Summary
Eragon, Christopher Paolini’s debut novel, is a captivating fantasy adventure. Published in 2003 when Paolini was just 19 years old, this first installment of The Inheritance Cycle quickly became a New York Times bestseller and won numerous awards. The tale of a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg and becomes embroiled in an epic struggle against an evil empire has resonated with millions of readers worldwide. In 2006, Eragon was adapted into a feature film. With its blend of classic fantasy elements and youthful protagonist, Paolini's novel has cemented its place as a modern young adult fantasy classic.
Plot
Eragon, the first book in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, tells the story of the titular character, a young farm boy whose life is forever changed when he discovers a mysterious blue stone in the mountains. The stone turns out to be a dragon egg, from which hatches a dragon he names Saphira. As his bond with Saphira grows, Eragon finds himself thrust into a dangerous world of magic and power.
When the evil King Galbatorix learns of the dragon egg, he sends his sinister servants, the Ra'zac, to retrieve it. Eragon is forced to flee his hometown with an old storyteller named Brom, who reveals himself to be a former Dragon Rider. As they journey across the land, Brom teaches Eragon the ways of the Riders, including swordsmanship and magic. Their quest to find the Ra'zac leads them to encounters with various people and creatures, including a fortune-telling witch and a mysterious young man named Murtagh.
The story culminates in a battle between Eragon and the Shade Durza inside the underground city of the Varden, a rebel group opposing Galbatorix's rule. With the help of the elf Arya and his dragon Saphira, Eragon defeats Durza but is left with a grievous scar. The book ends with Eragon vowing to continue his training and fight against the empire, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.
Themes
Coming of age and self-discovery
Power of friendship and loyalty
Good vs. evil in a fantasy world
Importance of mentorship and guidance
Quest for justice and revenge
Discovering hidden talents and abilities
Responsibility that comes with great power
Setting
Eragon takes place in the fictional land of Alagaësia, a vast continent reminiscent of medieval Europe. This fantastical realm is home to humans, elves, dwarves, and other mythical creatures, including the nearly extinct dragons. The setting evokes a classic high fantasy world, with sprawling forests, towering mountains, and ancient cities steeped in magic and mystery.
Within Alagaësia, several key locations play crucial roles in Eragon's journey. The story begins in Palancar Valley, a remote farming region where Eragon grows up. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to other significant places such as the Spine, a treacherous mountain range; Teirm, a coastal city of intrigue; and Farthen Dûr, the hidden stronghold of the rebel Varden. Each location is vividly described, adding depth and texture to the world Paolini has created.
While no specific era is mentioned, the setting of Eragon draws heavily from medieval European influences—the social structures, modes of travel, and everyday tools all suggest a pre-industrial society. However, the presence of magic and fantastical creatures sets it apart from historical reality. This blend of familiar historical elements with magical and mythical aspects creates a rich, immersive world for readers to explore alongside the titular hero.
Characters
Eragon: A 15-year-old farm boy who becomes a Dragon Rider after finding a mysterious blue stone that hatches a dragon.
Saphira: Eragon's dragon and companion, with whom he shares a deep mental bond.
Brom: An elderly storyteller from Carvahall who mentors Eragon, revealing himself to be a former Dragon Rider.
Murtagh: A young man who rescues and befriends Eragon, but harbors a dark secret about his parentage.
Arya: An elf princess who is rescued by Eragon and becomes an important ally.
Galbatorix: The evil king of Alagaësia, who seeks to capture Eragon and Saphira.
Durza: A powerful Shade working for Galbatorix as his main henchman.
Ajihad: The leader of the Varden, a rebel group opposing Galbatorix.
Orik: A dwarf who befriends Eragon and serves as his guide in Farthen Dûr.
Angela: A mysterious herbalist and fortune teller who aids Eragon on his journey.
Solembum: A werecat who travels with Angela and offers cryptic advice to Eragon.
Roran: Eragon's cousin, who remains in Carvahall when Eragon leaves.
Garrow: Eragon's uncle and guardian, who is killed by the Ra'zac.
Quick facts
Christopher Paolini began writing Eragon at age 15 and self-published his debut novel at 18.
The self-published book was discovered by author Carl Hiaasen, who brought it to the attention of Alfred A. Knopf publishers.
The name “Eragon” is “dragon” with one letter changed.
Paolini drew inspiration for Alagaësia's landscape from his home state of Montana.
Paolini based the ancient language used by elves in the novel on Old Norse, German, Anglo-Saxon, and Russian.
Paolini created the original cover art for the self-published version of Eragon.
Paolini was inspired to write a work of high fantasy from reading authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey, and Ursula K. Le Guin.
The character Saphira was inspired by Paolini's idea of “the perfect friend,” and his own color-blindness influenced her blue-tinted vision.
Eragon spent 121 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold more than 24 million copies worldwide.
About the Author
Christopher Paolini, born in 1983 in Southern California, is an American author best known for his fantasy series The Inheritance Cycle. Raised in Paradise Valley, Montana, Paolini was homeschooled and completed his high school education at the age of 15. His precocious literary career began when he wrote Eragon, the first book in the series, at just 15 years old.
Paolini's breakthrough came when his self-published Eragon caught the attention of established author Carl Hiaasen, leading to its publication by Knopf in 2003. The Inheritance Cycle, which includes four main books and several companion works, has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. This success earned Paolini recognition from Guinness World Records as the youngest author of a bestselling book series.
Expanding beyond the world of Alagaësia, Paolini ventured into science fiction with To Sleep in a Sea of Stars in 2020. He continues to build his “Fractalverse” with works like Unity and Fractal Noise. Beyond his success as an author, Paolini has dodged gunfire, qualified as a marksman in the Australian army, and even has his name inscribed on Mars. He is also a Scottish laird and a father.
