List of The Inheritance Cycle characters

This is a list of characters in The Inheritance Cycle, a fantasy series by Christopher Paolini.

Major Characters

Eragon

Main article: Eragon (character)

Arya

Arya (titled 'Arya Dröttningu' to indicate her position as a princess) is a female elf, and the daughter of Queen Islanzadí. Arya is described as having black hair, pointed ears and slanted green eyes. She is tall, taller than most men, and has light-honey colored skin. She is beautiful and possesses the unique speed, strength, and grace of an elf. She wears clothing similar to a typical human man, such as leggings instead of dress. She is a master swordswoman and skilled at using magic. Eragon has expressed his deep romantic feelings for her on many occasions, but because of the broad age gap between them, she has rejected him.

Arya's family was one of the several royal houses in Ellesméra, which possibly dated back to Queen Tarmunora and had been in power for many years. Tarmunora was succeeded by Dellanir, Arya's grandmother, implying either that Dellanir was Tarmunora's kinswoman or that she had passed the position to another royal house, as was permitted among her people. Dellanir ruled for centuries before voluntarily abdicating in favor of her son, Evandar. Evandar then became king and sired Arya by Islanzadí, whose ancestry is unknown.

It is unclear how many family members Arya has or had apart from her mother and Evandar; however, Arya has stated that she has no brothers or sisters. The only other member of her family mentioned, and that only in passing, was one Niduen, whose relation to Arya is unknown.

History

After many years in her mother's household, Arya was banned from Islanzadí's presence when she chose to devote herself fully to the cause of the Varden. She was appointed the courier of the one dragon egg Brom and Jeod had managed to recover from Galbatorix's clutches, and spent 15 years transporting Saphira's egg back and forth from Farthen Dûr to Du Weldenvarden, in the hopes that eventually a new Dragon Rider would be found. Altogether, she spent about 70 years with the Varden, and is still considered a partial member. Arya is also an ambassador for the Varden and because of that has a tattoo of a yawë that matches the one on Brom's ring, Aren, which now belongs to Eragon.

Galbatorix learned of this arrangement and sent the Shade Durza to ambush Arya and recapture the egg. The Shade managed to accomplish the former, but failed the latter when Arya teleported the egg into the wilds of the Spine, where it was found by Eragon. Arya was then imprisoned in Gil'ead, where she underwent severe torture, including brandings, whippings, and beatings, for refusing to reveal any information about the Varden or the elves. In order to prevent her escape she was given a magic-suppressing drug, as well as a dose of a lethal poison called 'Skilna Bragh' that would kill her if she did not receive a daily antidote.

While imprisoned, Arya's mind subconsciously reached out for something familiar, and, having become accustomed to Saphira's egg, touched Eragon's mind while he was asleep. This caused Eragon to have visions of her in his sleep, which enabled him later to scry her. Eragon is then imprisoned in the same dungeon as Arya, and he later saves her during his own rescue. In later books, it is suggested that Eragon's own ability of clairvoyance abetted his contact with Arya in his sleep.

Although she was healed by Eragon when he discovered her injuries, Arya remained in a self-induced comatose state in order to slow the effects of the poison within her. Mentally communicating with Eragon, she informed him that unless they could reach the Varden, who had the antidote, 'Tunivor's Nectar', she would die within days.

They managed to reach the Varden in time to save her, and she was healed sufficiently to fight when Farthen Dûr came under attack from Urgals and Kull (a species of Urgal). During the battle, she helped Eragon kill Durza while also saving his life by distracting Durza when she broke through the huge star sapphire, Isidar Mithrim (meaning 'star rose'). However, her action earned her the animosity of the dwarves.

After the battle and the havoc wrought by the death of Ajihad, former leader of the Varden, she accompanied Eragon to Ellesméra, where she was reconciled with her estranged mother. After the Blood-Oath Celebration (Agaeti Blodhren in the Ancient Language), she returned to the Varden and aided them in preparing for attack by Galbatorix's forces. She later fought at the Battle of The Burning Plains alongside the Varden. After Eragon's attack on Helgrind, Arya joins him and they return to the Varden.

In Brisingr, it is shown that her feelings for Eragon have definitely blossomed. She tells him things she has told few or no others. After Eragon tells Arya that his masters, Oromis and Glaedr have died and a newly created Shade was dead, Arya cries in Eragon's arms. It was also implied that Arya might have had a romantic connection to her slain guard, Faolin, who was killed by Durza.

Other

• Arya was portrayed by Sienna Guillory in the film version of Eragon with an appearance that differs from her description in the books.
• The word "Arya" itself is a Sanskrit and Avestan word that means "noble".

Brom

Brom was a former Dragon Rider, Eragon's mentor, and later found out to be father of Eragon, founder and first leader of the revolutionary group called the Varden. He is also one of the series' main characters in the first book through his role as Eragon's mentor. During his years as a Dragon Rider, he held a close friendship with and admired Morzan, who later became the leader of the Forsworn. During the battle of Doru Araeba, Brom's dragon, Saphira (Not to be confused with the character Saphira who is partnered to Eragon), was killed. On the verge of insanity and thirsty for revenge, Brom blamed Morzan, and decided to kill Morzan and the rest of the Forsworn. Brom went on to become responsible for the deaths of eight of the Forsworn, killing Morzan and two others himself and engineered the deaths of five others.

In an effort to overthrow Galbatorix and Morzan, Brom helped steal one of the three remaining dragon eggs from Galbatorix's castle. In the battle that followed, Brom killed Morzan (who was by this time the last of the Forsworn) and his dragon and took his sword Zar'roc. Brom later passed Zar'roc to Eragon. The elf smith commented on Brom's sword in Brisingr: "Undbitr is not the answer to your need. Brom lost his sword during the fall of the Riders. If it does not reside in Galbatorix's collection, then it may have been destroyed or it may be buried in the earth somewhere... Even if it could be found, you could not retrieve it before you meet your enemies..." (Rhunon, Brisingr pg. 650)

In Eragon he is killed by the Ra'zac, and buried in a tomb of diamond through the magic of Eragon's dragon, Saphira. Eragon place runes onto the tomb stating that he viewed Brom as a father figure. Throughout the second book of the series, Eldest, he remains somewhat of an enigma and Eragon retains a strong interest and allegiance to his memory.

In Eldest, it is revealed that Brom was born in the city of Kuasta. His mother was named Nelda and his father Holcomb. As a result of Kuasta's isolation, Brom was originally accustomed to many peculiar customs and superstitions(such as knocking on door frames before entering a room). When Brom was new to Ilirea, the city where he was trained as a Rider, he would knock on the door frame three times before entering or leaving a room. He soon abandoned many of his more peculiar customs to fit in because he was made fun of.

Before his death, Brom gave Eragon his blessing and told Eragon seven words in the ancient language and their meaning, but told Eragon to "use them only in great need". The actual text and meaning of his words are yet to be revealed.

