Ivanhoe is set in 1194 when King Richard of England returns from the Third Crusade to reclaim his kingdom from his brother John, who usurps much of Richard’s power during his long absence in the Holy Land. The brave and respected King Richard becomes prisoner while fighting the Crusades abroad. In his absence, the nobles make their weaker neighbours tenants and Richard’s brother John oversees it all in his attempt to take the throne.
The Saxon noble Cedric, the father of Ivanhoe is a strong supporter of Saxon heritage and rights. He throws out his son when he falls in love with Cedric’s ward, Lady Rowena. Cedric hopes to marry Rowena to Athelstane of Coningsburgh in order to form a powerful Saxon alliance. Ivanhoe’s love for Rowena, however threatens these plans leading Cedric to disinherit him. Ivanhoe joins the Third Crusade and fighting on the side of Richard in the Holy Land, wins the King’s favour. The novel begins with Ivanhoe’s return to England where Prince John is plotting to depose his brother Richard who is taken captive in Austria on his way home from the Crusades.
On his way to a great tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Ivanhoe visits his father’s house disguised as a pilgrim. Here he saves the life of Issac, a rich Jew of York, by warning him of a planned ambush. At Ashby, Ivanhoe with the help of the King who
…show more content…
Unfortunately the group’s Grand Master returns. He gets very angry at the Templar’s sinful behavior. He accuses Rebecca of sorcery and sentences her to death. She manages to escape immediate execution by demanding trial by combat. Rebecca sends a message to Ivanhoe who is attending Athelstane’s funeral. At the last moment, Ivanhoe appears as her champion to face a reluctant Bois-Guilbert who is commanded to represent his order. At the first pass, Bois-Guilbert falls dead from his horse. He dies not from the battle but from his own wild