Waverley · Chapter
XX: A Highland Feast explained
Edward Waverley attends a grand Highland feast at the hall of Ian nan Chaistel, hosted by Fergus MacIvor.
What happens
Edward Waverley attends a grand Highland feast at the hall of Ian nan Chaistel, hosted by Fergus MacIvor. The chapter depicts the hierarchical structure of the clan, the rustic hospitality, and the cultural traditions of the Highlanders, including a bardic performance by MacMurrough that stirs deep emotions. Fergus explains the clan's obligations and later invites Edward to retire to his sister Flora's tea-table for further conversation.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hierarchy
The feast's seating arrangement and distribution of food and drink reflect the strict social hierarchy within the clan.
Loyalty and Allegiance
The clan's devotion to Fergus is evident in the toasts and the emotional response to MacMurrough's song.
Identity and Belonging
Edward's presence as an outsider highlights the distinct cultural identity of the Highlanders.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Guest of honor at the feast, observes the clan's customs and bardic performance.
- Fergus MacIvor
The chieftain, hosts the feast and explains clan obligations to Edward.
- Flora MacIvor
Mentioned as the host of the tea-table to which Edward is invited after the feast.
- Baron of Bradwardine
Referenced as a neighbor and ally; a toast is proposed in his honor.
- MacMurrough
The family bard who chants Celtic verses and receives a silver cup from the chieftain.
- Old Ballenkeiroch
An elder who initially refuses to drink to the Baron's health due to a past feud.
Key passages
“These stout idle kinsmen of mine account my estate as held in trust for their support; and I must find them beef and ale, while the rogues will do nothing for themselves but practise the broadsword, or wander about the hills, shooting, fishing, hunting, drinking, and making love to the lasses of the strath.”
Fergus explains that his clansmen view his estate as belonging to them collectively, so he is obliged to provide for them, even though they contribute little beyond martial training and leisure.
Fergus describes the reciprocal obligations of a Highland chief to his clan.
“The flash of the gun cost me a fair-haired son, and the glance of the sword has done but little for King James.”
Ballenkeiroch laments that his son was killed by the Baron of Bradwardine's gunfire, while the Jacobite cause has brought him no benefit.
This reveals a personal grievance rooted in the Jacobite conflicts.
“Give this to MacMurrough nan Fonn, and when he has drank the juice, bid him keep, for the sake of Vich Ian Vohr, the shell of the gourd which contained it.”
Fergus instructs an attendant to give the bard a silver cup of wine and let him keep the cup as a gift from the chieftain.
Fergus rewards MacMurrough for his poetic performance, reinforcing the bard's status.