Ivanhoe · Chapter
XIII explained
Prince John receives a dire warning that his brother Richard has been freed, prompting him to cut short the tournament and hold an archery contest.
What happens
Prince John receives a dire warning that his brother Richard has been freed, prompting him to cut short the tournament and hold an archery contest. He plots to marry Rowena to De Bracy, while Locksley (Robin Hood) challenges the archers and wins the prize.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
Prince John abuses his authority to plot revenge, arrange marriages for political gain, and threaten the yeoman Locksley.
Norman-Saxon Conflict
Prince John and his Norman nobles scheme to marry Rowena to a Norman and treat Saxons with contempt, highlighting the ethnic tension.
Love and Loyalty
Rowena's dignified grief for Ivanhoe contrasts with the political machinations of the Norman court.
Characters to notice
- Prince John
Receives a billet warning that Richard is free; plots revenge and pleasure; orders the archery contest and schemes to wed Rowena to De Bracy.
- Maurice de Bracy
Agrees to marry Rowena for lands; advises on handling the commons; is shown the warning billet.
- Waldemar Fitzurse
Advises Prince John to draw the party together and hold the archery contest; reports Ivanhoe's severe wound and Rowena's dignified grief.
- Wilfred of Ivanhoe
Revealed as the Disinherited Knight; severely wounded and removed from the lists; Prince John orders his physician to attend him.
- Lady Rowena
Mourns Ivanhoe with dignity; Prince John plans to marry her to De Bracy.
- Locksley
Challenged by Prince John to shoot; wins the archery contest after a bold wager.
- Hubert
Forester in Malvoisin's service; initially wins the archery round but is beaten by Locksley.
- Prior Aymer
Praises Rowena as a Saxon heiress; assents to Prince John's right to grant fiefs.
Key passages
“Take heed to yourself for the Devil is unchained!”
Be careful, because your brother Richard has been freed from captivity.
The billet warns Prince John that King Richard is no longer imprisoned.
“If the lands are to my liking, my lord, it will be hard to displease me with a bride; and deeply will I hold myself bound to your highness for a good deed, which will fulfil all promises made in favour of your servant and vassal.”
As long as the estates are attractive, I'll be happy with any wife, and I'll be very grateful to you for keeping your promises to me.
De Bracy agrees to marry Rowena for her lands, showing the mercenary nature of Norman politics.
“This may be a false alarm, or a forged letter.”
This could be a hoax or a fake message.
De Bracy tries to downplay the warning about Richard's release.
“Were this my last hour of power, it should be an hour sacred to revenge and to pleasure—let new cares come with tomorrow's new day.”
Even if this is my final moment in power, I will devote it to getting even and enjoying myself; I'll worry about new problems tomorrow.
Prince John prioritizes revenge and pleasure despite the threat of Richard's return.
