin Hood (Disney character) Child ballads 8: Erlinton 102: Willie and Earl Richard's Daughter 103: Rose the Red and White Lily 115: Robyn and Gandeleyn 117: A Gest of Robyn Hode 118: Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne 119: Robin Hood and the Monk 120: Robin Hood's Death 121: Robin Hood and the Potter 123: Robin Hood and the Curtal Friar 124: The Jolly Pinder of Wakefield 126: Robin Hood and the Tanner 127: Robin Hood and the Tinker 128: Robin Hood Newly Revived 129: Robin Hood and the Prince of Aragon 130: Robin Hood and the Scotchman 131: Robin Hood and the Ranger 132: The Bold Pedlar and Robin Hood 136: Robin Hood's Delight 138: Robin Hood and Allan-a-Dale 139: Robin Hood's Progress to Nottingham 140: Robin Hood Rescuing Three Squires 141: Robin Hood Rescuing Will Stutly 142: Little John a Begging 143: Robin Hood and the Bishop 144: Robin Hood and the Bishop of Hereford 145: Robin Hood and Queen Katherine 146: Robin Hood's Chase 147: Robin Hood's Golden Prize 148: The Noble Fisherman 151: The King's Disguise, and Friendship with Robin Hood 152: Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow 153: Robin Hood and the Valiant Knight 154: A True Tale of Robin Hood Stage / theatre The Downfall and The Death of Robert Earl of Huntington (1598 and 1601 plays) The Merrie Men of Sherwood Forest (1871 operetta) Robin Hood (1890 De Koven opera) The Foresters (1892 play) Robin Hood (1934 Tippett opera) Twang!! (1965 musical parody) Robin Hood (1998 ballet) Robin des Bois (2013 musical) Video games Robin of Sherwood: The Touchstones of Rhiannon (1985) Robin of the Wood (1985) Super Robin Hood (1986) The Adventures of Robin Hood (1991) Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood (1991) Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood (2002) Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown (2003) Robin Hood's Quest (2007) Volume (2015) Hood: Outlaws & Legends (2021) Literature A Gest of Robyn Hode (probably 15th century) Ivanhoe (1819) Maid Marian (1822) The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (1883) Bows against the Barons (1934) The Once and Future King (1958) The Outlaws of Sherwood (1988) Through a Dark Mist (1991) Lady of the Forest (1992) In the Shadow of Midnight (1994) The Last Arrow (1997) Lady of Sherwood (1999) King Raven Trilogy (2006) Music Legend (1984 soundtrack) "Robin (The Hooded Man)" "Love" (song) "Not in Nottingham" (song) "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" (song) The Tale of Gamelyn Robin Hood (2010 soundtrack) Robin Hood (2018 soundtrack) Alan Dale Outlaw (2009) Holy Warrior (2010) King's Man (2011) The Outlaw Chronicles (2012–2016) Related Miss Robin Hood Son of the Guardsman The Son of Robin Hood The Bandit of Sherwood Forest Robin Hood's Larder Robin Hood Morality Test "Robot of Sherwood" "Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men" Once Upon a Time The Tales of Robin Hood (former Nottingham attraction) Once Upon a Studio Category Authority control databases: National United States Israel --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Little John](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_John) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_John?action=history)). 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