# Gurth — Ivanhoe character guide

> Gurth in Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Gurth the swineherd, poor Gurth, Friend Gurth

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Snapshot

Cedric's Saxon swineherd, collared like a dog yet loyal to the bone, who trades his herd's safety for a chance to serve a knight in the field.

## Who they are

Gurth wears the metal collar of a thrall, but his Saxon pride runs deeper than his servitude to Cedric. When Ivanhoe needs a squire, Gurth buckles on gilded spurs and rides out of the convent gate, half servant and half soldier. His plain courage and quiet resentment of Norman rule give the novel its ground-level view of conquest's daily humiliations.

## Relationships

### [Wamba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/wamba)

_friendship_

Gurth and Wamba are close companions, sharing loyalty to Cedric and a bond of mutual aid and humor.

### [Wamba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/wamba)

_friendship_

Gurth and Wamba are close companions, sharing loyalty to Cedric and a bond of mutual aid and humor.

### [Wamba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/wamba)

_friendship_

Gurth and Wamba are close companions, sharing loyalty to Cedric and a bond of mutual aid and humor.

## In the story

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/i)

A Saxon swineherd, loyal to Cedric, who laments the Norman oppression and the loss of Saxon freedoms.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/ii)

The swineherd who resists the Normans' demands and shows defiance, though ultimately cautious.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/iii)

Gurth is mentioned as being late returning from the fields, causing Cedric to worry about his herd and suspect Norman interference.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/iv)

Returns late with the herd, is scolded by Cedric, and explains the dog Fangs' lameness.

### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/vi)

Swineherd at Rotherwood; initially refuses to let the Palmer and Jew leave secretly, but complies after a whispered word.

### [The Disinherited Knight's Generosity and Isaac's Lament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/x)

Disguised as a Norman squire, he serves Ivanhoe and is sent to pay Isaac, but hesitates to deal with the Jew.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xi)

Gurth is captured by outlaws while carrying his master's treasure. He defends his master's honor, reveals his dealings with Isaac, and wins his freedom through a quarterstaff duel.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xviii)

Bound and mistreated by Cedric, he resolves to leave his service after his dog Fangs is attacked.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xx)

Expresses his willingness to accept any aid, even from the devil, to free Cedric and Rowena.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxv)

Gurth co-authors the letter of defiance and expresses determination to rescue Cedric.

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xl)

Now calls himself Ivanhoe's squire; accompanies Ivanhoe as he follows the Black Knight into the forest.

### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xli)

Attends Ivanhoe on the Knight's own warhorse, accompanying him to the forest meeting.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xlii)

Gurth is called by Ivanhoe to bring his armor before Ivanhoe's sudden departure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/gurth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters