Ivanhoe · Chapter
VIII explained
The tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouche continues with the Norman challengers dominating.
What happens
The tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouche continues with the Norman challengers dominating. Cedric the Saxon grows frustrated with Athelstane's indifference. Prince John proposes naming Rebecca as Queen of Love and Beauty to provoke the Saxons, but is dissuaded by his advisors. A mysterious knight known as the Disinherited Knight appears and challenges Brian de Bois-Guilbert by striking his shield with the sharp end of his lance.
Themes in this chapter
Norman-Saxon Conflict
Cedric's frustration at Norman victories and Prince John's insulting proposal to name Rebecca highlight the ethnic and political tensions.
Chivalry and Honor
The tournament's elaborate rules, the challenge by the Disinherited Knight, and the role of the Queen of Love and Beauty emphasize chivalric ideals.
Power and Tyranny
Prince John's arbitrary and provocative behavior, and his being checked by Waldemar Fitzurse, illustrate the dynamics of power and manipulation.
Characters to notice
- Cedric the Saxon
Frustrated by the Norman victories, he urges Athelstane to take the field but is displeased by his indifference.
- Athelstane of Coningsburgh
Declines to joust today, preferring to wait for the melee, which Cedric sees as a lack of patriotic spirit.
- Wamba
Makes a jest at Athelstane's expense, earning a severe look from Cedric.
- Prince John
Proposes naming Rebecca as Queen of Love and Beauty to insult the Saxons, but is overruled by his advisors.
- Brian de Bois-Guilbert
The Templar is the leading challenger; his shield is struck by the Disinherited Knight.
- Wilfred of Ivanhoe
Enters the lists as the mysterious Disinherited Knight, challenging Bois-Guilbert.
- Maurice de Bracy
Advises Prince John against naming Rebecca, suggesting the conqueror should choose the Queen.
- Waldemar Fitzurse
Warns Prince John that naming Rebecca would ruin his political projects.
Key passages
“The day is against England, my lord, are you not tempted to take the lance?”
Cedric urges Athelstane to fight for England's honor.
Cedric's patriotic appeal to Athelstane.
“I shall tilt tomorrow, in the melee; it is not worth while for me to arm myself today.”
Athelstane declines to joust today, preferring the general combat tomorrow.
Athelstane's lazy response.
“It was better, though scarce easier, to be the best man among a hundred, than the best man of two.”
Wamba jests that it is better to be the best among many than the best of only two.
Wamba's witty remark.
“By my halidom, we have forgotten, Sir Prior, to name the fair Sovereign of Love and of Beauty, by whose white hand the palm is to be distributed. For my part, I am liberal in my ideas, and I care not if I give my vote for the black-eyed Rebecca.”
Prince John suggests naming Rebecca as the Queen of Love and Beauty to provoke the Saxons.
Prince John's provocative proposal.
“This passes a jest, my lord; no knight here will lay lance in rest if such an insult is attempted.”
De Bracy warns that the knights will refuse to fight if Rebecca is named.
De Bracy's objection.
“I entertained you, sir, for my follower, but not for my counsellor.”
Prince John rebukes Waldemar for offering advice.
John's haughty response.
