Lego set 910043 Forest Stronghold - "Steal from the rich, build treehouses, and hide your gold"

"Steal from the rich, build treehouses, and hide your gold—Forestmen forever!"
The Lego Forestmen theme, part of Lego’s Castle series, debuted in 1987 and quickly became a fan-favorite for its Robin Hood-inspired rebels living in the woods. Their backstory, design, and legacy endure as one of Lego’s most iconic factions. Here’s their tale:

Origins and Lore (1987–1990):
The Forestmen were portrayed as outlaw heroes who dwelled in enchanted forests, defending their territory against corrupt knights and greedy lords. Their unofficial backstory, pieced together from set names and promotional materials, paints them as:
Rebels with a Cause: Inspired by Robin Hood, they stole from the rich (often Lion Knights or Crusaders) to aid peasants and protect the wilderness.
Masters of Stealth: They built hidden treehouse bases, camouflaged traps, and secret tunnels to evade enemies.

Key Sets and Design:
Forestmen’s Hideout (6054, 1987): Features a treehouse with a hidden treasure chest, rope bridge, and lookout tower.
Camouflaged Outpost (6066, 1987): A modular hideout with a trapdoor, secret compartments, and a prison cell.
Forestmen’s Crossing (6077, 1990): A larger fortress with a drawbridge, cave, and waterfall, blending into the forest.

Distinctive Features:
Minifigures: Green hoods, brown capes, and earthy tones. Faces included bearded rebels and younger "apprentices."
Aesthetic: Wooden structures with vines, foliage, and hidden mechanics (e.g., rotating walls).

Conflict and Allies:
Enemies: The Forestmen clashed with the Lion Knights (Lego’s "good" knights) and later the Black Knights (1988–1992) and now the Black Falcons, who sought to control their lands.
Allies: Implied alliances with peasants and later factions like the Wolfpack (rogue bandits, introduced in 1992).

Legacy and Revival:
1989–1990: Dark Forest Subtheme
A spinoff introduced undead "Dark Forest" villains (e.g., 6048), merging Forestmen aesthetics with skeletons. This marked the end of the classic Forestmen era.

Nostalgic Homages
Lego Castle (2013): The Forest Ambush (70404) set revived the woodland rebel aesthetic.
Lego Ideas (2023): The Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) included Forestmen-inspired hooded minifigures and treehouse elements.

Cultural Impact
AFOL Love: Adult fans revere the theme for its creativity and nostalgic charm, creating elaborate MOCs (My Own Creations).
Video Games: Forestmen appear in Lego Universe (2010) and Lego Dimensions (2015).