A legend has fallen silent.

The Major Oak, the ancient tree long associated with the story of Robin Hood, is believed to have died after standing for roughly 1,200 years in England’s Sherwood Forest.

For generations, visitors traveled to Nottinghamshire to see the enormous oak, famous for its sprawling branches and its connection to the legendary outlaw who, according to folklore, hid from the Sheriff of Nottingham among the forest's trees.

Conservationists say the tree failed to produce leaves this spring, a sign that its remarkable life may finally be over. Experts believe a combination of factors contributed to its decline, including centuries of heavy tourism, soil compaction around its roots, repeated efforts to support its aging limbs, and the growing effects of drought and extreme weather.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said millions of visitors over the years may have unintentionally played a role in the tree's deterioration by compressing the ground around it, making it harder for water to reach the roots.

The Major Oak had survived wars, changing kingdoms, and centuries of history. It was already a mature tree when many of the world's most famous landmarks did not yet exist. It also stood as a symbol of Sherwood Forest, whose timber once helped build ships for Vice Adm. Horatio Nelson’s Royal Navy and contributed wood for St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Although the tree may no longer be alive, it will remain standing as a protected monument. In a way, its story mirrors the legend it helped inspire: even when the original is gone, the tale continues to be passed from one generation to the next.