Robin Hood from Parker Brothers (1973)

Company: Parker Brothers | Release date: 1973 | # of players: 2-4 | Ages: 4-10 | Where to purchase: eBay

Published by Parker Brothers in 1973, the Robin Hood board game reflected the Robin Hood story as interpreted by the animated film released that same year by Walt Disney Productions.

Robin Hood is a figure of English folklore, traditionally portrayed as an outlaw living in Sherwood Forest who opposed corrupt authority, particularly the Sheriff of Nottingham. The stories emphasized themes of justice and resistance, with Robin Hood redistributing wealth and challenging social inequality.

In the Walt Disney Productions adaption, the characters are illustrated as anthropomorphic animals. Robin Hood (red fox), Maid Marian (red fox), Friar Tuck (badger), and Little John (brown bear) are central to the production.

GAMEPLAY

The goal of the role-and-move board game was to be the first player to acquire two bags of gold and return home to Sherwood Forest.

Players took turns rolling a die to move along the stone path illustrated on the board. Along the journey, players could leave the main path in an effort to earn a card illustrated with a bag of gold. To earn the gold, players rolled again in hopes of matching one of the numbers shown on the card. If unsuccessful, the gold was left behind.

The game introduced obstacles through spaces that forced players to move backward or surrender gold cards, while shortcut spaces offered opportunities to advance more quickly. Sheriff cards added an element of concealment by allowing players to hide their holdings from opponents.

IN THE BOX

A complete game included the game board, four pawns (red, blue, yellow, and green), Gold and Sheriff cards, and one die. Printed instructions were included inside the box.

COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS

The tale of Robin Hood has been adapted for movies, television programs, comics, trading cards, toys, and games. In addition to the Parker Brothers release, Whitman published The Adventures of Robin Hood board game in 1938, and Milton Bradley released its own Disney-inspired Robin Hood game in 1973. The story’s long history and repeated reinterpretation across media have contributed to a broad range of related collectibles.

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