The Talisman (Scott novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1825 |
| Founder | Sir Walter Scott |
| Products | Historical fiction novel |
The Talisman is a novel by Sir Walter Scott, one of the Waverley novels. Released in 1825 as the second installment in his Tales of the Crusaders series, the narrative unfolds during the Third Crusade and centers on the dynamic between Richard I of England and Saladin.
Composition and sources
In April 1824, just before finalizing Redgauntlet, Scott devised a plan for a four-volume work containing two stories, one inspired by the Crusades. He commenced writing The Betrothed in June; however, progress was hindered following critique from James Ballantyne. Subsequently, Scott redirected his efforts toward The Talisman, with early chapters typeset by the end of that year. After returning to and completing The Betrothed by mid-March 1825, he quickly wrapped up The Talisman by early June.
Among the principal references for The Talisman were Barthélemy d'Herbelot's Bibliotheque orientale (1777–79), which provided insights into Saladin’s account of the Kurds; the Middle English romance Richard Coer de Lyon, which influenced the depiction of Leopold of Austria’s behavior; Charles Mills' History of the Crusades (1820), used for details about an assassination attempt on Richard; the Abbé de Vertot's History of the Knights of Malta (1728), which informed Saladin’s execution of Amaury; and Scottish Borders folklore surrounding the Lee Penny talisman. Scott’s complex characterization of Richard and Saladin draws heavily on historians such as David Hume, Edward Gibbon, and Mills.
Edward Said observed that Scott’s familiarity with "Oriental" themes was likely influenced by figures like Lord Byron and William Beckford.
Editions
The initial edition of The Talisman appeared within Tales of the Crusaders, published in Edinburgh by Archibald Constable and Co. on 22 June 1825, followed by a London release on 11 July. Priced at two guineas (£2 2s or £2.10), it was issued anonymously, consistent with all Waverley novels prior to 1827. In spring 1831, Scott revisited the novel to revise its content and add an introduction along with notes for the 'Magnum' edition, which was released as Volume 38 in July 1832.
The authoritative modern edition, edited by J. B. Ellis alongside J. H. Alexander, P. D. Garside, and David Hewitt, was published as Volume 18b in the Edinburgh Edition of the Waverley Novels series in 2009. This version is predominantly based on the first edition supplemented by manuscript corrections; materials from the 'Magnum' edition appear in Volume 25b (2012).
Plot summary
Amid a truce during the Third Crusade, Sir Kenneth travels with a Saracen Emir to visit Theodoric of Engaddi, a hermit residing in a cave, where Sir Kenneth obtains confidential information. Later at a chapel, he encounters Lady Edith, his former beloved.
Sir Kenneth proceeds to Ascalon, where King Richard Coeur de Lion is unwell. After recounting his chapel visit and receiving medicine, Richard awakens to find Archduke Leopold of Austria has planted his banner at the heart of the camp—an act Richard promptly removes but decides to consult his council following Philip of France's recommendation. Sir Kenneth is assigned to guard the English banner overnight but is distracted and consequently fails his duty; the banner is stolen and his dog wounded.
The camp physician informs Sir Kenneth that Sultan Saladin intends to wed Lady Edith. When Sir Kenneth alerts Richard to this matter, he is dismissed from court. Disguised as a Nubian slave, Sir Kenneth infiltrates Saladin’s court; Saladin later presents him as a gift to Richard. While undercover, Sir Kenneth prevents an assassination plot against the king and pledges to uncover who stole the banner.
During a Christian procession, Sir Kenneth’s dog attacks Marquis Conrade, exposing him as responsible for injuring it. Conrade denies involvement with the banner theft and challenges Richard to single combat; Richard appoints Sir Kenneth as his representative. Prior to the duel, it is revealed that the court physician is actually Saladin in disguise and that Saladin was also the Emir accompanying Sir Kenneth earlier.
Sir Kenneth triumphs in the duel; his real identity as Earl of Huntingdon and Prince Royal of Scotland is unveiled, making him eligible to wed Lady Edith. Acknowledging Saladin’s prowess and lack of Christian allies, King Richard concedes defeat and withdraws from the Crusade.
Characters
Key figures are highlighted in bold
- Sir Kenneth, who later becomes Earl of Huntingdon
- The Sultan Saladin, appearing incognito as Sheerkohf or Ilderim (an Emir) and also as Adonbec el Hakim (a physician)
- Theodoric of Engaddi, a recluse hermit
- Richard I, King of England
- Lady Edith Plantagenet, a relative of Richard
- Blondel, the royal minstrel
- Queen Berengaria, Richard’s spouse
- Lady Calista of Montgaillard, attendant to the Queen
- Necbatanus and Guenevra, two dwarves serving Lady Calista
- Sir Thomas de Vaux of Gisland
- The Archbishop of Tyre
- Giles Amaury, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar
- Conrade, Marquis of Monserrat
- Leopold, Archduke of Austria
- Philip II, King of France
- Earl Wallenrode, a warrior from Hungary
- A marabout or dervish figure
Chapter summary
Volume Three (from Tales of the Crusaders)
Ch. 1: Sir Kenneth encounters the Emir Sheerkohf (Saladin in disguise) near the Dead Sea; they agree on a personal truce.
Ch. 2: Kenneth and Sheerkohf arrive at an oasis known as the Diamond of the Desert, exchanging differing cultural perspectives on women.
