Marian was a Norman of noble birth and King Richard was her guardian. The unlikeliest union in 12th century England would have been between a forest outlaw and the ward of the king himself. It is unimaginable that the two would ever have met, let alone fallen in love, were it not for King Richard's long absences from England. Marian was forced to watch the king's brother, Prince John, levy unbearable tax demands on the population. The use of torture and the burning of homes revolted the gentle lady who held the same high ideas as her absent king.
   Wanting a champion of the ordinary people, who would curb the prince's ambitions before he grew too powerful, she met such a man -- Robin Hood -- whilst travelling with an armed party through Sheerwood Forest. Outlaws attacked and disarmed the column and sent the soldiers packing to Nottingham Castle without their horses, weapons or armour, whilst the rest of the travellers were treated with courtesy by Robin Hood and his men. Marian was greatly impressed; she realised that Robin was probably the only force between king and treachery, and decided to support him by being his eyes and ears in Prince John's camp.