Ivanhoe · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
The Black Knight and the hermit are interrupted by Locksley, who reveals the capture of Cedric, Rowena, and Athelstane by Norman knights at Torquilstone.
What happens
The Black Knight and the hermit are interrupted by Locksley, who reveals the capture of Cedric, Rowena, and Athelstane by Norman knights at Torquilstone. The hermit sheds his religious garb for a yeoman's attire, and Locksley recruits the knight for a rescue mission against Front-de-Boeuf.
Themes in this chapter
Norman-Saxon Conflict
The capture of Cedric and his party by Norman knights underscores the ongoing oppression of Saxons.
Power and Tyranny
Front-de-Boeuf's seizure of travelers exemplifies the tyranny of the Norman barons.
Chivalry and Honor
The Black Knight's vow to aid the rescue reflects the ideals of knightly duty.
Characters to notice
- King Richard the Lionheart
Disguised as the Black Knight, he agrees to aid in the rescue of Cedric and his party.
- Locksley
Leads the band of outlaws and recruits the Black Knight for the assault on Torquilstone.
- Friar Tuck
The hermit transforms into a yeoman, arming himself for the upcoming battle.
- Wamba
Assists the friar in donning his green cassock and comments wryly on the allies.
- Gurth
Expresses his willingness to accept any aid, even from the devil, to free Cedric and Rowena.
- Cedric the Saxon
Mentioned as a captive at Torquilstone, the target of the rescue.
Key passages
“All men have their enemies, good Sir Sluggard; and there be those malignant enough to construe the hospitable refreshment which I have been offering to you, a weary traveller, for the matter of three short hours, into sheer drunkenness and debauchery, vices alike alien to my profession and my disposition.”
Everyone has enemies who might twist my hospitality into drunkenness, which is foreign to my calling.
The hermit defends his drinking with the knight against potential accusations.
“I am bound by my vow to do so; but I would willingly know who you are, who request my assistance in their behalf?”
My oath requires me to help, but I'd like to know who you are first.
The Black Knight agrees to help but seeks Locksley's identity.
“I am a nameless man; but I am the friend of my country, and of my country's friends—With this account of me you must for the present remain satisfied, the more especially since you yourself desire to continue unknown.”
I have no name, but I am a patriot; accept that, as you also wish to stay anonymous.
Locksley explains his anonymity to the knight.