# The Last Arrow > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/The_Last_Arrow > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/The_Last_Arrow.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Arrow > Source revision: 1179142891 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) 1997 novel by Marsha Canham The Last Arrow Author Marsha Canham Language English Genre Historical fiction Romance[1] Publisher Dell Publishing Publication date 1997 Publication place Canada Pages 454 ISBN 978-0440222576 Preceded by In the Shadow of Midnight ***The Last Arrow*** is a 1997 historical novel by Canadian author [Marsha Canham](/source/Marsha_Canham), the third instalment of her "Medieval" trilogy inspired by the [Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood) legend set in 13th-century England. The novel was published by [Dell Publishing](/source/Dell_Publishing) in 1997 as a sequel to Canham's 1994 story *[In the Shadow of Midnight](/source/In_the_Shadow_of_Midnight)*. It received generally positive reviews from book critics. Canham became inspired to write a new interpretation of the Robin Hood legend after experiencing a dream. She considered having several different characters represent the famous outlaw before deciding on Lord Robert Wardieu, one of the main characters featured in *The Last Arrow* (and the son of the hero in the first instalment *[Through a Dark Mist](/source/Through_a_Dark_Mist)*). ## Plot ### Historical background [King John](/source/John%2C_King_of_England) has been monarch for fifteen years, overseeing a disastrous reign that has driven England further into debt, lost territories in France, alienated his barons, and placed corrupt, cruel men in positions of power. Many countrymen begin speculating on the fate of John's lost nephew [Arthur of Brittany](/source/Arthur_I%2C_Duke_of_Brittany), the long-lost rightful heir to the throne before being usurped by John. The whereabouts of Arthur's sister, [Princess Eleanor](/source/Eleanor%2C_Fair_Maid_of_Brittany), is also a mystery, though rumours speculate that she [was rescued by a group of knights many years ago](/source/In_the_Shadow_of_Midnight). ### Plot summary Meanwhile, Princess Eleanor, secretly blinded by King John to bar her from power, has been hiding in an English abbey to live out the rest of her days. Her protector, Lord Henry de Clare, has disguised himself as a "Friar Tuck" and kept a close eye over the abbey. One day, Eleanor's maid Marienne is almost assaulted by guardsmen of [Guy de Gisbourne](/source/Guy_of_Gisbourne), the sheriff of Nottingham; Henry defends her and is taken prisoner. Outside the walls of [Château d'Amboise](/source/Ch%C3%A2teau_d'Amboise), Lady Brenna Wardieu, the master archer daughter of Lord Randwulf de la Seyne Sur Mer, encounters a knight whilst out hunting. Brenna remains suspicious of the mysterious knight, Griffyn Renaud de Verdelay, rightfully so since he intends to kill her brother Robert for a large reward from King John. Despite this, she and Griffyn are attracted to each other but spend much of their time verbally sparring. Lord Randwulf is sent a message from Marienne with Eleanor's ring and the warning "They have taken Lord Henry." Intending to discover the status of Eleanor's secret, Randwulf sends Robert, his friend's son Will FitzAthelstan, and several others to England. Brenna overhears the plan and demands to accompany them. Before leaving for England, they travel to a nearby [tourney](/source/Tournament_(medieval)) at [Château Gaillard](/source/Ch%C3%A2teau_Gaillard) to avoid attracting the suspicions of King John and his minions. Their contact, the Welshman Dafydd ap Iorwerth, is captured before he can find Robert's group; before dying, his torturers Lord Bertrand Malagane and his sadistic lover Solange de Sancerre discover enough to suspect Robert is on a mission to rescue Eleanor. They intend to have Robert, the group's leader and a great tourney champion, killed. Griffyn was sent for from Burgundy for this task, and upon meeting him they pay him one thousand English sterlings, though they fail to tell him Robert's plans to find the princess. Griffyn is told to stay away from the Wardieus. However, Griffyn and Brenna secretly consummate their relationship soon after, and rather than killing Robert he joins their mission. Brenna learns that Griffyn is an Englishman named Rowen Hode, Earl of Huntington, who has been passing as the famous "Prince of Darkness", a Burgundian knight unmatched in the lists. Five years previously he competed against Robert, a match that ended in a draw which caused Griffyn to lose all of savings and belongings, and the life of his wife. He has sought revenge ever since, but realises that he was at fault for his predicament, not Robert. Griffyn loses to Robert, and is almost killed by Malagane before being rescued by Brenna and the others. Before leaving for England, Robert reveals that Princess Eleanor has a secret ten-year-old son by Henry de Clare. Eleanor only wishes for her son to grow up happy away from politics, and they are seeking her out to secure the safety of mother and son. Once in England, they secure the help of outlaws led by Henry de Clare (who has been going by the title "the King of Sherwood"). After almost dying due to a trap set by Gisbourne and Malagane, they rescue Henry from [Nottingham Castle](/source/Nottingham_Castle). Eleanor tells them of a secret royal charter signed by [King Henry I](/source/Henry_I_of_England) in which he granted concessions and liberties. Later, Eleanor and Henry die of an illness within hours of each other, and a lone arrow is fired into [Sherwood Forest](/source/Sherwood_Forest) to mark their graves. Griffyn and Brenna marry and have four children. ## Development Canadian author [Marsha Canham](/source/Marsha_Canham) began writing about the legend of [Robin Hood](/source/Robin_Hood) in her novel *[Through a Dark Mist](/source/Through_a_Dark_Mist)*, being inspired by her love of the [Errol Flynn](/source/Errol_Flynn) films and a recurring dream of a "beautiful blonde-haired damsel in distress, held captive in a cave high on a cliff, rescued by two men cloaked in monks' robes, wielding bows and arrows."