Ivanhoe was published in 1819, a year before Walter Scott would receive his title from King George IV. Ivanhoe was to be his most famous and intriguing that he wrote in his lifetime. It is a tale of adventure, romance, comedy, and chivalry in the days of knights in shining armor. The first passage of Ivanhoe gives the setting for the entire novel. "In that pleasant district of merry England which is watered by the river Don," is where all of the action takes place. The first chapter gives an account of the present state of affairs in England. After the defeat of the Saxons by William the Conqueror of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the Norman French soon took over England. They reduced the proud, native Saxons into their servants and slaves. The action opens with the introduction of two men, Wamba and Gurth. Wamba is a bondsman who lives by his wits, and Gurth is a simple swineherd. Together they are discussing the state of Norman-Saxon relations while Gurth's dog, Fangs, is rounding up the swine. As this carries on, a storm is approaching the two men. As they begin to leave for their master's estate, Wamba and Gurth hear horsemen approaching on the path. While returning, Wamba makes a point to take his time on the path home in order to find out who the horsemen are.
When the horsemen do catch up to the two men in slave collars, they are introduced to the reader as Brian de Bois-Guilbert, the Knight Templar, his companion Prior Aymer, and Abbot of Jorvaulx. They also have about them their attendants. They are seeking the home of Cedric the Saxon and Wamba purposely misdirects them so that they will not find it. As the horsemen carry on, Wamba and Gurth continue to the home of their master, Cedric the Saxon, in the other direction. As the horsemen continue their journey, they have a discussion about the beauty of Rowena, who is the ward of Cedric the Saxon. After some time they arrive at a sunken cross where two paths meet and find a Palmer gives them th