Galbatorix

Main article: Galbatorix

Murtagh

Murtagh is the son of Morzan and Selena, and half-brother of Eragon. He is a fiercely loyal man and an accomplished swordsman. He wields Zar'roc, which he took from Eragon, a yew bow, and a dagger. He posseses a white horn with silver fittings and a horse named Tornac, named after his old mentor who was killed while helping Murtagh escape from Uru'baen. In Eragon, Murtagh saves Eragon and Saphira from the Ra'zac and accompanies the titular character to the Varden. Upon his arrival at Farthen Dûr Murtagh is treated with hostility due to his relation to Morzan. However he is set free, and aids the Varden in their battle against Galbatorix's army of Urgals. At the end of the novel, Murtagh disappears when tracking a group of Urgals after the battle of Farthen Dûr. In Eldest, Murtagh is forced to touch the red dragon egg. The dragon hatches for him, bonding with him through the gedwey ignasia. The dragon is named Thorn. Thorn and Murtagh are forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix through unbreakable oaths in the ancient language. He fights Eragon at the battle of Burning Plains and defeats Eragon. He does not slay Eragon, but takes Zar'roc from him, claiming it as his own due to the fact that he is Morzan's eldest son. In Brisingr, Murtagh fights Eragon in Surda, but this time Murtagh is defeated and forced to flee. It is revealed that Murtagh uses Eldunari lent to him by Galbatorix to increase his strength. Through Glaedr's Eldunari, Eragon sees Murtagh fight Oromis. During this fight, Galbatorix possesses Murtagh and slays Oromis.

Other

• Murtagh was portrayed in the movie by Garrett Hedlund.
• The name "Murtagh" means 'Skilled in seacraft' or 'protect the sea'.

Ajihad

Ajihad was the father of Nasuada and leader of the Varden in Eragon. Ajihad simply showed up one day with baby Nasuada in his arms. Ajihad had fought the shade Durza and managed to scratch the shade's sword. He was able to tell from Murtagh's voice that he was related to Morzan. He called Morzan "another man, one more beast than human". In Eldest, right before Ajihad died he told Eragon to make certain that the Varden would not fall into chaos. Ajihad's successor was his daughter, Nasuada, who declared Eragon her successor in case of her death. In book three, it was revealed that Ajihad and his daughter are both members of the nomad tribes of Alagaesia.

Nasuada

Nasuada was the daughter of Ajihad, leader of the Varden. The dwarf Orik told Eragon that her mother's identity was a secret known to no-one, for Ajihad simply showed up one day with a baby in his arms and claimed her to be his daughter. Orik remarked that she was "an unusual girl" who, despite her young age, was skilled at manipulating her father's enemies. Upon her father's death at the beginning of Eldest, Nasuada became the leader of the Varden, showing herself to be a strong, determined, and capable leader. Due to limitation of resources in the Varden's stronghold in Farthen Dûr, she lead her people to Surda, a rebel country to the south of Alagaësia that held a secret allegiance to the Varden. Nasuada there convinced King Orrin of Surda to become open in their allegiance. She later persuaded the sorceress Trianna to devise a means of creating lace by magic, which could then be sold cheaply to raise funds for the Varden. At the Battle of the Burning Plains, the Varden and Surda's forces were commanded by Nasuada. She allied with a company of a hundred Kull led by Nar Garzhvog when they approached her camp at the battlefield despite the strong disapproval expressed by Eragon and Jörmandur, the second-in-command of the Varden. At that battle, she also declared Eragon her successor in case of her death. In Brisingr, Nasuada obtained the help of her father's ancestral tribe and proved herself a worthy leader by means of a trial that tested her power to withstand pain. She later continued to direct the activities of the Varden and their human allies.

Roran

Roran, known by the surnames Garrowsson and Stronghammer, is Garrow's son and Eragon's cousin, who grew up in Carvahall side by side with Eragon. He does not play a major role in the first book, but it is revealed that he is in love with Katrina, the daughter of the village butcher Sloan. Early in Eragon, he leaves Carvahall to work as a miller's assistant in the neighboring town of Therinsford, and is not seen again in that book, apart from a brief scrying by Eragon. However, Roran plays a much more prominent part in Eldest, whereof he is a protagonist. In Eldest, the Ra'zac return to threaten Carvahall, their intentions being to take Roran captive and destroy the village. Roran then became a charismatic leader among the villagers, whom he rallied to come to their own defenses. He and his allies were able to kill half of the Ra'zac's human soldiers before the Ra'zac captured his fianceé. Stricken, Roran proceeded to lead his people to desert Carvahall and take the treacherous road over the Spine towards the coast to Teirm, where he finds a ship to take them all to the relative safety of rebel country Surda. Events eventually lead to Roran and Eragon meeting once more at the Battle of the Burning Plains. After the battle, the two of them reconcile their differences and embrace as brothers, promising to destroy the Ra'zac and rescue Katrina. Brisingr shows them accomplishing this end. Roran later joined a company of soldiers among the Varden, acquiring a friend and many followers. At first he is refused command because he is untested when fighting beside strangers. In his first battle for the Varden he proves himself by leaping off Snowfire over a wagon and killing four men by himself. In his second sortie he is placed under a commander who is a strict and ignorant commander. Roran ends up defying the commanders plan, saving most of his private unit and killing 193 men by himself. Because of his defiance, he is whipped fifty times for insubordination. He is then given his own command of 20 men and 20 urgals and sent on a mission to intercept a supply train. After completing the mission he is challenged by one of the urgals for leadership of the tribe. He successfully forces the urgal to submit to him and gains the respect of the men and the urgals, keeping the fragile alliance together.

Dragon Riders

See also: Dragon Rider (Inheritance cycle)

Anurin

Anurin was the former leader of the Dragon Riders, predecessor to Vrael, during the time of King Palancar. He was an elf prior to becoming a rider. He convinced the ruling elven monarch, Queen Dellenir, to incorporate humans into the pact between the elves and dragons, thereafter enabling humans to become Riders.

Anurin understood that humans had the potential to become the dominant race of Alagaësia; by joining the human race with that of the elves through the Riders, he was able to prevent any wars over the dominion of Alagaësia from occurring. The bond caused much controversy within the elves; therefore Anurin made the decision to move the Riders out of Du Weldenvarden to Vroengard, where they would be their own rulers instead of under the reign of the elf-kingdom. Thus they were removed from any other power ruling over the Riders, and there were none who could warn them of their own danger to themselves.

Eragon

A human who became the first new generation Dragon Rider. The name Eragon is said to be derived from dragon by replacing the 'd' with an 'e'. He is the son of Selena. Paolini, the author of the Inheritance Cycle, also states his name also sounds like "era gone", as a means to show that the character's arrival signals the end of an era and the start of a new one. As stated throughout the first three books, the very first dragon rider was named Eragon. The protagonist of the series is clearly named after him.

Vrael

Vrael was the last leader of the Dragon Riders, and held power during their downfall and the last battle at Dorú Areaba. His earliest predecessor (as leader of the Riders) was the elf Eragon, the very first of their order. His immediate predecessor was Anurin.

Little is known about Vrael, except that he was one of the last Riders who could defeat Galbatorix. During the fight between Vrael and Galbatorix near the gates of Doru Araeba, Vrael defeated Galbatorix but hesitated with the final blow. Galbatorix seized the moment and wounded Vrael. Grievously wounded, Vrael fled to Utgard, where he hoped to recover. However Galbatorix quickly found him and while they were engaged in their final battle, Galbatorix kicked Vrael between the legs before beheading him.

Oromis

Oromis was Eragon's second teacher after Brom. He was an elf and the last remaining Dragon Rider of the Old Order. He lived with his dragon, Glaedr, in a cottage on the brink of the Crags of Tel'naeír in Du Weldenvarden, the forest realm of the elves. Glaedr, Oromis' magic, and the sword Naegling (named after a sword appearing in the epic of Beowulf, which also fails at the time of greatest need) are golden.

