Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Prior Aymer and the Templar Brian de Bois-Guilbert seek lodging at Cedric the Saxon's estate.
What happens
Prior Aymer and the Templar Brian de Bois-Guilbert seek lodging at Cedric the Saxon's estate. They encounter the jester Wamba and the swineherd Gurth, who are reluctant to guide them due to the Normans' arrogance. After a tense exchange, Wamba misdirects them, and they later meet a stranger who agrees to guide them to Rotherwood. The Templar and Prior discuss Cedric's pride, his ward Rowena's beauty, and the tensions between Normans and Saxons.
Themes in this chapter
Norman-Saxon Conflict
The chapter vividly portrays the animosity between Normans and Saxons through the interactions of Wamba, Gurth, and the Norman travelers, as well as the discussion of Cedric's pride.
Power and Tyranny
The Templar's demand for hospitality as a right, rather than a request, exemplifies the abuse of power by the Norman conquerors.
Love and Loyalty
Wamba and Gurth's loyalty to Cedric is shown through their reluctance to assist the Normans, while the Prior and Templar's wager over Rowena's beauty introduces themes of romantic interest.
Characters to notice
- Wamba
The jester who cleverly misdirects the Norman travelers, showing his wit and loyalty to Cedric.
- Gurth
The swineherd who resists the Normans' demands and shows defiance, though ultimately cautious.
- Prior Aymer
The Benedictine prior who seeks hospitality and discusses Rowena's beauty with the Templar.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
The Templar knight who displays arrogance and a warlike demeanor, contrasting with the Prior's diplomacy.
- Cedric the Saxon
Mentioned as the proud Saxon franklin whose hospitality is sought; his character is described as fierce and jealous.
- Lady Rowena
Discussed as Cedric's ward, noted for her beauty and high lineage, and the subject of the Prior and Templar's wager.
Key passages
“if there be in this neighbourhood any good man, who, for the love of God, and devotion to Mother Church, will give two of her humblest servants, with their train, a night’s hospitality and refreshment?”
Prior Aymer asks if there is a pious man nearby who would offer lodging to two humble church servants and their party.
The Prior's request is polite in words but delivered with an air of self-importance.
“I know not, said Gurth, sullenly, if I should show the way to my master’s house, to those who demand as a right, the shelter which most are fain to ask as a favour.”
Gurth hesitates to guide those who demand lodging as a right rather than requesting it as a favor.
Gurth's defiance reflects Saxon resentment toward Norman arrogance.
“Cedric the Saxon, if offended—and he is noway slack in taking offence—is a man who, without respect to your knighthood, my high office, or the sanctity of either, would clear his house of us, and send us to lodge with the larks, though the hour were midnight.”
Prior Aymer warns that Cedric, if angered, would not hesitate to throw them out regardless of their status.
This highlights Cedric's fierce independence and disregard for Norman authority.