LOCHINVAR SUMMARY

Stanza – 1
“O young Lochinvar………………………..the young Lochinvar”.
The poem starts with the introduction of Lochinvar who is a courageous knight
and undeterred romantic. His coming from the west is a metaphor which
resembles him for being like Sun. He came all through the wide border in the
west riding unarmed on his horse. He carried no weapons other than his sword
throughout this special journey. He is so faithful to the girl he loves and fearless
at the same time. In every war he fought for the country, he is known for being
gallant and dauntless and there has never been a knight so brave like Lochinvar

Stanza – 2
“He staid not…………………………………. Ellen of brave Lochinvar.”
The second stanza of the poem ‘Lochinvar’ tells that Lochinvar is so valiant that
no obstacle could stop him from reaching the desired goal. Throughout the
journey, he didn’t stay back for anything and didn’t stop for any hardship that
prevented him to reach his goal. He swam across the deep Eske River bravely
and without any fear. However, before the young Lochinvar reached the
Netherby gate and alighted himself on the horse, the Ellen had already agreed
to marry another man who is not worthy of her beauty and grace.

Stanza – 3
“So boldly he……………………………………..young, Lord Lochinvar?”
Lochinvar entered the Netherby Hall so boldly in the presence of the bride’s
men and kinsmen, her brothers and all her relatives. The poor bridegroom didn’t
utter a single word and the bride’s father who was not pleased with Lochinvar’s
arrival stood up, with his hand gripping his sword and asked him whether he
came here in peace or with an intention of war, or to dance at their bridal.

Stanza – 4
“I long woo’d……………………………………the young Lochinvar.”
Lochinvar was equally defiant and bold in his reply and said that he long wooed
Ellen but his rightful suit was denied. A love which was not encouraged would
soon die and he had now come to have a dance and drink a cup of wine at the
marriage feast. He also added there are many suitable maidens in Scotland who
are more beautiful and desirable than Ellen who would gladly be his bride.

Stanza – 5
“The bride kiss’d………………………………….said young Lochinvar.”
Ellen kissed the goblet and offered this glass of wine to Lochinvar. He accepted
it, drank the wine quickly. He threw the glass in anger and was annoyed by the
fact that Ellen betrayed his love and married another man. However, he offered
her a final dance together. Ellen was filled with emotions and she had a smile on
her lips and kept blushing. These emotions were clearly signifying the
upwelling affections for Lochinvar. Lochinvar took one dance with Ellen after
she blessed his wine.

Stanza – 6
“So stately his form……………………………cousin with young Lochinvar.”
Both Ellen and Lochinvar danced together and Lochinvar’s stature and strength
complemented Ellen’s poise and grace so well that the whole hall was sparkled
with their starry presence. When Ellen was dancing with him, her mother
fretted, her father fumed at the sight and the bridegroom stood there dangling
but they could not do anything to drive a wedge between the reunited lovers.
The bridesmaid were entranced by the perfect match and there were soft cries of
admiration as they feel that the young, daring Lochinvar was a better match for
Ellen.

Stanza – 7
“One touch to……………………………..quoth young Lochinvar.”
Lochinvar touched Ellen’s hand softly and spoke a word in her ear. It feels as if
she was hypnotized by his love and they both walked steadily, reached the door
of the hall, encountered the charger who stood there and reached for
Lochinvar’s horse. Lochinvar flung Ellen on the horse and rose to take the reins
in his hands and loudly announced that he had won back his love. He rode as
hard as he could over the bank of river, bushes and mountains to get away from
the chasing pack of Ellen’s kinsmen.

Stanza – 8
“There was mounting………………………….gallant like young Lochinvar?”
The associates of the Netherby clan including Forsters, Fenwicks and
Musgraves mounted their horses and rode as fast as they could to arrest the
fleeting couple but the couple was never seen again in the region. A man so
daring in love and so dauntless in war and there is truly no one who could match
him in terms of heroism, romanticism and gallantry.