Continuation of my Contentions Series

21. The Crusaders served us at least once: they let al-Khidr loose in Sherwood

Interpretation:

This contention relates al-Khidr (talked about in the previous contention) to Sherwood forest. Sherwood forest, of course, being the setting for Robin Hood’s famous story. It may be that the Sheykh is hinting that Robin Hood’s nature may have been inspired by al-Khidrs qualities.

This is interesting:

“The Arabic word for chivalry is akhdar, which also means ‘fine woman’ and derives from the root KHDR. There are many other derivations from this root, including Khidr, patron saint of the Sufi groups known as halkas, or circles of thirteen. Khidr is identical with St. George, who originated in Persia and was adopted sometime around 1350 as patron saint of the imitative [sic -- "initiative"?] chivalric Order of the Garter under King Edward III. … The name of the Sufi saint Khidr also means ‘the Green One’ — green being the Sufi traditional color signifying initiation. It is worth recalling here that followers of the semi-legendary Robin Hood who, in some versions, is seen as leader of a secret, chivalric or humanitarian vigilante group, in others as the head of a witch coven, were said to have adopted Lincoln Green as the color of their dress.” (Kenneth Rayner Johnson, THE FULCANELLI PHENOMENON)”