He was also referred to as Osthato Chetowä (the "Mourning Sage") and Togira Ikonoka (the "Cripple-Who-Is Whole"). He was an elven prince descended from one of the royal houses, although not the ruling house. In Eldest, before Eragon leaves for the final battle of Eldest, Oromis says farewell, reciting his full title:

"And may peace live in your heart," finished the silver-haired elf. He repeated the exchange with Saphira. "Now go and fly as fast as the north wind, knowing that you - Saphira Brightscales and Eragon Shadeslayer - carry the blessing of Oromis, last scion of House Thrándurin, he who is both the Mourning Sage and the Cripple Who Is Whole."

The latter title refers to the fact that Oromis was "broken" in an unspecified way, which weakens him severely. He was an able magician, even in his weakened state, because of having accumulated magical compensations over the years, and can train others in warfare, though he cannot fight. He is an artist and a wise philosopher.

In Brisingr, Oromis takes to the field of battle once more, believing he has taught all there is to know to Eragon and fights alongside the elves in battle. You might think he does not have the strength to fight based on descriptions in "Eldest", but a number of elves have been putting their stores of energy into to his sword, for nigh on a century. However, both he and Glaedr are set upon by Murtagh and Thorn who, unable to defeat the veterans, are put under mental dominion by Galbatorix, who uses them to kill Oromis and Glaedr. Glaedr's volition and memories are immediately transferred to the gemlike object known as the Eldunarí or "heart of hearts" that he gave to Eragon and Saphira earlier.

Characters from the Empire

Galbatorix's Followers

Forsworn

The Forsworn are a group of 13 corrupt dragon riders that joined Galbatorix during "The Fall". The 13 Forsworn are known to be all human riders. The Forsworn were finally eliminated by the Varden. Brom is known to have orchestrated the deaths of 5 of the Forsworn and killed 3 others personally. Morzan was the first and last of the forsworn. It is known that the dragons of the Forsworn had their names banished by all dragons for helping to eradicate their own kind. This made anyone or anything that remembered them to forget their names causing the dragons of the Forsworn to lose their identity and become mad. Because of this, the riders of five of the Forsworn went mad as well, causing their own demise. Only several Forsworn have had their names revealed.

Durza

Durza is a Shade, a sorcerer possessed by the spirits he summons. He is the chief antagonist in Eragon after Galbatorix himself. Originally, he was a desert nomad named Carsaib, who was orphaned when his parents were killed by bandits. Carsaib then wandered off into the Hadarac Desert, where he was discovered by the sorcerer Haeg, whose apprentice he became. When Haeg was killed by raiders, in his rage, Carsaib summoned spirits to aid his revenge. These spirits, however were too powerful for Carsaib to control and therfore possessed him, causing him to become Durza. Being a Shade, Durza has magic powers outstripping those of a Rider, in addition to superhuman strength and finesse in combat. One of the Shade's most potent powers is his resistance to death; if a Shade is not pierced through the heart, he will merely reappear elsewhere stronger than ever before. At the beginning of the first book, Durza is given the task of retrieving Saphira's egg by stealing it from the egg courier, Arya. However, Arya is able to teleport the egg away from Durza. Durza captures Arya and tortures her in Gil'ead, but she does not reveal the location of the egg. Later, Urgals capture Eragon and Durza questions him in Gil'ead. After a fight between Durza and Eragon (in which Eragon is easily defeated by the Shade), Murtaugh shoots Durza in the head with an arrow. At the end of the first book, Durza is killed by Eragon, being distracted by Arya and Saphira.

Morzan

Morzan is a deceased Dragon Rider. Though not actually visible in the books, he is mentioned several times and his presence is somewhat integral to the plot. He is the biological father of Murtagh, and was (by the leading characters) thought to be the father of Eragon until the third book.

Galbatorix convinced Morzan into betraying the other Riders and to help him steal the dragon hatchling Shruikan, killing Shruikan's chosen Rider in the process. Morzan swore fealty to Galbatorix, becoming the first, and last of the thirteen Forsworn — traitorous Dragon Riders who helped Galbatorix destroy their former allies.

For many years afterward, Morzan served Galbatorix and aided him in his dark designs. During this time, he met a woman while traveling, and she fell in love with him. This woman, Selena, became Morzan's secret weapon in dealing with the other Forsworn. Selena gave birth to two sons, Murtagh and Eragon, though only Murtagh grew up in their father's estate. Morzan showed no compassion toward his son; instead, he showed a great deal of danger and cruelty, even to the extent of mutilating Murtagh: Murtagh was nearly killed at the age of three when his father threw his sword at him in a drunken rage- though he survived, his back was left marked by a disfiguring scar . Expecting her second child, Selena later disappeared, out of fear that similar misfortunes may occur to the unborn child. She gave birth to Eragon in Carvahall and then gave him to her brother Garrow.

Morzan's end was brought about when he went hunting for the dragon egg stolen by Brom and Jeod. Brom, who was enraged at Morzan's betrayal and held him responsible for the death of his own dragon, engaged Morzan in combat. Brom slew Morzan and seized his sword, the elven-forged Zar'roc.

Zar'roc is a sword of the type created only for Riders, by the elf Rhunön. It had a red blade and sheath, matching the color of Morzan's dragon, and is said (in Eldest) to have justified its name, which meant "misery". After Morzan's death, it was taken by Brom, who kept it for many years before bestowing it upon Eragon. Eragon carried it for a time, becoming a proficient master of swordsmanship, but it was later taken by Murtagh, upon defeating Eragon at the Battle of the Burning Plains, who claimed it as his inheritance. Coincidentally, Murtagh's dragon, Thorn, has blood-red scales whose color nearly matches that of Zar'roc. As a result, Rhunön claims that Murtagh could have no better sword, as the sword did belong to his father and thus was passed on to the son.

The Ra'zac

The Ra'zac are extremely powerful, anthropophagous beings, described as being 'insectile' and 'beetle-like', that are unable to use magic. They are encased in an exoskeleton equipped with a sharp, hooked beak and proportionately large eyes. They are specialized by evolution to prey almost exclusively on humans; as a result, they are superior to the latter species in nocturnal vision, physical strength, sense of smell, and agility. However, they fear bright light and are terrified of deep water, owing to the fact they can't swim. They communicate by clicking and whistling with one another, and can speak human languages (albeit with an intimidating sibilance). On the first full moon of their twentith year, they shed their exoskeletons and become pteranodon-like beasts called the Lethrblaka, who are more intelligent and more dangerous than their immature form. The two Ra'zac who appear in the books are suspected to be the last of their kind, at least in Alagaësia, as it is mentioned that before their Fall, the Dragon Riders instigated a genocide against the species, in a bid to exterminate them and any threat they could pose. After Galbotorix killed Vrael, he found the last Ra'zac and made a deal with them. They now work for the King Galbatorix as his personal dragon hunters, hiding their bodies under black cloaks and riding from one place to another on their parents' backs. When not on his business, the pair and their parents reside in a lair under the rock formation, Helgrind, by the city of Dras-Leona. They are ultimately slain by Eragon, Saphira, and Roran and the species is now extinct. Before killing it, Eragon learns from the last Ra'zac that Galbatorix is seeking and has almost found a "name", which may be Galbatorix's own name or Eragon's name in the Ancient Language or the name of the Ancient Language itself.

