Eldest – Christopher Paolini (2005)

Eldest by Christopher Paolini, published in 2005, is the second book in the Inheritance Cycle. Following Eragon, the story delves deeper into the epic struggles of Alagaësia, as Eragon begins his journey of training, grapples with political intrigues, and faces devastating betrayals in the fight against the tyrannical King Galbatorix.

Plot Summary

In the sprawling aftermath of the Battle of Farthen Dûr, the Varden mourned their slain leader, Ajihad. Eragon, the newly anointed Shadeslayer, returned from the blood-soaked battlefield, burdened by the weight of his scars—both physical and emotional. Ajihad’s daughter, Nasuada, stepped forward to assume leadership of the rebellion, her resolve steelier than her youth suggested. With a heavy heart and a promise made to Ajihad to prevent chaos, Eragon pledged his loyalty to her, binding himself to the cause of the Varden and solidifying his role in the fight against the Empire.

Meanwhile, Eragon’s cousin, Roran, faced his own tribulations in Carvahall. Galbatorix’s agents—the Ra’zac—descended upon the village, spreading terror and demanding Eragon’s capture. Roran, driven by love for Katrina and a sense of duty to his people, rallied the villagers to resist the invaders. The Ra’zac retaliated by kidnapping Katrina, leaving Roran devastated but determined to rescue her. He led Carvahall’s residents in an exodus across the Spine, their path fraught with hardship and danger as they sought refuge in Surda.

Far to the north, Eragon and Saphira journeyed to the elven city of Ellesméra to train under Oromis, a wise but frail Rider who had survived the fall of the Riders. Eragon’s days were consumed by rigorous training in swordsmanship, magic, and ancient lore. Oromis taught him the responsibilities of a Rider and the deep connection between magic, language, and the natural world. Eragon also faced the limitations of his wounded body, the pain of his scar a constant reminder of his mortality. In Ellesméra, Eragon discovered the grandeur of the elves and their harmonious existence with the forest. He bonded further with Arya, though her aloofness left him yearning for a connection she did not reciprocate.

In Ellesméra, Saphira found kinship with Glaedr, Oromis’s dragon, who shared with her the wisdom of ages. Together, Oromis and Glaedr revealed the dark truths of Galbatorix’s power and the devastating betrayal of the Forsworn. Amid his training, Eragon participated in the Agaetí Blödhren, the elves’ Blood-Oath Celebration, a ceremony honoring the pact between dragons and Riders. In a miraculous transformation, his body was altered, healed of its scars, and imbued with elven grace and strength, making him more formidable in battle.

Back in Surda, the Varden prepared for war. Nasuada proved herself a shrewd and resourceful leader, uniting the scattered forces of rebellion and forging alliances. She introduced innovative strategies, such as the creation of a silk-based weapon called “narblasts,” which would help counter the Empire’s overwhelming strength. Her determination inspired loyalty among her followers, even as the shadow of Galbatorix loomed large.

Roran and his people reached Surda after braving perilous terrain and the constant threat of pursuit. Upon reuniting with the Varden, Roran learned of Eragon’s destiny and his own connection to the larger struggle. Driven by the need to rescue Katrina, he implored Nasuada for aid, aligning his efforts with the rebellion and cementing his role in the larger fight.

As the Varden and their allies prepared to face Galbatorix’s forces, Eragon returned from Ellesméra, stronger and more resolute. The Burning Plains became the theater of war, a desolate and fiery expanse where the Varden clashed with the Empire’s armies. Amid the chaos of battle, Eragon’s strength and newfound skills were tested as he fought alongside Saphira to protect their comrades.

The battle took a grim turn with the arrival of a new Rider. To Eragon’s horror, the Rider was revealed to be Murtagh, who had been captured by the Empire and enslaved by Galbatorix through dark magic. Astride the red dragon Thorn, Murtagh confronted Eragon, their friendship shattered by the weight of betrayal. Murtagh revealed the devastating truth of Eragon’s lineage: they were brothers, sons of Morzan, the first and most treacherous of the Forsworn. This revelation shook Eragon to his core, threatening to unravel his sense of identity and purpose.

Despite Murtagh’s allegiance to the Empire, he spared Eragon’s life, bound by an unspoken remnant of their former bond. The battle ended in a tenuous stalemate, with the Varden battered but unbroken. The sacrifices of the many who had fought and fallen weighed heavily on all, a stark reminder of the price of resistance.

As the flames of the Burning Plains smoldered, Eragon faced an uncertain future. His newfound strength was tempered by the knowledge of his heritage, the weight of his brother’s betrayal, and the shadow of Galbatorix’s power. Yet, with Saphira by his side and the hope of a united resistance, he resolved to continue the fight, knowing that the fate of Alagaësia depended on their courage and unity.

Main Characters

• Eragon Shadeslayer: The young Dragon Rider faces immense challenges as he begins his training among the elves. He wrestles with his physical limitations, political responsibilities, and the weight of destiny while forming deep connections with his dragon, Saphira.

• Saphira: Eragon’s loyal dragon and constant companion, Saphira exhibits wisdom and a fierce protectiveness over her Rider. She provides guidance and shares Eragon’s burdens, showcasing a blend of pride and compassion.

• Roran Stronghammer: Eragon’s cousin, left behind in Carvahall, becomes a reluctant hero as he leads the villagers against the Ra’zac and Galbatorix’s forces, driven by his love for Katrina.

• Arya Svit-kona: The enigmatic elf continues to be a source of wisdom and strength for Eragon, subtly hinting at deeper emotional layers beneath her stoic exterior.

• Nasuada: Daughter of Ajihad, Nasuada emerges as a strong and capable leader of the Varden after her father’s death. Her cunning and resolve become pivotal in rallying the rebellion.

• Murtagh: Eragon’s friend grapples with his lineage as the son of Morzan, one of the Forsworn. His journey takes a darker turn as secrets about his fate and allegiance are revealed.

• Orik: The loyal dwarf warrior serves as Eragon’s guide and friend, providing wisdom about dwarven culture and their place in the rebellion.

Theme

• Responsibility and Leadership: Eragon, Nasuada, and Roran must rise to their responsibilities, making difficult choices that test their resolve and moral integrity.

• Identity and Heritage: Eragon grapples with the burden of being a Rider, while Roran contemplates his legacy. Bloodlines and personal choices play a critical role in shaping their paths.

• Sacrifice: Characters consistently face personal losses, whether it’s Eragon’s physical pain, Roran’s love for Katrina, or Nasuada’s ascension at great personal cost.

• Magic and Knowledge: Eragon’s training in Ellesméra highlights the importance of knowledge, discipline, and the deep connection between magic, nature, and power.

• Good vs. Evil: The novel explores the gray areas of morality, particularly through Murtagh and other characters caught between loyalty and self-preservation.

Writing Style and Tone

Christopher Paolini’s writing in Eldest is richly descriptive, immersing readers in the expansive world of Alagaësia. He uses intricate details to bring the diverse cultures of elves, dwarves, and humans to life. His pacing alternates between fast-action sequences and slower, introspective moments, allowing for both plot and character development.

The tone is serious and somber, reflecting the stakes of a growing rebellion. Paolini’s narrative voice captures the struggles and triumphs of his characters, often interspersed with moments of wisdom, poetic reflections, and emotional depth. His use of multiple perspectives, particularly Roran’s storyline, adds layers to the central conflict, emphasizing the broader impact of the war.