In the book Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott Gurth is a character that while not the main focus of the story overcomes many struggles and conquests on his journey from a slave to a free man. In the beginning he is a swine herder to Cedric the Saxon. He has many friends and just as many enemies. Some of the things he does effect the story dramatically. He stays loyal to his nobles even when all hope is lost, or his feelings hurt. In the end he earns the freedom he deserves for his loyalty and kindness.

Gurth has many enemies simply because he is a Saxon and a slave, but he has one true friend, Wamba. His master Cedric is both hard and cruel and compassionate to Gurth. In the very beginning Gurth's dog Fangs is hurt. Normans rip his four claws out. The Normans hate Saxon...