Varaug

Varaug is the shade that is created from an ordinary Feinster soldier during the seige on the city of Feinster. He is created by three spellcasters in Lady Lorana's keep as their final attempt to wreak havoc upon the Varden. Eragon, Arya, and Saphira combine their powers to deplete the wards surrounding the wizards, and succesfully kill two of them. However, the third wizard finishes the spell and turns the warrior into a shade by infusing him with spirits. The third wizard is then killed, probably by Varaug. (It is unknown exactly how the third wizard was killed, whether by Arya or Varaug, since Eragon and Saphira were entrenched in Glaedr's thoughts at the time of her death.) Varaug proves to be more powerful than Durza (it is unclear why), and deals much damage to Eragon, Saphira, and Arya. Their roles reversed, Eragon attempts to distract the shade by attacking its mind, while Arya physically assaults him. Ultimately Eragon is successful in distracting Varaug, and Arya stabs the shade through the heart (becoming only the fourth being to ever kill a shade and live). It is speculated by Eragon that the name "Shadeslayer" should be bestowed upon Arya in addition to himself.

People of Carvahall

Garrow

Garrow is Roran's father, Eragon and Murtagh's uncle and Selena's brother. About sixteen years before the events in Eragon, Selena arrived at Carvahall, alone and pregnant. After giving birth to Eragon, Selena left him in the hands of Garrow and his wife, but gave them no explanation. Garrow raises Eragon alongside his own son Roran. He is killed when the Ra'zac stormed the farm he kept outside of Carvahall.

Sloan

Sloan is Carvahall's butcher and Katrina's father. Sloan is a disagreeable, unpleasant man. Sloan dotes upon his daughter and is highly possessive of her. When Carvahall comes under attack, Sloan initially defends Carvahall; however, he later betrays the villagers and is captured, along with Katrina, by the Ra'zac.

In Brisingr, Eragon discovers Sloan in a cell in Helgrind, blinded and alone. Wishing to keep Sloan safe, Eragon lies to Roran and Katrina, saying that Sloan is dead. He discovers Sloan's true name and thereby forces him to enter Du Weldenvarden, where his damaged personality and ruined eyesight may be healed. Eragon punishes Sloan by banning him from seeing Katrina again. Sloan is shown in Du Weldenvarden in a later chapter, but does not manifest many signs of healing.

Katrina

Katrina is the daughter of Sloan. She is engaged, without her father's blessing, to Roran.

When Carvahall is under siege, the Ra'zac infiltrate the village and capture Katrina and Sloan. Although Roran and his friends try to follow, the Ra'zac escape on the Lethrblaka. It is later revealed that Katrina is held captive in Helgrind. Katrina is rescued by Roran and Eragon from Helgrind in Brisingr. Shortly afterwards, she and Roran get married, at which time Katrina is already pregnant with Roran's child. She tells tells Roran that if the war is not over once the child is born, she will leave for safer refuge for the sake of their child.

Horst

Horst is a blacksmith in Carvahall. Roran leaves his house and moves in with Horst in Eragon. He lives there until the moving of Carvahall in Eldest. He travels with the other villagers of Carvahall to Surda, where he joins the Varden.

Other people

Angela

Angela is a witch, herbalist, and a friend of Eragon's. She is accompanied by a werecat named Solembum and is said to be based on the author's younger sister, Angela Paolini, although there is mention that the two are dissimilar in character. . She is a short, curly-haired woman who makes most of her living by fortune-telling for the richer people of Teirm and selling potions that she implies, with a certain amount of humor, are ineffective. Her hobbies include gathering mushrooms, of which she has an extensive knowledge. Angela claims that she does not use true magic to tell the fortunes of the aristocrats who seek her out, but in Eragon's case uses a dragon's knucklebones to look into his future. She tells Eragon that he will fall in love with someone of noble birth, that someone in his family will betray him, that someone close to him shall die, and that he will someday depart and never again set foot on Alagaësia.

Three of the four parts of the prophecy have already happened to Eragon: He fell in love with Arya, who is an Elven princess, and therefore of noble blood; Murtagh, Eragon's half brother, betrays him unwillingly by being forced to swear himself to Galbatorix; and Brom, Eragon's mentor, close friend, and who is later identified as Eragon's father, dies at the hands of the Ra'zac. Eragon has yet to leave Alagaesia, but has been cursed with this fate by the Ra'zac and by an enemy human soldier in Feinster. It is also said in Brisingr that the Menoa tree wants him to "go" as payment for the brightsteel. This could be an implied as the Menoa tree wanting him to leave Alagaësia for him and Saphira damaging her and disturbing the forest.

Angela later appears in Tronjheim, where she has taken up residence and where her skill outstrips that of all other local magic-users, with the exceptions of Eragon and Arya. She comes to Eragon's rescue during the battle of Farthen Dûr, wielding a dwarf weapon called a huthvir, which is essentially a long staff with a sword blade at either end. Later it is revealed that she gained possession of the huthvir by winning a game of riddles at the dwarven temple in Tarnag.

Angela heals most of Eragon's injuries after the Battle under Farthen Dûr, though is unable to completely heal the wound on his back from Durza. She also watches over Elva. During the Battle of Burning Plains, she poisons the enemy army's food and water supply.

Angela claims to be older than she appears, adding that the herbs she eats in times of famine result in her young appearance, and her age is further questioned when she states that she would be counted as an adult among elves.

Oromis tells Eragon that Angela's behavior bears a strong resemblance to a human spellcaster who once visited Ellesméra, although this woman did not go by the name Angela. Oromis describes the unnamed spellcaster's appearance, and Eragon tells Oromis he has described Angela perfectly. Oromis goes on to say that if Angela and the woman he speaks of are indeed the same person, then "she is an extraordinary person." Although he does not state why.

In Brisingr, it is revealed Angela learned her skills from the mysterious man named Tenga; an eccentric, book-collecting mystic who now lives alone.

In Brisingr, it is also implied that Angela is in fact part of a "small, secretive sect called the Arcaena" that seeks to gather all information in the world and to preserve it. The sect was mentioned in passing by Jeod when presenting Eragon with the book "Domina abr Wyrda".

Angela is portrayed by Joss Stone in the film adaptation.

Jeod Longshanks

Jeod (pronounced 'jode', rhyming with "ode") is a wealthy merchant, formerly scholar, of Teirm and a good friend of Brom's. He is an agent of the Varden, whom he supported with his business until he was exposed to the Empire, causing him to suffer heavy losses in his business. It was Jeod who found the secret passage to Uru'baen, enabling him and his companion Brom to steal Saphira's egg from the Empire.

Jeod has been dogged by misfortune; many of his ships are destroyed early on, and he ultimately goes bankrupt. Despite this grim situation, he aids Eragon and Brom in finding out the location of the Ra'zac through trade records of their weapon, converted Seithr Oil. In Eldest Jeod meets Roran and offers him much-needed assistance, revealing to him that he is a supporter of the Varden. It is Jeod who finally tells Roran the truth about Eragon and the fact that he is the rumoured new Dragon Rider. Together, Jeod, his wife Helen, and Roran escape Teirm on a pirated ship, the Dragon Wing, with the villagers of Carvahall and make their way to Surda. He remains there and among the Varden thereafter, seeking to support the Varden and maintain his often strained relationship to Helen.

