Alan-A-Dale

Alan-A-Dale is a character from Disney's 1973 feature film Robin Hood. His name is only stated once throughout the film, and the character is formally credited as "The Rooster". He is voiced by Roger Miller.

Background
Alan-A-Dale is based off the minstrel of the same name from the Robin Hood legends, and is envisioned as a rooster. Alan-a-Dale only states his name at the beginning of the film, where he also introduces himself as a minstrel. He functions as the film's narrator, using songs. He is always seen with his mandolin.

Role in the film
Alan-A-Dale first appears in the film's opening, where he introduces himself and them begins telling the story of Robin Hood, starting from when Robin Hood and Little John are escaping from The Sheriff of Nottingham and his posse, during the song sequence "Oo de Lally."

Alan-A-Dale next appears as a viewer of Prince John's archery tournament. Together with Friar Tuck, he shoots down Sir Hiss, by using his mandolin together with an arrow to form a makeshift bow. The two then imprison Sir Hiss in a barrel of ale.

The rooster's next major appearance is in the town jail, where he informs the viewers of Prince John's orders to: increase the taxes, and imprison any townspeople who cannot pay. He then reveals that he has been imprisoned as well, and performs the song, "Not in Nottingham", which tells of the people's despair.

Alan-a-Dale's final appearance is at the end of the film, where he reveals that King Richard returned and set everything right. He then hears church bells, and rushes to the church, where it is revealed that Robin Hood and Maid Marian have wed.

Trivia

 * The Troubadour, a character from The Three Musketeers, has a similar role to Alan-a-Dale; both of them are anthropomorphic animals who narrate a story set in medieval times with music.