[2] *Through a Dark Mist* saw the invention of "the Black Wolf of Lincoln", a character meant to be "heroic enough to have sired such a legendary hero" as Robin Hood. However, she realized that this character, nor his son Eduard in her next novel *[In the Shadow of Midnight](/source/In_the_Shadow_of_Midnight)*, fit her conception of Robin Hood. Instead, the Black Wolf's other son Robin would represent the outlaw – "conceived in the magical waters of the Silent Pool, destined to some great future enterprise that would carry his name down through the centuries."[2] Robin's story formed the main narrative in *The Last Arrow*.[2] Reflecting back on her trilogy, Canham said that she took "great pains and even more perverse pleasure in skirting around the edges of the actual legend, choosing instead to suggest how the many elements of several heroic characters blended together to create the fabled Prince of Thieves."[2] Canham later recalled that *The Last Arrow* was a "blatant ripoff of the part of the legend where Robin dies and in order for his body to remain hidden for all time, an arrow is shot into the forest and where it landed was where he was buried."[3] ## Release and reception *The Last Arrow* was published in 1997 by [Dell Publishing](/source/Dell_Publishing). It was the final installment in Canham's Medieval trilogy, the other two being *Through a Dark Mist* (1991) and *In the Shadow of Midnight* (1994).[4] *[Publishers Weekly](/source/Publishers_Weekly)* gave a mostly positive review to *The Last Arrow*, noting that while its first half was "weighed down by excessive background information, much of it awkwardly related in dialogue," the novel still contained "rousing action, a strong sense of medieval life, a satisfying love story and intriguing spins on historical events as well as the familiar Robin Hood characters [that] should bring readers back for more."[5] Kristin Ramsdell of the *[Library Journal](/source/Library_Journal)* felt the villains' love of "sadistic sexual torture may offend some," but opined that the novel nevertheless had "beautifully done historical detail."[6] Ramdsell added that while its "description occasionally slows the pace of the story, fans of both the Robin Hood legend and of medieval tales of derring-do will like this one."[6] Alison Cunliffe, writing for the *[Toronto Star](/source/Toronto_Star)*, called *The Last Arrow* a "rich, entertaining and utterly different take on the legend."[7] Jane Sullivan, writing for *[The Sydney Morning Herald](/source/The_Sydney_Morning_Herald)*, recommended the entire "swashbuckling" trilogy for "hopeless romantics,"[8] while Rebekah Bradford of *[The Post and Courier](/source/The_Post_and_Courier)* called the series an "inventive reimagining."[9] ## See also - [Novels portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Novels) - [List of historical novels](/source/List_of_historical_novels) - [Robin Hood in popular culture](/source/Robin_Hood_in_popular_culture) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Adamson, *World Historical Fiction*, p. 149. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rtbookreviews_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rtbookreviews_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-rtbookreviews_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-rtbookreviews_2-3) ["Message From The Author"](http://www.rtbookreviews.com/message/last-arrow). *RT Book Reviews*. Retrieved March 11, 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-canhamblog1_3-0)** [Canham, Marsha](/source/Marsha_Canham) (February 13, 2011). ["Do you know the end of the story at the beginning?"](http://marshacanham.wordpress.com/2011/02/13/do-you-know-the-end-of-the-story-at-the-beginning/). *marshacanham.wordpress.com*. Retrieved March 30, 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-contempauthors_4-0)** ["Canham, Marsha"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140611123635/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-2591000029.html). *Contemporary Authors, New Revision Series*. January 1, 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-2591000029.html) on June 11, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014. (subscription required) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Fiction Book Review: The Last Arrow"](http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-440-22257-6). *[Publishers Weekly](/source/Publishers_Weekly)*. April 7, 1997. Retrieved March 10, 2014. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ramsdell_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ramsdell_6-1) Ramsdell, Kristin (May 15, 1997). "The Last Arrow". *[Library Journal](/source/Library_Journal)*. Vol. 9, no. 122. p. 68. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Cunliffe, Alison (July 19, 1997). "A Horse of a Different Cover". *[Toronto Star](/source/Toronto_Star)*. p. M.15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Sullivan, Jane (May 28, 2010). ["Lifting the hood on brave Robin"](http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/society-and-culture/lifting-the-hood-on-brave-robin-20100528-wl1z.html). *[The Sydney Morning Herald](/source/The_Sydney_Morning_Herald)*. Retrieved March 10, 2014. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Bradford, Rebekah (March 31, 2008). "Romance novels changed after Sept. 11". *[The Post and Courier](/source/The_Post_and_Courier)*. [ProQuest](/source/ProQuest) [374213731](https://www.proquest.com/docview/374213731). (subscription required) **Works cited** - Adamson, Lynda G. (1999). [*World Historical Fiction: An Annotated Guide to Novels for Adults and Young Adults*](https://archive.org/details/worldhistoricalf00adam). Phoenix: Oryx Press. p. [695](https://archive.org/details/worldhistoricalf00adam/page/695). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-57356-066-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57356-066-9). marsha canham. - Canham, Marsha (1997). *The Last Arrow* (2011 ed.). Marsha Canham. [ASIN](/source/ASIN_(identifier)) [B0054H91J0](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054H91J0). 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 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [The Last Arrow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Arrow) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Arrow?action=history)). 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