At May Day games and fairs of the 15th century, revellers and performers would dress as Robin Hood and his band of “Merry Men” to preside over the many festival events and games. In fact, his famous romantic attachment with Maid Marian derived from his association with the spring festivals, where the two served as Lord and Lady of the annual May Games in the early 1500s in Scotland.

In addition to being a key character throughout the fair, plays starring the many characters of Robin Hood were also performed during these days-long celebrations, marking them as some of the first stage depictions of the legendary hero and his community of justice-seekers. 

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For further reading on Mayday festivities and other early festival practices:

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