Ivanhoe is set in 12th-century England, a time of conflict between the Norman rulers and the native Saxons, and also during the return of King Richard the Lionheart from the Third Crusade. The story centers on Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight disinherited by his father, Cedric of Rotherwood, for supporting Richard and for his love for Lady Rowena, Cedric's ward.
The novel opens with a depiction of the tension between Saxons and Normans. Cedric, a proud Saxon lord, desires to restore Saxon power and arranges for Rowena to marry Athelstane of Coningsburgh, a descendant of Saxon royalty, to solidify their claim. However, Rowena's heart belongs to Ivanhoe.
Ivanhoe, disguised as a palmer, returns to England after accompanying Richard on the Crusade. He encounters Cedric, who does not recognize him and joins his company. At a tournament in Ashby-de-la-Zouche, Ivanhoe, still disguised, defeats several Norman knights, including the arrogant Brian de Bois-Guilbert. He is then revealed as the wounded "Disinherited Knight" and is recognized by his father, who remains unforgiving.
Prince John, Richard's treacherous brother, who is scheming to seize the throne, attends the tournament. He and his Norman allies, including Bois-Guilbert and Sir Reginald Front-de-Boeuf, plot against Richard and his loyal supporters.
Ivanhoe is wounded in the tournament and is taken care of by Isaac of York, a Jewish moneylender, and his beautiful daughter, Rebecca. They are later captured by Bois-Guilbert and Front-de-Boeuf and taken to Front-de-Boeuf's castle, Torquilstone. Cedric, Rowena, Athelstane, and Gurth, Cedric's swineherd, are also captured during a subsequent attack on the castle.
At Torquilstone, the characters face various trials. Bois-Guilbert becomes infatuated with Rebecca and attempts to coerce her into loving him. Front-de-Boeuf tortures Isaac for his wealth. Cedric and Athelstane are held captive, and Rowena is threatened.
Meanwhile, Richard, disguised as the Black Knight, and his loyal followers, including Locksley (Robin Hood), launch an attack on Torquilstone. The castle is stormed, and Front-de-Boeuf is killed. Bois-Guilbert manages to escape with Rebecca while the other captives are freed. However, Athelstane is believed to be killed in the battle.
Bois-Guilbert takes Rebecca to the Templar Preceptory of Templestowe, where the Grand Master of the Templars, Lucas Beaumanoir, is presiding. Beaumanoir, a rigid and intolerant man, accuses Rebecca of witchcraft, influenced by her knowledge of medicine and her beauty, which Bois-Guilbert claims has bewitched him.
Rebecca is sentenced to be burned at the stake unless a champion appears to defend her honor. Ivanhoe, still recovering from his wounds, is brought to Templestowe to fight for her. He challenges Bois-Guilbert to a trial by combat.
The duel takes place, and Bois-Guilbert, torn between his desire for Rebecca and his duty to the Templars, is struck dead by Ivanhoe's lance. Rebecca is exonerated and freed.
Meanwhile, Richard reveals his true identity and confronts Prince John, exposing his treachery. John is forced to flee, and Richard is restored to the throne. Athelstane, who was not killed at Torquilstone, returns and relinquishes his claim to Rowena, allowing her to marry Ivanhoe.
The novel concludes with the restoration of order and justice. Richard's return symbolizes the return of rightful rule, and the marriage of Ivanhoe and Rowena represents the reconciliation between the Saxons and Normans. Rebecca, having been cleared of the charges against her, chooses to leave England with her father, recognizing that she cannot find happiness in a society that persecutes her people.
Commentary
Ivanhoe is a classic historical romance that blends adventure, chivalry, and social commentary. It is a story of chivalry, romance, and political intrigue set against the backdrop of a turbulent period in English history. Walter Scott's vivid portrayal of medieval England, with its clashing cultures and political intrigue, captivated readers and established the historical novel as a popular genre. The book explores themes of prejudice, justice, and the complexities of loyalty and honor. While romanticized, Ivanhoe offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal period in English history and remains a significant work in the development of historical fiction.