Selena

Selena (pronounced seh-lee-nuh) is the mother of the characters Eragon and Murtagh, the consort of Morzan (first and last of the Forsworn), and the sister of Garrow. Selena met and fell in love with Morzan while he was in an unspecified small village (probably Carvahall) on a mission. She accompanied him back to his castle, where she was trained in magic and other warrior arts. Morzan turned her into his spy and assassin, and she assumed the alias "Black Hand"; a name that would later apply to all magic-users who acted as spies under Galbatorix. Morzan never made her swear an oath to him in the ancient language, foolishly assuming she would never betray him. She eventually gave birth to her first son, Murtagh, and kept his existence a secret from all but Morzan and Galbatorix. Murtagh was nearly killed at age three when Morzan threw his sword at him, whereupon Selena determined that any other child of hers would not share Murtagh's unfortunate fate. Shortly after her extramarital affair with Morzan's rival Brom (who fell in love with her after an extended undercover mission as a gardener at Morzan's castle), Selena left under the guise of a mission, and returned to her hometown Carvahall where she gave birth to her second son, Eragon. She entrusted Eragon to her brother Garrow and his wife before returning to Morzan. She was very ill upon her return, according to Murtagh, and died soon afterward. She never revealed to Morzan what she had actually done on her last mission, hoping to shield Eragon from Morzan's wrath.

Much of her history is unknown until the third book, however she is known to have had her fortune told by Angela in Teirm because she could speak to Solembum, Angela's werecat. Whether or not she enjoyed her role as the Black Hand remains ambiguous. Jeod tells Eragon a tale of her merciless wrath, whereas Brom tells Eragon (through one of Saphira's memories) that she was kindhearted. It is unclear whether Brom was blinded by his love for her, or Jeod by his animosity (or perhaps both), or if Selena was, at first, loyal to Morzan and ultimately changed.

Characters from Du Weldenvarden

The Menoa Tree

The Menoa Tree is one of the oldest and largest trees in Du Weldenvarden, and as such is revered by the elves. The tree is imbued with the spirit of the elf Linnëa, who sang herself into the tree after learning that her partner left her for another elf. Because of this, Linnëa's consciousness controls the tree.

Eragon and Saphira seek out the tree's help, asking it to give them a piece of brightsteel entangled in its roots. (Solembum the werecat had predicted the location of the brightsteel in the first book.) The tree does not respond to Eragon's pleas for help, and Saphira resorts to physical attacks to gain its attention. This enrages the tree, which then traps Eragon and Saphira, telling them that they are as good as dead. After begging the tree for mercy, Eragon convinces the tree to give them the brightsteel in return for any favor it wishes. The tree gives them the brightsteel, but withdraws its mind from Eragon before telling Eragon what it wants in return. It is unclear if The Menoa Tree is waiting until a later time to ask for its due favor, will never ask this favor, or has already taken what it wants.It is argued by some people that the Menoa Tree has already taken what it wants because Eragon feels a slight twinge in his lower belly.

Ceranthor

King Ceranthor was the elven king during Du Fyrn Skulblaka (The Dragon Wars).

Tarmunora

Queen Tarmunora was the queen of the elves when the pact between the Elves and the Dragons was formed. She was the predessor to Queen Dellanir, and asked Rhunön to forge the Riders' swords.

Dellanir

Queen Dellanir is the paternal grandmother of Arya Dröttningu. She was queen of the elves in the reign of King Palancar and when Humans were integrated into the pact between Elves and Dragons. It is known that she had quarreled with Anurin, leader of the Riders. The quarrel grew so great that Anurin seceded from the elves' nation and established the Riders on Vroengard. She later abdicated the throne to devote her life to the study of magic and passed it to her son Evandar.

Evandar

King Evandar (formally Evandar Könungr) was the king of the elven race for many years. He was the father of Arya Dröttningu and mate of Islanzadi (elves do not practice marriage). He succeeded his mother Queen Dellanir and ruled for 400 years. Once while fighting an Urgal, Evandar stumbled and lost his sword, whereupon a raven saved the elf king by pecking out the eyes of the Urgal before he could strike. Evandar rewarded the bird by blessing him with intelligence and long life. These spells made the raven lose all color in his feathers and gave him the ability to foretell the future, although he usually spoke in the form of riddles. The bird, known as Blagden, accompanied Islanzadí after Evandar's death. In a final attempt to defeat Galbatorix, Evandar led the elven army against the Forsworn at Ilirea. The battle went poorly for the elves and Evandar was killed in the Battle of Ilirea, which was later renamed Urû'baen. He was succeeded by his mate Islanzadi.

Islanzadí

Islanzadí is queen of the elves. She lives in the elven capital Ellesméra in the land of Alagaësia. She is the widow of the former king of the elves, Evandar, and the mother of Arya. As a character, Islanzadí is often proud, imperious, and passionate. She is capable of using magic with some ease. Islanzadi is oblivious to Eragon's attraction to her daughter.

Vanir

Vanir is a young elf with black hair, whom Oromis sends to spar with Eragon every morning during Eragon's stay in Du Weldenvarden as part of Eragon's training. He is often rude and spiteful towards Eragon before Eragon's transformation, considering him to be unworthy of the title Dragon Rider because of his lack of skills in comparison to the elves. Vanir goes as far as to insinuate that Saphira must have been confused in order to choose Eragon as her Rider. After the Blood-oath celebration, Eragon is granted greater magical abilities and physical strength and also has his infirmity healed. When Eragon duels Vanir again, he breaks Vanir's right arm at which Vanir says "How swift is your sword" from The Lay of Umhodan. At this point, Vanir acknowledges Eragon as a rider and states that he will let his arm heal naturally, as a memory of having dueled Eragon, and also apologizes for his earlier condescending behavior toward Eragon. It is unclear whether this change in attitude is sincere, or merely an attempt to get into Eragon's good graces.

Rhunön

Rhunön (pronounced roo-non) is an ancient elf, born sometime before the pact between dragons and elves, and a blacksmith with unparalleled skill. She forged the Riders indestructible swords from brightsteel, a metal mined from a comet that fell in Du Weldenvarden centuries before the start of the first book. After the betrayal of the Forsworn, Rhunön swore to never make another sword.

In Brisingr, Eragon approaches her and requests a Rider's sword. Because of her oath, Rhunön must take over Eragon's body to make his sword. She forges Eragon's sword in a single night, a much shorter period of time than she would usually take to make a rider's sword. However, Rhunön insists she did not sacrifice any of the sword's integrity by forging it in such a short period of time, instead stating that it is her greatest work yet. She also provides two theories as to why Eragon's sword bursts into flames every time he says the name (which happens to be Brisingr). The first is that because he was involved with the forging, a part of him was imbued into the sword so it became attuned to his wishes. The second, and more likely theory, is that Eragon stumbled upon the true name of the sword.

Characters from Surda

King Orrin

Orrin is the King of Surda. As the King of Surda, he secretly resists Galbatorix until the events of the Battle of the Burning Plains, in which he openly allies himself to the Varden. He allows the Varden to remove to his country when the resources of Farthen Dûr become scarce, and initially sponsors them in their activities. However, this becomes unnecessary when Nasuada finds funds through the sale of inexpensive, magically-wrought lace. Orrin considers himself a philosopher and a scientist, to which end he conducts many chemical experiments in his laboratory, hoping to augment his future experiments through use of magic. Orrin is easily distracted by the pleasures of his hobbies and often does not concentrate on the vast problems facing both Surda and the Varden. In the Battle of the Burning Plains, he and the Surdan cavalry are a crucial part of the Varden's victory.

