Aivengo is a historical novel describing medieval England. Events take place in the 12th century. At that time, Richard the Great ruled England, known as the Lionheart, and in the country the struggle between the Normans and the Saxons was sharpened. The author of the named novel is the founder of historical novels Walter Scott.
Aivengo: Summary
This novel is dedicated to the distant past. Therefore, the summary of “Ivanhoe” should begin with a description of the historical circumstances in which the characters of the novel fall. England is going through a difficult time. King Richard the First is in captivity. At this time, his brother, Prince John, intends to seize the throne.
The noble Saxon Cedric of Rotherwood wants to lose Norman rule and restore the power of his people. In his opinion, Atelstan of Koningsburg should become the head of the future liberation movement. Cedric decides to marry him to Lady Rowena, his pupil, who is the last representative of the family of King Alfred. But Lady Rowena is attached to Cedric's son, Aivengo. The summary describes that because of this, an angry Cedric drives his son out of the house and deprives him of his inheritance.
The plot of the novel begins with the fact that Aivengo secretly in the guise of a pilgrim returns from the crusade. Soon he was overtaken by the detachment of Briand de Boisguillebert, the commander of the templars, heading for the knightly tournament. The specified tournament takes place in the presence of Prince John. Brian de Boisguillebert confidently defeats many knights. But suddenly a new knight appears in the arena, whose shield is decorated with the motto "Deprived of Inheritance." He challenges the Templar to a duel and wins. As a winner, he chooses the queen of love and beauty, which becomes Rowena. On the second day, the knight "Deprived of Inheritance" wins already with the help of the mysterious Black Knight. As a reward, Rowena must lay a crown of honor on the head of the first knight . When they take off his helmet, he falls, bleeding. In an unfamiliar knight everyone recognizes Aivengo. The summary narrates that Prince John takes this as a sign that Richard the First received freedom. Therefore, he begins to look for supporters, promising them great rewards. For example, he offers Maurice de Brasi his wife a rich and noble bride to Lady Rowena, whom the named knight decides to abduct.
Soon Cedric and his companions (among them was the wounded Ivanhoe) were attacked by a detachment of robbers, led by Boisguillebert and de Brasi. The captives are taken to a fortified castle, where de Bracy is trying to win the favor of Lady Rowena, but she responds with a decisive refusal. At this time, the castle was besieged by the Black Knight, who had already helped Ivanhoe. The summary describes how he captivates de Brasi and saves Aivengo. But during the siege of the castle, Athelstan, the bridegroom of Lady Rowena, dies.
At the end of Aivengo's novel (a brief summary of which misses a lot of details), readers will learn that the Black Knight is none other than King Richard the First. Having taken his rightful place on the throne, he forgives Prince John. Cedric, in turn, agrees to the wedding of Aivengo and Lady Rowena.