Ch. 3: Sheerkohf shares his lineage descending from immortal Genii; they meet the hermit Engaddi and spend the night in his cell.
Ch. 4: In an elaborately adorned chapel, Kenneth receives a secret sign from Edith.
Ch. 5: After religious service, dwarves Nectanabus and Guenevra enter; Engaddi dismisses them and leaves with Kenneth.
Ch. 6: King Richard, suffering from fever, and Sir Thomas de Vaux discuss the Crusaders’ inactivity and leadership difficulties.
Ch. 7: Kenneth convinces De Vaux to allow Saladin’s disguised Moorish doctor, Adouban el Hakim, access to Richard.
Ch. 8: Richard consents to meet El Hakim; De Vaux and the Archbishop observe the physician’s expertise; the Archbishop is disturbed by Kenneth’s return.
Ch. 9: Kenneth explains to Richard that Engaddi was sought to aid peace efforts; Templar leaders Amaury and Conrade caution against trusting El Hakim, yet Richard drinks water prepared by the physician using a talisman.
Ch. 10: Amaury and Conrade conspire for Crusader retreat contrary to Richard’s wishes; Amaury suggests assassination; Conrade aims to create strife between Austria and England.
Ch. 11: Conrade incites Leopold of Austria to plant his banner beside Richard’s; Richard removes the Austrian flag and entrusts his own standard to Kenneth.
Ch. 12: Nectanabus delivers Edith’s ring as a summons and persuades Kenneth to abandon his post guarding the banner.
Ch. 13: Kenneth overhears royal ladies speaking about him; he finds Richard’s flag missing and his dog Roswal injured.
Volume Four
Ch. 1 (14): El Hakim cares for Roswal and informs Kenneth that Tyre intends to propose a peace treaty including Saladin’s marriage to Edith.
Ch. 2 (15): Kenneth accepts a death sentence for abandoning his post at the banner.
Ch. 3 (16): At Edith’s urging, Queen Berengaria pleads with Richard to spare Kenneth’s life.
Ch. 4 (17): Berengaria, Edith, and Engaddi secure a temporary reprieve for Kenneth’s execution.
Ch. 5 (18): El Hakim obtains a pardon that makes Kenneth his servant; Engaddi reveals a plan to deal with Leopold peacefully and confesses past sins to Richard.
Ch. 6 (19): Tyre presents the marriage proposal; Richard is open but chooses first to rally his allies successfully; Amaury suggests employing a fanatic Charegite assassin against Richard.
Ch. 7 (20): The royal ladies disclose the truth about Kenneth’s desertion to Richard, who pardons Queen Berengaria; Edith objects to Kenneth’s servitude; a mute Nubian slave named Zohauk [Kenneth in disguise] arrives with Saladin’s letter as a gift, followed by a dancing dervish assassin.
Ch. 8 (21): Zohauk prevents an assassination attempt on Richard; he promises in writing to reveal who stole the banner and deliver Saladin’s message to Edith.
Ch. 9 (22): [Retrograde] El Hakim and servant Kenneth escape from Templar pursuers.
Ch. 10 (23): El Hakim reveals his true identity as the Emir; arranges for Kenneth disguised as Zohauk to deliver Saladin’s message to Edith.
Ch. 11 (24): Roswal attacks Conrade, exposing him as the banner thief; a duel is arranged between Conrade and the royal champion.
Ch. 12 (25): Richard hints at selecting Kenneth as champion; sends him with Sir Henry Neville and Saladin’s letter to Edith; she recognizes him but rejects both him and the letter due to his silence.
Ch. 13 (26): Blondel performs 'The Bloody Vest' at Richard’s request; Edith declares her intention to refuse Saladin’s proposal.
Ch. 14 (27): Richard arrives at Diamond of the Desert for the duel; Saladin reveals himself as El Hakim after demonstrating swordsmanship; De Vaux signals readiness for Kenneth as champion; Edith shows no special interest in him.
Ch. 15 (28): Duel preparations continue; Amaury encourages Conrade; Kenneth defeats him; Richard reveals Kenneth as Earl of Huntingdon; Amaury kills Conrade to conceal treachery, then is killed by Saladin; Saladin declines combat with Richard out of ruler's duty; Huntingdon marries Edith with Saladin sending the talisman as a gift.
Reception
The majority of critics responded to The Talisman with high praise, considering it among the finest entries in the Waverley series. It was celebrated for its rich detail and vivid portrayal of characters. The narrative was expertly crafted, featuring distinct and compelling figures; particularly, Richard and Saladin were highlighted for their depth, while Edith and De Vaux also received commendation. However, a minority of reviewers criticized the novel for being excessively ornate and melodramatic.
Film and television
The Talisman served as the inspiration for the 1954 Cinemascope movie King Richard and the Crusaders. In 1980, the BBC produced a miniseries adaptation directed by Richard Bramall. Additionally, the 2005 historical drama Kingdom of Heaven, helmed by Sir Ridley Scott and starring Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, and Edward Norton, although set in an earlier period, incorporated aspects from The Talisman into its storyline.
Legacy
In September 1956, British Railways designated the non-stop 10 o’clock express train running from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley as The Talisman.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1825 British novels
- Novels by Walter Scott
- Novels set during the Crusades
- British novels adapted into films
- Fiction set in the 1190s
- Constable & Co. books
- Novels set in the 12th century
- Cultural depictions of Saladin
- Cultural depictions of Richard I of England
- Waverley Novels
- Works set in Ascalon