Characters from the Beor Mountains

Dwarves

Hrothgar

Hrothgar, in the first two books, is the King of the dwarves and controls the thirteen dwarf clans. The master smith's and metal worker's clan, Durgrimst Ingeitum, is ruled directly by Hrothgar, whilst he simultaneously controls the other twelve dwarf clans and gives jurisdiction to their own leaders. He is in complete and utter control of Tronjheim, the city within Farthen Dûr. Hrothgar is known for his wisdom and his caution, despite being "quick to anger". Hrothgar has faith in Ajihad, the leader of the Varden, and is one of the few forces that is able to keep the humans and dwarves peacefully allied. He is the forty-second King of the dwarves and has been on the throne for more than a century, making him ancient even for a dwarf. Regardless of his age, Hrothgar is incredibly strong as can be seen during the Battle under Farthen Dûr in which he wields an enormous mace, Volund, forged by Korgan, the first dwarf king. Being wise in alliances and hardy on the battlefield, he proves to be a helpful friend to Eragon, whom he at one point admits as an honorary member of Durgrimst Ingeitum; an honour that had never previously been bestowed upon a non-dwarf. He is eventually killed by Murtagh in the Battle of the Burning Plains. It is later stated that Hrothgar had wanted to die facing a foe in melée combat, not "laid low" by a magic user. He is named after the King of the Danes in the story of he is also a dwarf that hold volund the ancient dwarf warhammerBeowulf, Hrothgar.

Orik

Orik is a dwarf, a member of the Durgrimst Ingeitum ("Clan of blacksmiths"), and an ally of Eragon. He is the adopted heir and nephew of the dwarf king Hrothgar, and the son of Thrifk. Orik is quite burly and strong, afraid of heights, and good at riddles. He respects the rights of others and despises The Twins, two powerful magic-users of the Varden. He is a smith, a warrior, and a guide to Eragon and Saphira. It is mentioned that he is promised to marry a young maiden of his own clan named Hvedra, who is a distant cousin of his. Orik is first encountered when Eragon, Murtagh, Saphira, and the gravely injured Arya come to Farthen Dûr, seeking the aid of the Varden. Orik later persuaded the Twins to allow Murtagh to stay with the Varden. He develops a friendship with Eragon that continues into the second book.

"In the interest of fairness", King Hrothgar sends Orik to accompany Eragon to Ellesméra, the elf kingdom, where Eragon will continue his training as a Dragon Rider. Eragon's first reaction to this is irritation, as it means the journey will have to be made over land, rather than on Saphira's back. However, he later acknowledges Hrothgar's plan as a wise one, realising that it is important to maintain equality between the different races in which they will be dealing. During Eragon's training, Orik remains in the background, coping with the tension between the elves and himself. By the end of Eragon's time in Ellesmera, Orik and the elves have become more tolerant of each other; Orik even submits a work of art to the Blood-Oath Celebration, the traditional elvish ceremony commemorating the pact between the elves and dragons.

Because of the need for haste when Eragon decides to return to Surda after learning Galbatorix's planned attack against the Varden, Orik becomes the first dwarf ever to ride a dragon.

In Brisingr, Orik is named the new king of the dwarves, after revealing a plot to assassinate Eragon. The dwarves of Az Sweldn rak Anuin are banished, therefore winning Orik the votes he needs. Orik also marries the fair Hvedra in "Brisingr".

Humans

Trianna

Trianna is one of the few magic users that serve the Varden. She is a sorceress, and is the most accomplished magic user of Du Vrangr Gata after the Twins' disappearance in the beginning of Eldest. She owns a magical talisman called Lorga,, which is shaped like a snake and which she can apparently bring to life at will. The exact extent of her powers are unknown, though evidently fairly great. A remark in the earlier book implies that Lorga is in fact a spirit held captive by Trianna.

After the disappearance of the Twins in Eragon, Trianna goes on to lead the Du Vrangr Gata, the Wandering Path. She is introduced early in Eldest, wherein she first meets Eragon and flirts with him, while at the same time trying to convince him to join Du Vrangr Gata – to which he politely declines. While Eragon seems attracted to her, Saphira is not at all amused and interrupts them, leading to an argument between Saphira and Eragon. Saphira tells him that since whoever Eragon associates with will be inevitably involved in her life, she insists it be someone she trusts; someone who cares for the Eragon the person, not Eragon the Rider.

Trianna was, unwillingly at first, put in charge of Nasuada's plan to use lace to finance the Varden's war efforts. She was also in charge of the other magic-related operations, including tracking down the assassins in Aberon, and then leading the magicians and spellcasters into the Battle of the Burning Plains. Later, Eragon confronts Trianna and the other members of Du Vrangr Gata, when he has been put in charge of the Varden's magic-users; while Trianna is suspicious of this and suggests that she has not carried out her duties worthily enough, Eragon uses diplomacy to arrange a kind of sharing of authority between the two. They both carried the shared authority into the events in Brisingr, and it seems whatever attraction the two had has mellowed.

Elva

Elva was a orphan baby who had only an old woman, Greta, to care for her. The day Eragon came to Tronjheim, Greta begged him to bless the baby. Eragon had never blessed anyone in his life, but he made an effort by saying in the Ancient Language what he believed to be: "May luck and happiness follow you and may you be shielded from misfortune. Saphira then dragon-marked her brow with a star resembling the gedwey ignasia, the mark Riders carry on their hands.

Later Eragon learned that what he really said to Elva was, "May luck and happiness follow you and may you be a shield from misfortune". As a result of this, Elva is compelled to protect other people from harm, at the cost of her own peace of mind. If she tries to ignore the urge to shield others from harm, she suffers terrible pain. The draconic magic placed by Saphira allowed Elva to increase in size until she seemed to be four years old, whereas her mind developed adult faculties. Her abilities developed further, until she was able to anticipate events in detail two to three hours in advance. This ability enabled Elva to save the Varden's leader, Nasuada, from an assassination attempt by King Galbatorix's most dangerous magicians. Since then she has been taken on as one of Nasuada's bodyguards, others of whom are soldiers and sorceresses. Eragon has promised to undo the curse on Elva, and would have done so before the battle on the Burning Plains had Elva not told him to save his energy. He then promised her that he would do so after the battle.

In Brisingr, Elva continues to advise Nasuada and in some instances to act as a personal predictor of coming troubles. However, this and Elva's loyalty to the Varden are terminated when Eragon, attempting to remove the spell he placed on her, instead modifies it to the extent that although she is aware of others' suffering, she is able to ignore it without pain to herself. She then states she will only serve the Varden so long as it suits her, and that she will answer to no-one but herself and will not hesitate to use her abilities to manipulate other people. She remains with the Varden. however, under the care of Angela, who has rendered herself immune to Elva's powers.

Elva is described as having pale skin, large violet eyes and black hair. She is often called "Shining Brow" for the star-shaped dragon's mark on her forehead, and speaks with the voice of an adult. She eats voraciously, possibly as a result of her accelerated metabolism or the energy draining effects of the spell.

