Cedric's swineherd, Gurth is the faithful servant of Ivanhoe. He is a tall lanky fellow wearing a brass collar, which denotes that he is a serf (to Cedric). He longs for nothing else but freedom.
In the story, he deserts his master and disguises himself in order to become Ivanhoe's squire at the tournament. He finally obtains his freedom after he helps orchestrate the attack on Castle Torqulstone to free his master, Cedric, and Ivanhoe. After this, Cedric frees him and Ivanhoe refers to him as his squire. He is quite skilled with the quarterstaff although he is reluctant to face opposition head on. Gurth should more likely be introduced along with Ivanhoe as his helper or assistant.