# Wamba — Ivanhoe character guide

> Wamba in Ivanhoe by Walter Scott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Wamba the Jester, the jester, the valiant Jester

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Snapshot

Cedric's jester, whose motley license lets him speak truths no Saxon lord dares utter and whose quick wit turns danger into escape.

## Who they are

Wamba's cap and bells are his passport through a world where a Saxon's plain speech can cost him his head. He jests at Norman arrogance and Saxon stubbornness alike, but his loyalty to Cedric and Ivanhoe is deadly serious. When the revel at Robin Hood's camp threatens to curdle into royal offense, it is Wamba who stops mid-jest and takes up sword and target, proving the fool's place at the heart of the story's peril.

## Relationships

### [Gurth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/gurth)

_friendship_

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

### [Gurth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/gurth)

_friendship_

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

### [Gurth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/characters/gurth)

_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)

The jester of Cedric, who uses wit to highlight the linguistic and social distinctions between Normans and Saxons.

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

The jester who cleverly misdirects the Norman travelers, showing his wit and loyalty to Cedric.

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

Wamba has gone out with Gurth, and Cedric fears he may have been carried off by Normans.

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

Jests with Cedric about the dog Fangs and interrupts the Templar with a quip about truces.

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

The jester who makes a witty remark about King Richard and the Crusade.

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

Jester; enters Gurth's cell and jokes about the Jew leaving with a gammon of bacon.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/vii)

Intervenes comically to prevent Isaac from sitting with the Saxons, causing Isaac to fall; receives gold coins from Prince John.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/viii)

Makes a jest at Athelstane's expense, earning a severe look from Cedric.

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

Assists Gurth by wiping his eyes and later comments on the omens.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xix)

Escapes capture after fighting bravely; meets Gurth and plans rescue.

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

Assists the friar in donning his green cassock and comments wryly on the allies.

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

Wamba co-authors the letter of defiance and volunteers to enter the castle disguised as a friar to gather information.

### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxvi)

Disguises himself as a friar to enter the castle and offers to take Cedric's place.

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

Wamba is discovered to be the jester impersonating Cedric, and he bravely faces Front-de-Boeuf's threats with wit and jest.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ivanhoe_se/chapters/xxxi)

Frees himself and Athelstane by shouting false alarms.

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

Serves as guide to the Black Knight; participates in the skirmish and provides comic relief.

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

Mentioned as part of the retinue that arrives at Coningsburgh Castle.

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

Wamba reports on the King's hasty departure with the Jew.

## Links

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