Ajihad

Ajihad is the leader of the Varden. At the time of the Eragon story, Ajihad had been in power for around fifteen years, and had led the Varden extremely well. Rumors of him spread through the Empire's disgruntled citizens heighten the mystery surrounding him and the Varden, but he was known to be a master strategist and a brutal fighter. Ajihad is black-skinned, a feature apparently odd in Alagaësia, which is revealed to be the result of his origin as a member of a southern tribe. He is a brilliant tactician and a cunning warrior, and has led the Varden to victory many times; he was even skilled enough to duel with Durza and survive, leaving a scratch on the Shade's sword. He lives in Tronjheim in the Beor Mountains, courtesy of the dwarves who assist them in their fight against Galbatorix.

Ajihad befriends Eragon when he and Saphira first arrive at Tronjheim. Ajihad governs all of the human rebels within the dwarf city and is given some jurisdiction over a few of the dwarves by King Hrothgar. Ajihad's history is mysterious, but he is a born leader and brave soldier. His daughter, Nasuada is known to help him in many of his diplomatic moves, subtly maneuvering his enemies (sometimes even without his knowledge) and planning with him the future of the resistance. He trains her from an early age to become his successor.

Ajihad is slain in Eldest shortly after the Battle of Farthen Dûr. He was attacked by Urgals, killing five before he was defeated; he had previously been hunting surviving Urgals in the mountain tunnels, and earned the nickname "Nightstalker" from them by his proficiency as a hunter, as well as the colour of his skin. His daughter, Nasuada, takes control of the Varden. Later it was revealed that he was betrayed by his personal guards, the Twins, who recruited the Urgals to slay him. When Eragon's cousin Roran kills the Twins in the Battle of the Burning Plains, Nasuada acknowledges herself to be personally in Roran's debt. Ajihad is considered by many to be the greatest of the Varden's leaders. He is eventually entombed in the crypts under Tronjheim– a great honor when bestowed by the clannish Dwarves.

The Twins

The Twins are powerful human magicians who claim to support the Varden. Little about their past or their personal lives is revealed; they are described as being bald, and their names are unknown; they are called simply 'the Twins' throughout, as they are identical twins. As a result, they are treated as a single entity, and no difference is shown between the two in personality or dressing style. They are responsible for mentally probing all who come to Tronjheim. They show animosity towards Eragon, and attempt to convince him to join their group of magic users, Du Vrangr Gata (an ungrammatical phrase in the Ancient Language meaning "The Wandering Path"), so that they can learn more of the Ancient Language, of which they have only limited knowledge. They are assigned to tell Eragon what was happening in the battle; but Eragon loses contact with them and consequently is forced to defeat the Shade Durza alone.

Early on in Eldest, an Urgal party attacks the unprepared Varden, killing their leader Ajihad, and kidnaps the Twins and Murtagh, who they are assumed dead. Later, the ancient Dragon Rider Oromis reveals that the Twins, who knew much about the Varden's secret dealings, had turned traitor before the battle; they had intentionally failed to protect Eragon so that Durza could capture him.

During the Battle of the Burning Plains, it is learned that the Twins had, in fact, survived, having taken control of a group of Urgals with the intent of killing Ajihad and capturing Murtagh. After the successful assassination of Ajihad, they had then bewitched Murtagh so he could not escape, and had taken him to Urû'baen, where he was forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix. They then fought with the forces of Galbatorix, but meet their end at the hands of Roran, who struck one of them with a fatal blow on the head with his hammer. This affected the other twin so much that he could not defend himself when Roran struck him down.

Jörmundur

Jörmundur is second-in-command of the Varden troops. In Eragon he is Ajihad's right-hand man and in Eldest he is Lady Nasuada's. He commanded a battalion in the Battle Under Farthen Dur, he controlled Eragon's regiment. He is an importance to Ajihad, Nasuada, and the Varden, for he is skilled in wisdom and battle. He is also a member of the Varden's Council of Elders; however, unlike other members of the council is not considered to be seeking to increase personal power.

Tenga

Tenga, is an eccentric mage who lives alone in Alagaësia. In Brisingr Eragon accidentally discovers Tenga's place of residence, a broken tower of elvish origins called Edur Ithindra. According to Angela, he was once her tutor, but they separated on bad terms. Solumbum shows dislike of Tenga, saying, "He is a man who kicks at cats." Angela tells Eragon that Tenga is always asking a question and looking for its answer, no matter how long it may take.

Tenga is either a very adept or very foolish magician. During Eragon's visit, Tenga lights his fireplace without uttering a word of the ancient language, much to Eragon's astonishment.

Dragons

Saphira

Saphira Brightscales is a female blue dragon hatched from the sapphire-colored egg found and taken by Galbatorix during the Fall, along with two others. Galbatorix tried desperately to induce all three to hatch, but was unsuccessful when none of the dragon eggs responded to the touch of anyone he had selected as possible Riders. Saphira's egg was stolen by the Varden, and was later ferried between the Elves and the Varden by Arya in an attempt to make it hatch. When the Shade Durza tried to steal the egg by ambushing Arya, she sent it {through magic) to a place in the Spine mountains near Carvahall, intending Brom to find it. The egg fell into the hands of Eragon (Brom's son), and Saphira hatched. Because Saphira is the last female dragon, Galbatorix wants her to be the "mother of all her race". While she is much younger than Eragon she mostly refers to him as Little One, possibly because he is physically smaller than her.

Eragon first discovered Saphira's egg when he was out hunting in the Spine. At first, he attempted to exchange it for food or money, but was ultimately advised to keep it. Saphira later hatched and became Eragon's companion, eventually to accompany him en route to take revenge on the Ra'zac for the murder of Eragon's uncle Garrow.

The rest of the first book is about the towns and settlements Eragon and Saphira come across while trying to pursue the Ra'zac. Saphira is not allowed to come into most of the towns, much to her dismay. Eragon learns to ride her and their bond becomes stronger. After Brom is killed by the Ra'zac, Saphira makes a diamond tomb for him, leaving him immune to the ravages of time. Saphira and Eragon are then accompanied Murtagh. Murtagh is greeted, at first, with suspicion but Eragon and Saphira learn to trust him. He leads them both to the Beor Mountains where they unite with the Varden.

Saphira and Eragon were followed by Durza and his Urgal army. Eragon rides on her back and they both fight the Urgals with the rest of the Varden. Saphira is momentarily hurt in the battle, and Eragon is forced to fight alone. When Eragon comes across Durza and the two face off in one last battle, Eragon is injured, with a deep wound going down his back. Saphira rushes to Eragon's aid, and despite her injuries, breathes fire for the first time, and Eragon slays Durza as his attention is distracted.

In Eldest, Saphira and Eragon both help the Varden. However, Murtagh is captured by Urgals and presumed dead. Thereafter Eragon and Saphira both leave the Varden and continue their journey north to meet the Elves and continue their training. Here, Saphira is regarded as the highest-ranking citizen of Elf culture; even higher than the Queen. When they arrive, Saphira is taught more about fighting by the dragon Glaedr.

The training is interrupted when Eragon foresees a battle coming between the Empire and the Varden. He and Saphira fly to the battle, after promising return to continue their training later. She and Eragon fight in the new battle against the King's army. During the battle, a Rider and his Dragon appear, challenging Eragon and Saphira.

