summary

Summary

The Talisman is a historical adventure novel by Walter Scott, set during the Third Crusade (12th century). The main character, Scottish knight Kenneth, serves King Richard the Lionheart of England. He receives a secret mission but becomes entangled in intrigues and betrayals related to the power struggle among the Crusaders. Along the way, he encounters a mysterious Arab physician who turns out to be Sultan Saladin. The talisman, possessing miraculous properties, becomes a symbol of loyalty, nobility, and wisdom. The novel is rich with adventures, palace conspiracies, duels, and themes of honor, and it also shows respect for the opponents—the Muslims—which was unusual for that time.