Chapter XLIV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Justice and Redemption

  Rebecca is vindicated through the trial by combat, and the conspirators face punishment, though Prince John is pardoned.

• Power and Tyranny

  King Richard asserts his authority over the Templars and the conspirators, while his wilful carelessness and clemency show the complexities of royal power.

• Antisemitism and Prejudice

  Rebecca's trial and the prejudice against her as a Jewess are central, and her father Isaac fears extortion due to their Jewish identity.

• Norman-Saxon Conflict

  Cedric's dream of a Saxon dynasty ends with Richard's return and the refusal of Rowena and Athelstane to marry, marking the decline of Saxon political hopes.

Characters to notice

• Wilfred of Ivanhoe

  Victor in the trial by combat, he spares Bois-Guilbert's weapons and corpse, and speaks with King Richard and the Earl of Essex.

• Rebecca

  Freed by Ivanhoe's victory, she is embraced by her father Isaac but insists on leaving immediately without speaking to Ivanhoe.

• Isaac of York

  Overjoyed at Rebecca's release, he urges her to thank Ivanhoe but is persuaded to flee due to fear of King Richard's financial demands.

• King Richard the Lionheart

  Arrives at the lists, arrests Malvoisin, confronts the Grand Master, and pardons Prince John while allowing the Templars to depart.

• Brian de Bois-Guilbert

  Dies during the combat, struck down by Heaven; his body is left to Ivanhoe's will.

• Cedric the Saxon

  Summoned to Richard's court at York, he reluctantly accepts the failure of his Saxon restoration plans due to Rowena and Athelstane's refusal to marry.

• Lady Rowena

  Expresses repugnance to marrying Athelstane, contributing to Cedric's abandonment of the Saxon union plan.

• Athelstane of Coningsburgh

  Declares his resolution never to pursue Rowena, and engages in a conflict with the clergy over the Abbot of Saint Edmund's.

Key passages

• “I will not despoil him of his weapons, nor condemn his corpse to shame⁠—he hath fought for Christendom⁠—God's arm, no human hand, hath this day struck him down.”

  I will not take his weapons or dishonor his body; he fought for Christendom, and God, not a human, struck him down today.

  Ivanhoe shows mercy and religious reverence for his fallen opponent.

• “I am too late, I had doomed Bois-Guilbert for mine own property.⁠—Ivanhoe, was this well, to take on thee such a venture, and thou scarce able to keep thy saddle?”

  I am too late; I intended to deal with Bois-Guilbert myself. Ivanhoe, was it wise to take on this challenge when you could barely stay on your horse?

  King Richard expresses disappointment at being preempted and concern for Ivanhoe's health.

• “Let us go, my dear daughter, my recovered treasure⁠—let us go to throw ourselves at the feet of the good youth.”

  Let us go, my dear daughter, my recovered treasure—let us go and thank the good young man.

  Isaac urges Rebecca to express gratitude to Ivanhoe.

• “Not so, O no⁠—no⁠—no⁠—I must not at this moment dare to speak to him⁠—Alas! I should say more than⁠—No, my father, let us instantly leave this evil place.”

  No, I must not speak to him now—I might say too much. Father, let us leave this evil place immediately.

  Rebecca refuses to see Ivanhoe, fearing her emotions will overwhelm her.

• “Thou seest, brother, I have some angry men with me⁠—thou wert best go to our mother, carry her my duteous affection, and abide with her until men's minds are pacified.”

  You see, brother, I have some angry men with me; you should go to our mother, give her my love, and stay with her until people calm down.

  King Richard gently sends Prince John away to avoid conflict.