Alan-a-Dale (first recorded as Allen a Dale; variously spelled Allen-a-Dale, Allan-a-Dale, Allin-a-Dale, Allan A'Dayle etc.) is a figure in the Robin Hood legend. According to the stories, he was a wandering minstrel who became a member of Robin's band of outlaws, the "Merry Men". Another variant appears in which the hero is not Alan but Will Scarlet, but Alan has taken over the role completely. Alan plays a prominent role in some later plays, children's novels, films, and television shows.