Eldest

“Fighting Durza and the dark spirits that controlled him had transformed Eragon, although for better or for worse he was still unsure. He felt fragile, as if a sudden shock would shatter his reconstructed body and consciousness.”

This passage establishes Eragon’s physical and emotional state at the very beginning of the novel, and the emphasis upon his “fragile” mindset and constitution foreshadows his upcoming struggles with The Emotional Impact of Injury and Disability. This scene therefore introduces the emotional stakes that he must overcome before he can take on the mantle of an epic hero.

“‘Listen to me, Eragon… I have one last command for you.’ Eragon leaned closer to catch the dying man’s words. ‘You must promise me something: promise that you… won’t let the Varden fall into chaos. They are the only hope for resisting the Empire… They must be kept strong. You must promise me.’”

Ajihad’s last words establish the primary conflicts of the novel and set Eragon on a firm course of action as he is tasked with ensuring peace among the Varden. This moment therefore adds to his existing responsibilities and strips away one of his more valuable allies, forcing him to face the threats of the world with one less support at his side. This aspect of the story emphasizes Paolini’s focus on traditional tropes of the coming-of-age narrative, for Eragon must now rely upon his own judgment to help his remaining allies lead their forces against the despotic Galbatorix.

“‘Perhaps…’ he hesitated, ‘perhaps I am something else—a mixture of two races. Saphira lives inside me as much as I live in her. We share feelings, senses, thoughts, even to the point where we are more one mind than two.’”

In this quote, Eragon reflects on his changing abilities and the intertwined complexities of his mental communion with his dragon. Indeed, Eragon’s emotional growth throughout the series is characterized by the evolution of his bond with Saphira, and as Eldest unfolds, their growing connection reveals Eragon’s increasing sense of empathy, self-acceptance, and trust.

“‘Mmm… she’s doomed! You’re doomed! They’re all doomed!’ She cackled, doubling over, then straightened abruptly. ‘Notice I didn’t specify what kind of doom, so no matter what happens, I predicted it. How very wise of me.’ She lifted the basket again, setting it on one hip. ‘I suppose I won’t see you for a while, so farewell, best of luck, avoid roasted cabbage, don’t eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life!’ And with a cheery wink, she strolled off, leaving Eragon blinking and nonplussed.”

This passage illustrates Angela’s role as an ambivalent, whimsical character who brings both comic relief and unconventional wisdom to the narrative. She is depicted as a parody of the wise magician figures who often mentor the protagonist of the archetypal Hero’s Journey. When she exclaims that the Varden are “doomed,” for instance, Angela’s words are reminiscent of the prophecies that are often used to frame the central conflicts in works of high fantasy. However, she also pokes fun at that trope and turns it into a joke when she uses equal intensity to advise Eragon, “[A]void roasted cabbage, don’t eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life!”

“He and Arya crossed over the threshold, but Eragon held back, suddenly uncertain. While he did not fear the dark, neither did he welcome being surrounded by eternal night until they arrived at Tarnag. And once he entered the barren tunnel, he would again be hurling himself into the unknown, abandoning the few things he had grown accustomed to among the Varden in exchange for an uncertain destiny.

What is it? asked Saphira.

Nothing.

He took a breath, then strode forward, allowing the mountain to swallow him in its depths.”

As Eragon, Saphira, Arya, and Orik leave Tronjheim at the beginning of the story, Eragon’s moment of hesitation at the edge of the tunnel draws attention to this setting as a liminal space that marks the transition between who he was and who he is destined to become. Eragon’s reluctance to step into the tunnel symbolizes his deeper spiritual hesitation as he faces the inevitability of embarking upon new adventures.

“Fear now joined Roran’s revulsion—fear of the supernatural. He saw it echoed on Baldor’s face as the young man clasped his hands. For all the stories of Galbatorix’s misdeeds, it was still a shock to have the king’s evil roosted among their homes. A sense of history settled on Roran as he realized he was involved with forces he had previously been acquainted with only through songs and stories. ‘Something should be done,’ he muttered.”

This passage illustrates a crucial shift in Roran’s character as he confronts his new reality and decides to take a more active role in his own fate. Now faced with immediate supernatural dangers, Roran decides that “something should be done,” and this sentiment reveals his innate sense of justice and morality, paving the way for his later decision to resist Galbatorix and become a leader on a much broader battleground.

