# XVII explained — Ivanhoe

> Chapter companion for Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

## What happens

The knight and the hermit engage in a night of song and revelry at the hermitage. The hermit criticizes Norman influence on Saxon music and sings a song praising the carefree life of a barefooted friar. The knight performs a ballad about a crusader's return, and their merriment is interrupted by a loud knocking at the door.

## Themes in this chapter

### Norman-Saxon Conflict

The hermit criticizes Saxon adoption of Norman musical styles, reflecting ongoing cultural tensions.

### Chivalry and Honor

The knight's crusader ballad celebrates knightly deeds and the pursuit of fame through love and battle.

## Character check-ins

### King Richard the Lionheart

The knight guest at the hermitage, revealed through his skill in song and his crusader ballad.

### Friar Tuck

The anchorite hermit who hosts the knight, singing and drinking in his cell.

### Allan-a-Dale

Mentioned by the hermit as the northern minstrel who damaged the harp after drinking.

## Key lines

> I think my Saxon countrymen had herded long enough with the Normans, to fall into the tone of their melancholy ditties.

The hermit believes the Saxons have spent too much time with Normans and adopted their sad songs.

_Reflects the Norman-Saxon cultural conflict._

> For to gather life's roses, unscathed by the briar, Is granted alone to the Barefooted Friar.

Only the barefooted friar can enjoy life's pleasures without getting hurt.

_Celebrates the perceived freedom of the monastic life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters