Oak Tree Symbol in Ivanhoe

The oak tree in Ivanhoe symbolizes strength, resilience, freedom, and Englishness. Oppressed Saxons, including both the servants Wamba and Gurth and freemen like Locksley, the Cleric of Copmanhurst, and their compatriots, gather under or near oaks. Their connection to ancient druid practices links them to the deep prehistory of England, too. Ivanhoe hints at his English—and specifically Saxon—identity when in disguise as the Disinherited Knight, whose shield features an uprooted oak tree. The uprooted tree specifically suggests Cedric’s unfair act of disinheriting and disowning his son. It also points towards the political divisions and tensions the book dramatizes between the native (Saxon) English population and the Norman (French) ruling class that conquered the island in the late 11th century. Through Templeton’s dedicatory letter and frequent asides, the book anticipates the glorious future of the English people who will one day arise from the union of Normans and Saxons. The oak forms part of his project by linking the past to the present. By invoking it as a symbol of English identity, Ivanhoe continually reminds its original English readers of their rich history, and—importantly—of the ways their ancestors’ lives can show them how to live upright lives in the present and overcome strife and division wherever it rears its head.

Oak Tree Quotes in Ivanhoe

The Ivanhoe quotes below all refer to the symbol of Oak Tree. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Both the Saxon chiefs were made prisoners at the same moment, and each under circumstances expressive of his character. Cedric, the instant that an enemy appeared, launched at him his remaining javelin, which, taking better effect than that which he had hurled at Fangs, nailed the man against an oak-tree that happened to be close behind him. Thus far successful, Cedric spurred his horse against a second, drawing his sword at the same time, and striking with such inconsiderate fury, that his weapon encountered a thick branch which hung over him, and he was disarmed by the violence of his own blow. He was instantly made prisoner, and pulled from his horse by two or three of the banditti who crowded around him. Athelstane shared his captivity, his bridle having been sized, and he himself forcibly dismounted, long before he could draw his weapon, or assume any posture of effectual defense.

Related Characters: Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert, Cedric, Athelstane of Coningsburgh, Maurice de Bracy, Rowena

Related Symbols: Oak Tree

Page Number and Citation: 162

Explanation and Analysis:

Oak Tree Symbol Timeline in Ivanhoe

The timeline below shows where the symbol Oak Tree appears in Ivanhoe. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Returning to the tale, two men, both clearly Saxons, occupy an ancient oak grove in the forest at sunset. The older of the two, Gurth, has a “stern,... (full context)

...unable to control his “unreasonable passions,” he now faces his old age like a solitary oak standing alone against a tempest. The sound of a horn at the gate interrupts Cedric’s... (full context)

The Palmer and Isaac reach an oak tree that marks the extent of the Norman nobles’ properties and points out the road... (full context)

...grounds at Ashby lie in a lush, green valley (a natural amphitheater) ringed by ancient oak trees. At one end sit the pavilions of the five challenger knights. The central tent... (full context)

Then, a single knight, of medium build and bearing a shield decorated with an uprooted oak tree and the Spanish word “Desdichado,” or “disinherited” on it, rides into the arena. The... (full context)

...but he loses his way and stumbles into a lane overhung by a gnarled old oak tree. A band of robbers seizes him and drags him into a forest clearing. Gurth... (full context)

...attack. Cedric reacts quickly, but rashly, and although he pins his first attacker to an oak tree, he overswings his sword against a second and gets it—and himself—stuck in an oak... (full context)

...hours of walking, Locksley, Gurth, and Wamba reach a wide clearing graced by an enormous oak tree. The yeomen resting under it snap to attention at the sound of approaching footsteps,... (full context)

Underneath a venerable oak tree near the castle, hundreds of yeomen and Saxons with improvised weapons gather to storm... (full context)

Locksley’s band of thieves gathers at another of their great oak meeting-trees to divvy up the riches they stole from the burning castle. Locksley sits as... (full context)

...mortally wounds Richard’s horse. Wamba sounds the bugle as Richard braces his back to an oak tree to face his attackers. The knight in blue prepares to charge, intent on pinning... (full context)

Under the shade of a large oak tree, the woodsmen-outlaws share a hearty meal with King Richard, their awe for their rightful... (full context)

Ivanhoe

Walter Scott

Oak Tree Symbol Analysis

Oak Tree Quotes in Ivanhoe

Oak Tree Symbol Timeline in Ivanhoe