“Drawn forward by his fascination, Eragon studied the face of his namesake. I always imagined him older. The elf had angled eyes that peered down a hooked nose and narrow chin, giving him a fierce appearance. It was an alien face, completely different from his own… and yet the set of his shoulders, high and tense, reminded Eragon of how he had felt upon finding Saphira’s egg. We’re not so different, you and I, he thought, touching the cool enamel. And once my ears match yours, we shall truly be brothers through time… I wonder, would you approve of my actions? He knew they had made at least one identical choice; they had both kept the egg.”

This moment illustrates the parallels between history and present life as Eragon studies a historical mural depicting the first Rider named Eragon. This strategic juxtaposition allows Paolini to emphasize the cyclical nature of history and draw implicit conclusions about the importance of cultural legacy and the human dimensions of large-scale conflicts.

“He saw a tortured sky, black and crimson with smoke. Crows and eagles swirled high above flights of arrows that arched from one side to another of a great battle. A man sprawled in the clotted mud with a dented helm and bloody mail—his face concealed behind an upthrown arm.

An armored hand entered Eragon’s view. The gauntlet was so near it blotted out half the world with polished steel. Like an inexorable machine, the thumb and last three fingers curled into a fist, leaving the trunk of the index finger to point at the downed man with all the authority of fate itself.”

This passage depicts Eragon’s prophetic vision, the significance of which only becomes apparent in the novel’s climactic plot twist, when Murtagh is revealed to be alive and working for Galbatorix. In works of fantasy, visions and prophecies are often used as a tool in to introduce suspense and tension by hinting at the narrative’s dramatic conclusion. This version, like many others, relies upon misdirection and red herrings to increase the narrative tension, given that Eragon cannot yet discern the true meaning of his vision.

“Desperate and enraged, [Roran] seized the edge of the Ra’zac’s hood and wrenched it back, exposing its features.

A hideous, tortured face screamed at him. The skin was shiny black, like a beetle carapace. The head was bald. Each lidless eye was the size of his fist and gleamed like an orb of polished hematite; no iris or pupil existed. In place of a nose, mouth, and chin, a thick beak hooked to a sharp point that clacked over a barbed purple tongue.”

This passage represents the first detailed glimpse that any character gets of the dreaded Ra’zac, as Paolini has strategically limited his previous descriptions to sparse details of their appearance and demeanor. This approach has allowed him to intensify the ominous mystique surrounding this particular foe. Now, in a sharp contrast to that tactic, he delivers a distinctly visceral description that emphasizes the alien nature of the Ra’zac’s physical form, revealing the full extent of their capabilities.

“Roran knew that mere reason could not persuade anyone to leave; it would require messianic zeal to stir people’s emotions, to make them feel in the depths of their hearts the need to relinquish the trappings of their identities and lives. Nor would it be enough to simply instill fear—for he knew that fear often made those in peril fight harder. Rather, he had to instill a sense of purpose and destiny, to make the villagers believe, as he did, that joining the Varden and resisting Galbatorix’s tyranny was the noblest action in the world.

It required passion that could not be intimidated by hardship, deterred by suffering, or quenched by death.”

The resolute tone of this passage reflects Roran’s inner transformation as he considers the broader spread of his world’s politics and makes a conscious choice to enter the fray. Having decided to actively resist Galbatorix’s men, Roran engages in a firm, logical thought process that reveals his keen understanding of the villagers’ needs. However, his thoughts also suggest that he understands The Importance of Empathy and will take his place as an effective, natural leader of his people.

“‘Those whom we love are often the most alien to us.’ The elf paused. ‘She is very young, as are you. It took Glaedr and me decades before we fully understood each other. A Rider’s bond with his dragon is like any relationship—that is, a work in progress.’”

In this quote, Oromis comforts Eragon after the young Rider’s argument with Saphira. The Elf’s words illustrate the novel’s focus upon the evolution of Eragon’s interpersonal relationship with Saphira, and his wisdom almost characterizes the bond as a version of marriage, for he stresses the importance of actively developing new types of synergy rather than assuming that the connection between dragon and Rider will require no tending. Specifically, Oromis emphasizes the growth that Eragon and Saphira still have to experience together, and it is clear that the two have yet to reach their full maturity.

“It was difficult for him to accept the transformation of his flesh. Even though he had known it would occur—and occasionally welcomed the prospect as the last confirmation that he was a Rider—the reality of it filled him with confusion. He resented the fact that he had no say in how his body was being altered, yet at the same time he was curious where the process would take him. Also, he was aware that he was still in the midst of his own, human adolescence, and its attendant realm of mysteries and difficulties.

When will I finally know who and what I am?”

One of the defining characteristics of Eragon’s arc in Eldest is his relationship to his own body, especially as he experiences significant forms of growth, both physically and emotionally. Eragon’s transformation into a Rider, particularly after the magical intervention of the Agaetí Blödhren, also becomes a metaphor for the changes that he undergoes as an adolescent human. In turn, this process impacts his self-image, his sense of identity, and his emotional journey.

