Ivanhoe · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide historical and editorial commentary on various elements of the novel, including the cruelty of the Cassilis family, the origins of heraldry, the use of African slaves by Templars, Saxon and Norman hunting terms, and the
What happens
The endnotes provide historical and editorial commentary on various elements of the novel, including the cruelty of the Cassilis family, the origins of heraldry, the use of African slaves by Templars, Saxon and Norman hunting terms, and the author's reflections on literary and antiquarian matters.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
The endnotes highlight the cruelty of the Cassilis family and the oppressive Norman Forest Laws, illustrating the abuse of power.
Norman-Saxon Conflict
Discussions of Saxon terms, Norman hunting jargon, and the Forest Laws underscore the cultural and legal tensions between the two groups.
Chivalry and Honor
The commentary on heraldry and the Templars' practices touches on the ideals and contradictions of chivalric honor.
Characters to notice
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
Mentioned in the context of the Templars' use of African slaves, defended by the author as plausible.
- King Richard the Lionheart
Referenced indirectly through the discussion of the Norman Conquest and Forest Laws.
- Cedric the Saxon
Implied in the discussion of Saxon terms and customs, such as 'cnicht' and Saxon drinks.
- Wilfred of Ivanhoe
Referenced in the context of the novel's themes and the author's return to the stage.
- Locksley
Mentioned indirectly through the reference to Friar Tuck and Robin Hood's gang.
- Friar Tuck
Explicitly identified as the Clerk of Copmanhurst in the endnotes.
- Maurice de Bracy
Mentioned in the anecdote about John of Rampayne effecting the escape of Audulf de Bracy.
- Athelstane of Coningsburgh
Referenced in the context of Saxon nobility and the term 'nidering'.
Key passages
“And so cruelty was disappointed of proffeit present, and shall be eternallie punished, unless he earnestly repent.”
Thus cruelty was denied immediate gain and will be punished forever unless the perpetrator sincerely repents.
From the historical account of the Cassilis family's cruelty.
“I will either make a shaft or bolt of it.”
I will make either a longbow arrow or a crossbow bolt from it.
Explaining the difference between arrows for longbows and crossbows.
“The severe accuracy of some critics has objected to the complexion of the slaves of Brian de Bois-Guilbert, as being totally out of costume and propriety.”
Some overly precise critics have complained that the dark skin of Brian de Bois-Guilbert's slaves is historically inappropriate.
Author defends the use of black slaves as plausible for Templars.
“The formation of the New Forest, bears evidence to his passion for hunting, where he reduced many a happy village to the condition of that one commemorated by my friend, Mr. William Stewart Rose.”
The creation of the New Forest shows William the Conqueror's love of hunting, as he destroyed many prosperous villages to expand it.
Commentary on the oppressive Norman Forest Laws.
