Ivanhoe is a historical romance by Sir Walter Scott and the story is set in England during the Middle Ages, during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart. The story follows the adventures of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight who returns to England after fighting in the Crusades. Ivanhoe is disinherited by his father, Cedric, for falling in love with Rowena, a Saxon noblewoman who is betrothed to another man. Ivanhoe travels in disguise to the Ashby-de-la-Zouch tournament, where he wins the prize and accepts it from Rowena. Ivanhoe is later captured by the Normans and imprisoned, but he is rescued by Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Ivanhoe eventually clears his name and marries Rowena. The novel is a blend of history and fiction, and it has been praised for its vivid depiction of medieval England. Ivanhoe is also notable for its sympathetic portrayal of the Saxons, who were often depicted as villains in other works of fiction.