“After Angela told his fortune in Teirm, Solenbaum had come up to him and said, When the time comes and you need a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree. Then, when all seems lost and your power is insufficient, go to the rock of Kuthian and speak your name to open the Vault of Souls. Eragon could not imagine what kind of weapon might be buried under the tree, nor how he would go about finding it.”

This quote reiterates the prophetic instructions given to Eragon in the first book in the series, reinforcing the importance of the Menoa Tree as a cultural and spiritual landmark throughout the broader series. The prophecy also serves the pragmatic purpose of building narrative tension as Eragon gradually uncovers its meaning over the course of the series. This process thus reinforces the role of fate, which always becomes a factor in the archetypal structure of the Hero’s Journey.

“History provides us with numerous examples of people who were convinced that they were doing the right thing and committed terrible crimes because of it. Keep in mind, Eragon, that no one thinks of himself as a villain, and few make decisions they think are wrong. A person may dislike his choice, but he will stand by it because, even in the worst circumstances, he believes that it was the best option available to him at the time.”

This passage ties into the theme of The Complexities of Power and Morality and highlights the cyclical nature of history. Oromis emphasizes The Importance of Empathy as a motivator but also suggests that critical thinking is just as important a tool in making sure that one’s decisions are moral and ethical. Indeed, the narrative argues against the adherence to a clear-cut, simplistic ethical system and instead argues for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to the narrative’s inevitable moral dilemmas.

“‘Eragon, what kind of opinion would you form of humans if all you knew of them were the actions of your warriors on the field of battle?’

‘That’s not…’ He took a deep breath. ‘It’s different. Urgals deserve to be wiped out, every last one of them.’

‘Even their females and children? The ones who haven’t harmed you and likely never will? The innocents? Would you kill them and condemn an entire race to the void?’

‘They wouldn’t spare us, given the chance.’

‘Eragon!’ exclaimed Oromis in biting tones. ‘I never want to hear you use that excuse again, that because someone else has done—or would do—something means that you should too. It’s lazy, repugnant, and indicative of an inferior mind. Am I clear?’”

By using unequivocal, scolding language to bring his erring young protégé to task, Oromis demonstrates The Importance of Empathy and condemns Eragon’s unthinking prejudices, employing logic to point out the flaws in the young Rider’s beliefs. At this point in the novel, Eragon ironically holds a level of prejudice that he condemns when he witnesses evidence of it in others. This passage illustrates Eragon’s human fallibility as well as his willingness to grow and learn from his mistakes. The scene also foreshadows his later acceptance of Nasuada’s alliance with the Urgals.

“Neither elf; man; dwarf; dragon; furred, finned, or feathered beast; reptile; insect; nor any other category of animal. […] They reproduce by laying eggs, like dragons. When they hatch, the young—or pupae—grow black exoskeletons that mimic the human form. It’s a grotesque imitation, but convincing enough to let the Ra’zac approach their victims without undo [sic] alarm. All areas where humans are weak, the Ra’zac are strong. They can see on a cloudy night, track a scent like a bloodhound, jump higher, and move faster. However, bright light pains them and they have a morbid fear of deep water, for they cannot swim. Their greatest weapon is their evil breath, which fogs the minds of humans—incapacitating many—though it is less potent on dwarves, and elves are immune altogether.”

This passage provides further information about the Ra’zac after they are briefly described when Roran sees them for the first time. Oromis adds more context about the creatures, prompting Eragon to reflect on the necessity of knowing his enemy. This passage underlines the narrative’s message that knowledge and critical thinking are just as important as mere physical or magical abilities.

“It’s clear that you see her in a romantic light, yet—while I have no doubt Arya is fond of you—a union between the two of you is impossible due to your own youth, culture, race, and responsibilities. Your interest has placed Arya in an uncomfortable position.”

This quote summarizes the practical realities that stand in the way of a potential romance between Eragon and Arya, revealing Eragon’s ambitions in this area to be short-sighted and selfish at best. By bringing the broader political issues to the boy’s attention, the mentor simultaneously acknowledges Eragon’s unrequited feelings and explains their impossibility. However, in keeping with the common tropes of high fantasy, it is suggested that future installments of the series may allow Eragon to contrive a way past these obstacles.

“Should we give in to our impulses to hurt or kill any who anger us, to take whatever we want from those who are weaker, and, in general, to disregard the feelings of others? We are made imperfect and must guard against our flaws lest they destroy us. He gestured at the rabbits. As Oromis said, why should we cause unnecessary suffering?”

