Ivanhoe · Character

Cedric the Saxon

A proud Saxon thane who has disinherited his own son and pinned his hopes for England's restoration on a pliable prince, sacrificing family to a dream of native rule.

major

Also known as Cedric, Cedric of Rotherwood, Saxon, worthy Cedric, father Cedric

First appearance: Chapter I

As a major figure in Ivanhoe, Cedric the Saxon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a proud Saxon thane, hosting a banquet and clashing with Norman guests.

In the storyIvanhoeOpen this moment free

See Cedric the Saxon in Ivanhoe Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Cedric of Rotherwood is a Saxon nobleman whose fierce loyalty to his conquered people drives him to scheme for their political revival under Athelstane's leadership. He has banished his son Ivanhoe for loving the Norman-influenced Rowena and for serving King Richard, revealing how his political obsessions override his paternal love. His household, his alliances, and his stubborn pride make him a fulcrum for the novel's tensions between Saxon grievance and Norman power.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Cedric the Saxon sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Cedric the Saxon in Chapter I

Character Web

45 connections

A slice of how Cedric the Saxon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Central characters and antagonists

+40 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Rebecca defies her father’s religious scrupl…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Cedric the Saxon appears across 26 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Ivanhoe
Introduced as a proud Saxon thane, hosting a banquet and clashing with Norman guests.
Chapter I
Mentioned as a Saxon lord who stands against Norman encroachment, though not physically present in the chapter.
Chapter II
Mentioned as the proud Saxon franklin whose hospitality is sought; his character is described as fierce and jealous.
Chapter III
Cedric reluctantly extends hospitality to Norman guests, muttering about their insolence and reflecting on his son's disobedience.
Chapter IV
Hosts the banquet, speaks in Saxon, and shows impatience with Norman comparisons.
Chapter V
Hosts the banquet, shows pride in Saxon heritage, and pledges his honor for Ivanhoe.
Chapter VI
Mentioned as a potential protector for Isaac, though Isaac doubts he will allow a Jew in his train.
VII
Defends Athelstane and the Saxon honor by cutting De Bracy's lance; opposes Prince John's command to seat Isaac among the Saxons.
VIII
Frustrated by the Norman victories, he urges Athelstane to take the field but is displeased by his indifference.
IX
Overjoyed at the Templar's defeat and the discomfiture of Front-de-Boeuf and Malvoisin, he watches the victor with great enthusiasm.
Chapter XII
Struck mute by the sudden appearance of his banished son; rushes forward to separate him from Rowena.
Chapter XIV: The Banquet at Ashby
Cedric boldly toasts King Richard, defying Prince John and asserting Saxon pride.
Chapter XVIII
Frustrated by his failed plans for Rowena and Athelstane, he harshly treats Gurth and wounds his dog Fangs.
XIX
Captured after fighting fiercely; disarmed by his own blow against a branch.
Chapter XX
Mentioned as a captive at Torquilstone, the target of the rescue.
Chapter XXI
Imprisoned in Torquilstone, he laments the Norman conquest and Saxon decline, negotiates for freedom, and is separated from Rowena.
XXIII
Cedric is referenced as a prisoner whose fate also depends on Rowena's decision, adding to her distress.
XXV
Cedric is mentioned as a prisoner in the castle, whose rescue is the objective of the allies.
XXVI
Imprisoned with Athelstane; initially refuses Wamba's offer but eventually escapes in disguise.
Chapter XXVII
Cedric has escaped the castle disguised as a monk, but is later confronted by Urfried who recognizes him as the son of Hereward of Rotherwood.
XXIX
Mentioned as Ivanhoe's father, whose safety Ivanhoe worries about.
XXXI
Leads the assault, rescues Rowena, and searches for Athelstane.
XXXII
Grieves the death of Athelstane and declines a share of the spoils, wishing only to return to Rotherwood.
XLII
Cedric forgives Ivanhoe but insists on Saxon traditions and mourning period for Rowena.
Chapter XLIV
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.
Endnotes
Implied in the discussion of Saxon terms and customs, such as 'cnicht' and Saxon drinks.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Cedric the Saxon unlock in the free preview.

See Cedric the Saxon in Chapter I

See Cedric the Saxon in Ivanhoe