* The Definition of a Ballad: The definition of a "ballad" is a bit fuzzy. It could mean a traditional folk song, a broadside ballad, a literary ballad, or something else entirely.
* Lost and Unknown Ballads: Many ballads about Robin Hood were passed down orally, and were never written down. Therefore, we can't know how many existed, or how many are lost to time.
* Variations and Adaptations: There are countless variations and adaptations of the Robin Hood story, some of which may be considered ballads. These include songs, poems, plays, and even novels.
However, we can say that there are definitely many ballads about Robin Hood.
Some of the most famous and well-known Robin Hood ballads include:
* "Robin Hood and the Monk"
* "Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham"
* "Robin Hood and Little John"
* "Robin Hood and the Potter"
* "Robin Hood and the Beggar"
These ballads are often collected in anthologies, and you can find them online as well.
So, while we can't give a precise number, the Robin Hood story has definitely been a popular subject for ballads throughout history.