Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
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Eldest picks up the epic tale in a land teetering on the edge of war, where destiny and dragons intertwine. Set in the vast, magical realm of Alagaësia, this second installment in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle continues the journey of Eragon, a young farm boy turned Dragon Rider, whose bond with the dragon Saphira might be the only hope for overthrowing the tyrannical King Galbatorix.
In Eldest, Eragon, now a key figure in the resistance movement known as the Varden, faces the daunting task of completing his training as a Dragon Rider. Guided by the wise elf Oromis and his dragon Glaedr, Eragon delves deeper into the ancient arts of magic and swordsmanship, learning that his powers come with a heavy burden. As he trains, the Varden, allied with the dwarves and elves, prepare for an inevitable confrontation with Galbatorix's forces. But Eragon is not the only one with a destiny intertwined with dragons. His cousin, Roran, becomes a pivotal character, leading the villagers of Carvahall in a desperate escape from the king’s soldiers, while Arya, the enigmatic elf warrior, continues to be both an ally and an enigma to Eragon.
The narrative unfolds across multiple perspectives, offering a rich and immersive experience as Eragon struggles with the knowledge that his actions may determine the fate of Alagaësia. As the shadows of war loom larger, Eragon's journey is not just about mastering his abilities but understanding the moral complexities of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. This installment is filled with political intrigue, personal growth, and breathtaking action, making it a must-read for fans of high fantasy.
Date Published: August 23, 2005
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Fiction
Adventure
Epic Fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy Fiction
Coming of Age
Heroic Fantasy
High Fantasy
Young Adult
Young Adult Fantasy
Dragon Fantasy
Magic Realism
Eragon: A young Dragon Rider, Eragon is courageous and determined, driven by a strong sense of justice. He values loyalty, demonstrated by his unwavering dedication to protecting the Varden and fighting against tyranny, even when burdened with immense responsibility.
Saphira: Eragon’s dragon, Saphira, is wise and fiercely protective. She values the bond she shares with Eragon, consistently guiding and supporting him through their mental connection. Her strength and wisdom are crucial in their journey together.
Roran: Eragon’s cousin, Roran, is a steadfast and resourceful leader. His values are deeply rooted in family and community, as seen when he takes charge of the villagers of Carvahall, leading them to safety and protecting them from the Empire’s forces.
Arya: An elf warrior and ambassador of the elves, Arya is skilled in combat and magic. She values honor and duty, shown by her unwavering commitment to the Varden and her people. Her mysterious nature and depth of knowledge make her a key ally to Eragon.
Murtagh: Once a friend of Eragon, Murtagh is complex, torn between his sense of loyalty and the dark forces controlling him. He values freedom, which is tragically compromised when he is forced into serving Galbatorix, yet he spares Eragon’s life out of lingering loyalty.
Oromis: An elder Dragon Rider and Eragon’s mentor, Oromis embodies wisdom and patience. He values knowledge and the balance between power and responsibility, teaching Eragon the importance of self-control and understanding the consequences of his actions.
Power and Responsibility: The book explores the immense power of Dragon Riders and the heavy responsibilities that come with it. Eragon’s journey is marked by the struggle to wield his power wisely, learning that every action has far-reaching consequences.
Identity and Destiny: Eragon grapples with his identity as a Dragon Rider and the revelation of his heritage. The theme of destiny is prevalent, as characters confront the roles they are fated to play in the larger battle against Galbatorix.
Loyalty and Betrayal: Loyalty is a central theme, whether it is Eragon’s loyalty to the Varden, Roran’s to his village, or Murtagh’s complex loyalty to Eragon despite being forced to betray him. The book delves into the pain of betrayal and the conflicts it creates.
Sacrifice: Characters in Eldest frequently face the need to make sacrifices for the greater good. Whether it’s Roran sacrificing his personal safety for his village or Eragon sacrificing his desires to train and fight, the theme of sacrifice underscores the personal cost of the larger war.
War and Peace: The looming war against Galbatorix’s empire is contrasted with the fleeting moments of peace that the characters experience. The book highlights the devastation of war and the hope for a future where peace might be achieved.
Eldest continues the Inheritance Cycle with a deep dive into Eragon's growth as a Dragon Rider and the escalating conflict between the Varden and the Empire. After the events of the first book, Eragon, the Varden have secured a victory at Farthen Dûr, but the war is far from over.
Eragon travels to the elven city of Ellesméra to complete his training with Oromis, an elder Dragon Rider, and his dragon, Glaedr. There, Eragon learns advanced magic, swordsmanship, and the Elvish language, all of which are crucial for his role in the coming battles. However, his training is marred by his lingering injury from the battle with Durza, which causes him immense pain and hinders his progress.
Meanwhile, Roran, Eragon’s cousin, emerges as a leader in Carvahall, rallying the villagers to resist the Empire's soldiers who are hunting him. He leads them on a perilous journey to Surda, where they seek refuge with the Varden. Roran’s leadership is marked by courage and desperation, as he is determined to save his loved ones from the Empire’s clutches.
As Eragon’s training progresses, he struggles with the weight of his responsibilities, the knowledge of his true parentage, and his feelings for Arya, which remain unreciprocated. The elven ceremonies, including the Blood-Oath Celebration, play a significant role in shaping Eragon’s abilities and understanding of his connection with Saphira.
The narrative builds up to the Battle of the Burning Plains, where Eragon, now more powerful but still conflicted, joins the Varden in a critical confrontation against Galbatorix’s forces. During the battle, Eragon faces a heartbreaking revelation when Murtagh, who had previously been a close friend, is revealed to be not only alive but also bound to serve Galbatorix. Murtagh’s new dragon, Thorn, and his enhanced powers make him a formidable adversary.
The revelation that Murtagh and Eragon are brothers, both sons of Morzan, one of the Forsworn, is a devastating blow. Murtagh, now under Galbatorix’s control, takes Eragon’s sword, Zar’roc, and spares Eragon’s life out of a sense of brotherly connection, leaving Eragon feeling defeated and disillusioned.
The book closes with Eragon’s resolve to continue fighting, despite the overwhelming challenges. Roran’s arrival with the refugees from Carvahall brings a renewed sense of purpose, as the two cousins reunite, ready to face the future together. The Varden, despite their losses, remain determined to overthrow Galbatorix, setting the stage for the next installment, Brisingr.
Our summaries are tailored with your needs in mind, focusing on delivering the essence of Eldest by distilling its core themes of power, identity, and loyalty. We engage in expert analysis, ensuring that every pivotal moment and character value is captured with precision. Our commitment to quality and integrity guarantees that the content remains true to Christopher Paolini’s original narrative, offering a reliable resource that resonates with readers seeking a deeper understanding of the book’s intricate world.
