It was on a bridge that Robin Hood met the nearly 7 foot tall
stranger that he would later call Little John as well as his Second
in Command of his band of Merry Men.
While attempting to cross a very narrow bridge he met the
stranger for the first time. He told the stranger to go back and
wait for him to cross. The stranger stated that he has as much
right to cross the bridge as Robin did and, that Robin should have
to go back and wait for him. Not used to being challenged, Robin
readied an arrow and threatened to shoot if the stranger did not
yield. The stranger called Robin a coward to shoot a man only armed
with a quarterstaff. He warned he would beat Robin black and blue
if he pulled his bow string. They accepted to a fair fight and the
stranger waited while Robin got his own quarterstaff.
"Whoever tosses the other into the river will be the
victor."
The fight lasted for some time, and each man dealt some
considerable blows to each other, however, eventually Robin was
struck in the head and thrown into the water. Robin admitted
defeat, and recognized the fighting skill of this stranger. Robin
asked if the stranger would be his friend and help lead his band of
merry men, and John accepted.
Typical, for men to beat the day lights out of each other, then
become best friends...lol