Eragon and the new Rider battle, until Eragon and Saphira are defeated. The new Rider is revealed to be Murtagh, who was not killed but taken and forced to serve Galbatorix, while his dragon's name is Thorn. Murtagh lets off Eragon and Saphira, on account of their former friendship, and then departs with Thorn.

In Brisingr, Saphira and Eragon go to Helgrind and kill the Ra'zac and Lethrblaka. However, Saphira is forced to separate from Eragon when he finds Sloan and decides to rescue him by himself. While Eragon travels across a significant portion of Alagaesia, Saphira stays with the Varden. When they finally reunite, they are once again forced to separate, this time so that Eragon can serve as ambassador to the dwarves. After a while, they reunite again, and while in Farthen Dur, Saphira uses magic to fix the broken Isidar Mithrim. After this, they go to complete their training with Oromis and Glaedr.

While in company with Oromis and Glaedr She reveals that she has a heart of hearts that she can place her consiousness in when or if she dies or choses, if she desires. During their last day, Saphira helps Eragon craft his new sword, Brisingr. At the end of their training, when they are about to return to the Varden, Glaedr gives her and Eragon his heart of hearts, which they promise to keep.

Saphira and Eragon arrive to find that the Varden are in the midst of a battle. They go inside the city, and find that some sorcerers inside are trying to create a Shade. Narrowly succeeding, Eragon, Saphira, and Arya are forced to fight and attempt to kill the shade. During the fight, Eragon gets a vision, revealing that Oromis and Glaedr have been killed by Murtagh who was then possessed by Galbatorix, although Glaedr is still conscious through his heart of hearts. They kill the Shade after it is created, and Saphira and Eragon promise each other to keep Glaedr's heart of hearts safe, and they will challenge Galbatorix and rid this war once and for all, to save Alagaesia and their friends from the tyrant's wrath forever more.

Thorn

Thorn is a dragon from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance cycle. He is bound to the Dragon Rider, Murtagh. He also appears on the cover of Eldest, the second book of the series.

Thorn is a red male dragon, smaller than Saphira, but wider in his legs and shoulders. Like all dragons, Thorn's eyes match his ruby hide, and his talons, teeth and neck spikes are snow white. Thorn is trained by the king's dragon Shruikan (perhaps the reason why he is so skilled) in the Riders' arts, and although he is much younger than Saphira he is able to effectively fight her. In Eldest it is implied that Murtagh and Thorn argued over letting Eragon escape at the Battle of the Burning Plains. Otherwise, Thorn has not spoken.

After the events in Eragon, Murtagh was captured by the Empire. Murtagh was brought to Galbatorix, and it turned out that one of the dragon eggs in Galbatorix's keeping hatched for Murtagh. The dragon was named Thorn. In Brisingr, it is revealed that Galbatorix used spells to make Thorn bulkier and bigger than most dragons at his age, making him mature to rival Saphira; however, the spells did not effect his mind, which is still that of a newly hatched dragon. Saphira believes without Murtagh on his back, she could defeat him.

Both Thorn and Murtagh were forced to make an unbreakable magical vow in the Ancient Language to King Galbatorix to serve him. Galbatorix knows their true names-- the names which the Ancient Language has for them-- and is therefore able to completely control them, until he chooses to release them. Thorn and Murtagh have no free will, and Galbatorix binds them further by continually forcing them to make further oaths to him in the ancient language.

In Brisingr, it is implied that Thorn is confused and unhappy serving the king: "In his sparkling crimson eyes appeared a vast, puzzled sadness, as if he hoped Saphira or Eragon might know why he had been brought into this world merely so Galbatorix could enslave him, abuse him and force him to destroy other beings' lives".

The last 3 feet of Thorn's tail is bitten off by Glaedr just before Thorn kills Glaedr by biting the back of his neck. This happens just after Galbatorix, through Murtagh, has killed Glaedr's rider Oromis.

Glaedr

Glaedr (pronounced GLAY-dur) is a gigantic golden dragon about three hundred years of age. He is the bonded partner of the elf Oromis, who is the last of the Old Order of Riders. They have hidden in Du Weldenvarden, the great forest to the north, to teach the first of the new generation of Riders. Glaedr has lost his left forelimb and therefore cannot serve in battle. He serves mainly as Saphira's mentor and helps teach Eragon about dragon-riding. Having learned that another dragon existed, Saphira develops romantic feelings for Glaedr, but he ultimately rebuffs her; a decision supported by Eragon, who considers it improper for a student to mate with their mentor. Glaedr is the cover dragon in the third Inheritance book, titled Brisingr.

When Glaedr dies in a battle with Murtaugh, Glaedr's consciousness is transferred to his "Eldunarí" (the physical embodiment of his mind or his heart of hearts) which he had earlier given to Eragon.

Shruikan

Shruikan is Galbatorix's black dragon. A century ago in Ilirea, the capital of the Broddring Kingdom, Shruikan and his rider were tutored with other Dragon Riders. After being denied a new dragon after his was killed, Galbatorix and Morzan murdered Shruikan's true Rider, whereupon Galbatorix twisted the young dragon's mind (presumably using Shruikan's Eldunari, which is the seat of his consciousness) through dark magic so that he would serve him.

The union of Shruikan and Galbatorix is unnatural, because rather than being mutually chosen partners, Shruikan is a slave and Galbatorix his tyrant. There is therefore no true bond between Galbatorix and Shruikan. The mental link between them is said to be a poor imitation of the telepathic connection between a true Rider and a Dragon.

Shruikan has yet to appear in the books, but he is briefly seen at the end of the Eragon movie, when Galbatorix, in his rage, draws his sword and cuts a tapestry-map of Alagaësia in half, revealing his dragon. Shruikan briefly roars and breathes fire.

Werecats

Maud

Maud is a werecat and a friend of Solembum. She first appears in Eldest and is described (referring her human form) as having "feral eyes, stiff, shaggy white hair bleached with age", and a face creased and lined, "like a dry withered apple with rows of sharp teeth". She is also known as The Dream Dancer, Quickpaw, and The Watcher. Eragon meets her during his first night in Ellesméra. She is acquainted with Solembum, but unlike him, does not seek humans for company.

She is seen again in Brisingr with two Elven children when Eragon's new sword is being forged.

Solembum

Solembum is a muscular werecat and a friend of Eragon. He usually accompanies the witch Angela in her travels. Solembum, when human, takes the form of a young boy having sharp teeth and shaggy hair. As a cat, he has red eyes, a strong lean body, oversized paws, and fangs that curve down over his jaw. Eragon first sees him in Angela's shop in Teirm. Solembum later gives Eragon cryptic advice, which is to look under the roots of the Menoa Tree when he is in need of a weapon, and when all seems lost and Eragon's power is insufficient, to go to the Rock of Kuthian and speak his name to open the Vault of Souls. The former advice is fulfilled in Brisingr

Solembum makes a brief appearance in Eldest, mentioning to one of the Varden's soldiers that Nasuada should visit Elva. He also shows recognition when Saphira tells him of Maud. He re-appears in Brisingr to play a minor role alongside Angela, remarking once that he has a mutual dislike of Angela's tutor Tenga because of his dislike of cats.

Solembum did not appear in the Eragon film, despite the fact that Angela did.

References

1. Eragon by Christopher Paolini 2. Eldest by Christopher Paolini 3. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

External links

• Inheriwiki, the site of the Inheritance Cycle Wikia