# Cedric the Saxon — Ivanhoe character guide > Cedric the Saxon in Ivanhoe by Walter Scott. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Cedric, Cedric of Rotherwood, Saxon, worthy Cedric, father Cedric **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [Ivanhoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/ivanhoe) Introduced as a proud Saxon thane, hosting a banquet and clashing with Norman guests. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as a Saxon lord who stands against Norman encroachment, though not physically present in the chapter. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the proud Saxon franklin whose hospitality is sought; his character is described as fierce and jealous. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/iii) Cedric reluctantly extends hospitality to Norman guests, muttering about their insolence and reflecting on his son's disobedience. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/iv) Hosts the banquet, speaks in Saxon, and shows impatience with Norman comparisons. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/v) Hosts the banquet, shows pride in Saxon heritage, and pledges his honor for Ivanhoe. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as a potential protector for Isaac, though Isaac doubts he will allow a Jew in his train. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/viii) Frustrated by the Norman victories, he urges Athelstane to take the field but is displeased by his indifference. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xii) Struck mute by the sudden appearance of his banished son; rushes forward to separate him from Rowena. ### [Chapter XIV: The Banquet at Ashby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xiv) Cedric boldly toasts King Richard, defying Prince John and asserting Saxon pride. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xviii) Frustrated by his failed plans for Rowena and Athelstane, he harshly treats Gurth and wounds his dog Fangs. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xix) Captured after fighting fiercely; disarmed by his own blow against a branch. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xx) Mentioned as a captive at Torquilstone, the target of the rescue. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxi) Imprisoned in Torquilstone, he laments the Norman conquest and Saxon decline, negotiates for freedom, and is separated from Rowena. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxiii) Cedric is referenced as a prisoner whose fate also depends on Rowena's decision, adding to her distress. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxv) Cedric is mentioned as a prisoner in the castle, whose rescue is the objective of the allies. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxvi) Imprisoned with Athelstane; initially refuses Wamba's offer but eventually escapes in disguise. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxix) Mentioned as Ivanhoe's father, whose safety Ivanhoe worries about. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxxi) Leads the assault, rescues Rowena, and searches for Athelstane. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxxii) Grieves the death of Athelstane and declines a share of the spoils, wishing only to return to Rotherwood. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xlii) Cedric forgives Ivanhoe but insists on Saxon traditions and mourning period for Rowena. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/endnotes) Implied in the discussion of Saxon terms and customs, such as 'cnicht' and Saxon drinks. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/cedric - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters