Home

Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe is a historical adventure novel by Sir Walter Scott, first published in 1820 as part of the Waverley Novels. Set in England during the reign of King Richard I (the Lionheart), it follows Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon nobleman returning from exile to champion his country’s interests amid the troubled aftermath of the Norman conquest.

The narrative interweaves chivalric tournaments, political intrigue, and romance as Ivanhoe aligns with King Richard and

Characters include Ivanhoe; Cedric; Rowena; Rebecca; Isaac of York; King Richard I; Prince John; and the Templar

Ivanhoe achieved immediate popularity and has had lasting influence on the development of historical fiction and

other
leaders
against
Prince
John
and
hostile
factions.
Major
plot
strands
involve
the
Saxon
Cedric
and
his
ward
Rowena,
Ivanhoe's
hidden
identity
as
a
nobleman
in
disguise,
and
Rebecca,
a
Jewish
woman
who
faces
persecution
at
the
hands
of
hostile
authorities.
Key
scenes
include
a
spectacular
tournament
and
acts
of
rescue
that
underscore
themes
of
loyalty,
courage,
and
social
conflict.
knights
Bois-Guilbert
and
Front-de-Boeuf.
The
novel
is
noted
for
blending
romance
with
historical
detail,
emphasizing
ideals
of
chivalry
and
justice
while
addressing
tensions
between
Saxons
and
Normans,
Christians
and
Jews,
and
honor
and
tolerance.
medievalist
fantasy.
It
contributed
to
the
19th-century
revival
of
interest
in
the
Middle
Ages
and
helped
popularize
many
tropes
later
associated
with
Victorian
romance
and
adventure.
The
work
has
been
adapted
for
stage,
film,
and
television,
notably
a
1952
MGM
film.