Maid Marian
| Maid Marian | |
|---|---|
| Tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men character | |
Woodcut of Maid Marian, from a 17th-century broadside | |
| First appearance | 16th century AD |
| Created by | Anonymous balladeers |
| In-universe information | |
| Alias | Maid Marion Clorinda Matilda Marian Fitzwalter/Fitzwater Lady Marion of Leaford |
| Occupation | Shepherdess (earlier stories) Noblewoman (later stories) |
| Family | Robert Fitzwalter/Fitzwater (father, in some stories) |
| Spouse | Robin Hood (in some stories) |
| Significant other | Robin Hood |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | English or Norman |
Maid Marian is the heroine of the Robin Hood legend in English folklore, often taken to be his lover. She is not mentioned in the early, medieval versions of the legend, but was the subject of at least two plays by 1600. In the tales her history and circumstances are varied, though she generally is shown as being given high respect in Robin’s circle for her courage and independence as well as her beauty and loyalty.