This quote ties into the theme of The Importance of Empathy. A significant step in Eragon’s personal journey can be seen in his decision to stop eating meat, thereby emulating the Elves’ vegetarian practices. This choice symbolizes Eragon’s rejection of violence and exploitation on a fundamental level. Because his role as a hero and a warrior will force him to take lives in order to ensure peace and safety, he chooses to balance this inevitability by embracing vegetarianism as a moral stance.

“Not only was the savage blight he had elected to keep gone, but every other scar and blemish had vanished from his body, leaving him as unmarked as a newborn babe. Eragon traced a line upon his wrist where he had cut himself while sharpening Garrow’s scythe. No evidence of the wound remained. The blotchy scars on the insides of his thighs, remnants from his first flight with Saphira, had also disappeared. For a moment, he missed them as a record of his life, but his regret was short-lived as he realized that the damage from every injury he had ever suffered, no matter how small, had been repaired.

I have become what I was meant to be, he thought, and took a deep breath of the intoxicating air.”

“Not only was the savage blight he had elected to keep gone, but every other scar and blemish had vanished from his body, leaving him as unmarked as a newborn babe. Eragon traced a line upon his wrist where he had cut himself while sharpening Garrow’s scythe. No evidence of the wound remained. The blotchy scars on the insides of his thighs, remnants from his first flight with Saphira, had also disappeared. For a moment, he missed them as a record of his life, but his regret was short-lived as he realized that the damage from every injury he had ever suffered, no matter how small, had been repaired.

I have become what I was meant to be, he thought, and took a deep breath of the intoxicating air.”

“‘What is the cost of magic, Eragon?’

‘Energy. A spell costs the same amount of energy as it would to complete the task through mundane means.’”

In this conversation between Eragon and Oromis, Paolini explicitly relates one of the fundamental rules of magic that govern his fictional universe. This rule impacts the use of magic throughout the series and significantly influences Eragon’s actions. Indeed, he is often depicted as being exhausted in the aftermath of a difficult spell, or else he strategically chooses to save his energy instead. By placing constraints upon the use of magic, Paolini ensures that magical solutions will not become a deus ex machina to every narrative conflict, and he also uses this aspect of his world-building to explore his characters’ fallibility and limitations.

“Roran watched with horrified fascination the play that unfolded around him. The essential plot element, the crux upon which the outcome depended, was time. Though they were late, was the Dragon Wing, with its oars and sails combined, fast enough to traverse the Eye? And could the sloops—which had deployed their own oars now—narrow the gap between them and the Dragon Wing enough to ensure their own survival? He could not tell.”

This passage, which is characteristic of Paolini’s narrative style, takes on an almost cinematic dimension. The third-person narration depicts the Dragon Wing’s maneuver as a “play,” using terms like “plot element” to increase the narrative tension and accelerate the sense of inevitable action. In addition, the speaker’s rhetorical questions are designed to articulate the suspense and uncertainty of this dangerous moment, seeking to obscure the fact that Roran’s status as a point-of-view character essentially serves as “plot armor” and guarantees his survival.

[Saphira:] “It takes courage to admit you were wrong.

[Eragon:] “Only if you are afraid of looking foolish, and I would have looked far more foolish if I persisted with an erroneous belief.”

This passage exemplifies Eragon’s emotional growth as he gradually learns to embrace The Importance of Empathy and overcome the influence of his own ingrained prejudices. After recognizing his unfair bias against the Urgals, Eragon changes his mind and offers them his sincere apologies. His new trajectory illustrates the narrative’s message about the importance of working to overcome bias and seek solutions that transcend oppression on a social and an individual level.

“‘You and I, we are the same, Eragon. Mirror images of one another. You can’t deny it.’

‘You’re wrong,’ growled Eragon, struggling against the spell. ‘We’re nothing alike. I don’t have a scar on my back anymore.’

Murtagh recoiled as if he had been stung, his face going hard and cold. He lifted Zar’roc and held it upright before his chest. ‘So be it. I take my inheritance from you, brother. Farewell.’”

As the novel reaches its dramatic climax, this plot twist reveals Murtagh’s identity as Eragon’s brother. Murtagh argues that he and Eragon are “mirror images” due to their duality as brothers and enemies. By characterizing the two as foils, Paolini sets up a tense, hostile dynamic whose nuances can only be pursued in the next installment of the series. In addition, Murtagh’s act of claiming his “inheritance” from Eragon reiterates the importance of personal and cultural legacy as a characterization tool and sets up new themes and emotional stakes that will be developed in the next book.