Everything I Do…

I recently rewatched Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, a 1991 film version of the Robin Hood myth.

It is corny. The acting and accents and history were slightly off. Geographical distances don’t matter that much. 

Yet it had been at least 15 years since I had seen it, and I still enjoyed the film. It is funny in the right places. It lacks the overwhelming CGI of modern action movies. And it has clear premises that I (we) need to review and think about more frequently. 

Friendship. Love. Redemption. Compassion. Good vs evil. Heroism. The fight against tyranny no matter the odds. The greater good. Flawed leadership. And inspiring leadership.

As a species, Homo sapiens, we have come to expect perfection. From our friends. From our lovers. From our families. From our leaders. 

And when that perfection never fits into reality, we grow disillusioned. Apathetic. Jaded. 

How to fight our inner demon of perfection?

Compassion. To alleviate suffering. Suffering within ourselves and for those around us.

The Prince of Thieves, Robin of Locksley, returned home from a years-long crusade against those he thought of as infidels. 

Really, though, his crusade was against the demons within himself: jealousy and misplaced hatred are among the worst of the demons.

And his return home to a place turned upside down inspired him to fight against tyranny. Against apathy. Against known evils. 

Hollywood regularly produces mythic stories that don’t require much analysis since entertainment is the main goal. Yet this version of Robin Hood inspires hope, compassion, and reinforces the belief that apathy is not acceptable. 

The Robin Hood myth, at its most basic, illustrates that anyone can become a hero for the greater good. 

Can you overcome your own inner demons and set out on your heroic path? 

I hope to see you there; I know I’ll need help along my path.

Click here for more information about this film.