Accused of treachery, Ivanhoe returns from the Crusades to redeem his name, reclaim his inheritance and win the hand of Rowena, now betrothed to Saxon prince Athelstane.

Ivanhoe, back from the Crusades, vows to clear his name. Only his beloved Rowena and servant Gurth know of his return. Now the disgraced knight bares his soul to uphold Saxon honour agnst the Normans at the tournament.

Ivanhoe has triumphed at the tournament and is now recovering in the care of Rebecca, who makes no secret of her feelings for him. There is much planning over the hand of Rowena.