Rebecca Hood

Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe: A Romance," published in 1819, is a historical novel that marked a departure from his previous Scottish settings, instead focusing on medieval England. The book features vivid depictions of tournaments, outlaws, and societal divisions, significantly contributing to a renewed fascination with chivalric romance and the Middle Ages. Critically, figures like Thomas Carlyle and John Ruskin credited Scott with sparking this interest, with John Henry Newman noting that Scott "had first turned men's minds in the direction of the Middle Ages." The novel also shaped popular understanding of historical characters such as King Richard the Lionheart, Prince John, and Robin Hood.

Scott composed "Ivanhoe" while experiencing significant physical discomfort, dictating much of it to amanuenses before completing it himself. His research for the novel drew heavily on antiquarian works by Joseph Strutt for details on medieval manners and customs, and on historical texts by Robert Henry and Sharon Turner for a grounding in the period. Scott also incorporated elements from medieval romances and was influenced by Joseph Ritson's compilation of Robin Hood ballads. The novel was published anonymously in December 1819, with a substantial initial print run, and later underwent revisions by Scott.

"Ivanhoe" played a pivotal role in reviving popular interest in the medieval period and the ideals of chivalry. Its detailed portrayal of life in 11th-century England, including elaborate descriptions of tournaments, the lives of outlaws, and the societal conflicts between Saxons and Normans, as well as between Christians and Jews, captured the imagination of readers. Esteemed critics and thinkers of the time, such as Thomas Carlyle and John Ruskin, recognized the novel's power in reintroducing medieval themes into public consciousness. John Henry Newman famously attributed to Scott the credit for directing intellectual and cultural attention towards the Middle Ages. Beyond its general influence on medievalism, "Ivanhoe" also significantly shaped contemporary perceptions of key historical figures associated with the era, including King Richard the Lionheart, Prince John, and the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, solidifying their place in popular historical narratives.

The creation of "Ivanhoe" involved Walter Scott overcoming personal health challenges, as he dictated large portions of the manuscript due to severe stomach pains. His historical accuracy and atmospheric detail were meticulously researched. For descriptions of medieval English life, customs, and attire, Scott consulted the extensive works of antiquarian Joseph Strutt, including "Horda Angel-cynnan" and "Dress and Habits of the People of England." His understanding of the historical context was further bolstered by scholarly works such as Robert Henry's "The History of Great Britain" and Sharon Turner's "The History of the Anglo-Saxons." Scott also drew inspiration from medieval literary sources, notably the "Templar Rule" found in André Favine's "The Theatre of Honour and Knight-Hood," and fourteenth-century romances like "Richard Coeur de Lion." The character of Locksley and elements of the outlaw narrative were directly influenced by Joseph Ritson's collection of Robin Hood ballads.

Set in 1194, "Ivanhoe" centers on Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight disinherited for his loyalty to the Norman King Richard the Lionheart. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of returning Crusaders, with Richard believed to be held captive. The story highlights the tensions between the remaining Anglo-Saxon nobility and the dominant Norman ruling class. Key plot points include a grand tournament at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where a mysterious knight known as "Desdichado" (later revealed as Ivanhoe) triumphs, and a subsequent dramatic siege of Torquilstone Castle. The novel explores themes of loyalty, identity, religious and ethnic conflict (particularly between Christians and Jews), and the clash between past loyalties and present allegiances. The character of Rebecca, a Jewish woman with healing skills, is central to the plot's unfolding events, including her unjust trial for witchcraft.