Sixteenth - century tales of Robin Hood began describing him as a contemporary ( and supporter ) of Richard the Lionheart ; Robin became an outlaw during the reign of Richard 's evil brother , John .
Richard the Lionheart was fighting in the Third Crusade .
Sixteenth - century tales of Robin Hood began describing him as a contemporary ( and supporter ) of Richard the Lionheart ; Robin became an outlaw during the reign of Richard 's evil brother , John , while Richard was fighting in the Third Crusade .