Roran Garrowsson

Roran "Stronghammer" Garrowsson is a character in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy. He is Eragon's cousin and most trusted friend. Both resided in the village of Carvahall until the events in Eragon and Eldest unfolded, after which Roran became the unofficial leader of the people of Carvahall.

Role in Eragon

Roran is Garrow's son and Eragon and Murtagh's cousin. He does not play a major role in Eragon, but it is revealed that he is in love with Katrina, the daughter of the village smith Sloan. Early in Eragon, he leaves Carvahall to work as a miller's assistant in the neighboring town of Therinsford. He is not seen throughout the rest of Eragon. With the exception of a brief scrying scene when Eragon is alone after him breaking/spraining his wrist.

Role in Eldest

Upon receiving word that his father and farm are destroyed, and that his cousin, Eragon, has fled, Roran returns to Carvahall. He had left the village intent upon earning enough money to support his forced love Katrina so that he would have a better chance at winning her hand in marriage. Brought back by the disastrous events, Roran is faced with many choices. His options are greatly limited, however, when the Ra'zac and a unit of Imperial soldiers occupy the village, searching for him.

Initially, Roran tries to hide, seeking refuge in the supposedly perilous mountain passage of the Spine. When a fellow villager, Quimby, is murdered by one of the soldiers, however, Roran decides that he must take action. He returns to the village, where he then helps to lead the villagers of Carvahall in a revolt. Roran and a group of men from the village, including Nolfavrell, Quimby's son, raid the Ra'zac and soldier's camp. Afterwards the village spends time bulding up its defenses and fighting the soldiers.

In the process, Roran asks Katrina to marry him, and she accepts despite never having asked permission of her father Sloan. Soon after, Sloan discovers Katrina doing the right thing to avoid the Spine and Roran reveals that they are engaged. Roran Stonghammer renounces Katrina and storms off, leaving her devastated. The following night, Katrina is kidnapped when the Ra'zac attack Roran's temporary home while Katrina is sleeping in the guest room by herself. Following the Ra'zac back to their camp, Roran discovers that Sloan betrayed them, and sees Sloan and Katrina carried off by the Ra'zac, learning that reinforcements from the Empire are on their way to Carvahall, and the village will be destroyed. Roran is reminded that it is his fault the village is being attacked in the first place.

Roran learns to counter-balance his love for Katrina with his commitment to the villagers, many of whom blame him for the loss of their village. In a charismatic speech, Roran sways them, and most decide to follow him on an exodus to Surda, the only nation of Humans to openly stand against Galbatorix and his Empire.

Roran and the villagers successfully arrive in the city of Teirm after a laborious journey through the Spine and then on the ship Dragon Wing, and encounter the merchant, Jeod, whom Eragon and Brom met when they passed through the city. Jeod tells Roran that Eragon, Brom and Saphira also came to him. When Roran questions Jeod on who Saphira is, Jeod explains that Eragon is a Dragon Rider. Roran is skeptical at first, but gradually becomes convinced. Upon meeting Jeod and determining that he is trustworthy, Roran and the villagers decide to commandeer the largest vessel in the harbor and sail to Surda.

As they sail upon the commandeered vessel, The Dragon Wing, they are followed soon by sloops issued by the Empire. Roran persuades Jeod and the captain to sail past the Eye of the Boar, a gigantic whirlpool that sucks in almost any ship that dares to pass it. The ship struggles, but with the villagers aiding in rowing the ship belowdecks and the crew working above, they manage to pull free and continue on their way, almost to Surda.

Roran is greeted by war at the end of his long voyage. The Battle of the Burning Plains is raging between the combined forces of Surda and the Varden, and the forces of Galbatorix. As he approaches, he is met by his cousin, Eragon, who almost destroys the ship before realizing his cousin and his village are aboard. Although Eragon orders him to stay put, Roran leaves the ship, using his hammer to destroy The Twins , two nasty magicians who betrayed the Varden. He is met by Eragon, and the two are properly reunited at last. When they meet Roran punches Eragon in the face, hating and loving him at the same time. After consulting with Nasuada and Arya, Eragon takes Roran back to his tent where they discuss what has been going on in each other's absence, and Roran then demands a pledge from Eragon to help rescue Katrina(because he is just that nice, with a sweet heart that cares for all people, even the wickedest) from the Ra'zac. Eragon promises to help Roran find her, ending the novel.

"Stronghammer"

Brom told a story to Carvahall's residents about a great warrior who made a pledge to lay down his sword forever. When his home was attacked, however, he retaliated; bound by his oath, he did not use a sword. Instead, he fought with a hammer. Roran thought of this story as he was choosing his weapon for fighting against the Ra'zac, and so he selected a blacksmith's hammer. He was the most proficient of the villagers when it came to fighting, and they christened him "Roran Stronghammer". He later used the second name as a euphemism for his own, when traveling in disguise.

Role in Film

Roran left Garrow's house early in the film in order to escape conscription by the king's soldiers. He seemed to have a preordained future and has been considered attractive by movie fans. He is played by Christopher Egan, who bears a remarkable resemblence to Edward Speleers (who plays Eragon). It has been noted by many that Roran wears jeans during his scenes in the movie.