| King John | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
King John |
|
Born |
December 24, 1166 |
|
Died |
October 19, 1216 |
Historical Background[]
John was the King of England from 1199 until his death in 1216. He lost the Duchy of Normandy and most of his other French lands to King Philip II of France, resulting in the collapse of the Angevin Empire and contributing to the subsequent growth in power of the French Capetian dynasty during the 13th century. The baronial revolt at the end of John's reign led to the sealing of Magna Carta, a document considered an early step in the evolution of the constitution of the United Kingdom.
John was the youngest son of King Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was nicknamed John Lackland because he was not expected to inherit significant lands. He became Henry's favorite child following the failed revolt of 1173–1174 by his brothers Henry the Young King, Richard, and Geoffrey against the King. John was appointed Lord of Ireland in 1177 and given lands in England and on the continent. He unsuccessfully attempted a rebellion against the royal administrators of his brother, King Richard, while Richard was participating in the Third Crusade, but he was proclaimed king after Richard died in 1199.
Legend & Folklore[]
According to popular legend, Prince John was a cruel tyrant demanding unreasonable taxes from Richard's subjects, while the people longed for the return of their pious and honorable king, who was initially unaware of John's treacherous tendencies, and his desire to usurp the throne. Many heroes, including Robin Hood, rose up to fight Prince John while Richard was away.
In the story of Ivanhoe, Richard returned to England, hiding his identity from Prince John as the mysterious Black Knight. Later, King Richard aided Robin Hood in saving Ivanhoe and his companions from the castle.
Public Domain Comic Appearances[]
- Blue Ribbon Comics #4, 7, 9-15
- Robin Hood (1955) #1-5
- New Fun Comics #3-5
- More Fun Comics #19-20, 27-28
- Jumbo Comics #47
- Robin Hood & His Merry Men #28
- Ivanhoe (1963) #1
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Ivanhoe (1820)
- Cœur de Lion (1822)
- The Talisman (1825)
Public Domain Stage Appearances[]
- Richard Coeur-de-lion (1784)
- Riccardo Primo (1719)
Public Domain Film Appearances[]
- Robin Hood (1912)
- Ivanhoe (1913)
- Robin Hood (1913)
- Robin Hood (1922)