Minor characters from the Inheritance Trilogy
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This is a listing of the minor and supporting characters in Christopher Paolini's fantasy series The Inheritance Trilogy.
[edit] Ajihad
| Inheritance Trilogy character | |
 Djimon Hounsou as Ajihad in the film Eragon |
|
| Ajihad | |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Hair colour | Unknown |
| Eye colour | Unknown |
| House | House of Ajihad |
| Allegiance | Varden, Dragonriders |
| Film portrayer | Djimon Hounsou |
| First appearance | Eragon and Eldest |
Ajihad is the leader of the Varden. His name is derived from the Arabic word Jihad, meaning a holy struggle or righteous endeavor, a reference to the war he wages against King Galbatorix.[citation needed]
At the time of the Eragon story, Ajihad has been in power for around fifteen years, and has lead the Varden extremely well. Rumors of him spread through the Empire's disgruntled citizens heighten the mystery surrounding him and the Varden, but he is known to be a master strategist and a brutal fighter. Ajihad has deep ebony skin, a feature apparently odd in Alagaesia, which may point toward a southern land like Surda, or a realm outside of Alagaësia as his home; his exact origins are not known. He is a brilliant tactician and a cunning warrior, and has lead the Varden to victory many times; he was even skilled enough to duel with a deadly Shade (Durza)and survive, leaving a Scratch on his enemy's Blade. 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, the headquarters of the Varden. Ajihad governs all of the human rebels within the dwarf city and is given some jurisdiction over a few of the dwarves by Hrothgar, the ancient dwarven king. 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 is 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 (a title which passed on to Nasuada when she met the Kull involved). His daughter, Nasuada, takes control of the Varden. Later it was revealed that he was betrayed by his personal guards, the magical 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.
[edit] Angela
Angela is a witch, herbalist and a friend of Eragon who is accompanied by a werecat named Solembum and based on the author's younger sister, Angela Paolini, although Christopher says his sister is nothing like Angela in the book[citation needed]. A short, curly-haired woman, she makes most of her living by fortune-telling for the richer people of Teirm, and conjuring potions that she seems to imply are ineffective. Some of her hobbies include gathering mushrooms, and proving that toads do not exist, insisting they are, in fact, all frogs. Angela claims that she does not use true arts to tell the fortunes of the aristocrats but she uses magic to learn Eragon's future by using dragon knuckle bones.
Angela later appears in Tronjheim, the headquarters of the Varden. There she seems to be one of the more powerful users of magic. She claims that if the twins tried to read her mind she would leave them broken. She comes to Eragon's rescue during the battle under Farthen Dûr, wielding a two handed dwarf weapon; later it is revealed that she had won the weapon by "trickery" at the dwarven temple at Tarnag. She heals most of Eragon's injuries after the Battle under Farthen Dûr. She also watches over Elva. During the Battle of Burning Plains she poisons the enemy army's food and water supply. While appearing young she claims to be older, saying that the herbs she eats in times of famine result in her younger appearance.
[edit] Anurin
Anurin, an elf, was a leader of the Dragon Riders who lived hundreds of years before the events in Eragon, while the erstwhile human king, Palancar, was still alive. When Palancar was slain by a son and when violence became an inherent part of daily life in Palancar Valley, Anurin decided that humans should be allowed to become Dragon Riders to prevent such bloodshed and disputes. He convinced the then Elven monarch, Queen Tarmunora, to enter humans into the elf-dragon bond.
Anurin's decision was disapproved of by many elves. Tarmunora's successor, Queen Dellanir, disapproved of the decision so strongly that Anurin seceded from the Elven government and established the Riders on the western island of Vroengard, making the Dragon Riders an independent group not specifically allied with any race or government. Although Dellanir accepted this decision, it still angered her that any authority could supersede her own.
Until Eragon's time, elves continued to question the wisdom of Anurin's decision. Many others understand the value of having a third race enter into the bond, and also understand the importance of having independent Riders who deal with each government and race impassively and without bias, for the Riders' duty is to enforce law and order, and to help rulers keep the peace throughout the continent.
[edit] Brom
Brom is a former Dragon Rider and good member of the Varden. He is the trilogy's main character's mentor through the first book. He also created the Varden.
In Eragon, Brom is first introduced in the guise of a wizened old storyteller. When Eragon discovers a dragon egg and the baby dragon inside chooses to hatch for him, Eragon asks Brom for suggestions of good names for Dragons. Eragon and his dragon later agree on the name Saphira, without understanding the significance of the name.
Saphira's existence puts Eragon and his family in great danger of the King's servants, for the evil King Galbatorix, also a Dragon Rider, covets the dragon eggs. When Eragon's Uncle Garrow is murdered by creatures known as the Ra'zac, Eragon and Saphira are forced to flee Carvahall and Palancar Valley. Brom accompanies them on their quest to find and destroy the Ra'zac. Along the way, he educates Eragon in the utilization of the magical powers bestowed upon a Dragon Rider, and the art of swordsmanship. In the port city of Teirm, Eragon reveals that he is illiterate. Brom consequently takes it upon himself to teach Eragon to read.
They finally find the Ra'zac, but are ambushed and must escape. When Eragon, Saphira, and Brom are captured by the Ra'zac, a brave young stranger named Murtagh rescues them, but not before one of the Ra'zac throws a dagger at Eragon. Brom sacrifices himself to save Eragon, jumping into the dagger's path.
Before dying, Brom reveals to Eragon that he was once a Dragon Rider himself, and that he killed Morzan, first and last of the Forsworn. His own dragon, named Saphira, was killed in the battle of Doru Araeba.
The greatest mystery of all are his last words. Brom told Eragon seven words in the Ancient Language, and their meaning. The nature of these words have led to a great deal of speculation. The significance (and actual words) will most likely be revealed in the third book.
Eragon creates a sandstone tomb for Brom on top of a hill near Dras-Leona, the city in which the shade, Durza, had been hiding. Saphira uses her own magic to transform Brom's tomb into a sparkling diamond so that "time will not ravage him." Eragon sculpts runes into the original sandstone before the tomb becomes diamond: "Here lies Brom/ who was a Dragon rider/ and like a Father/ to me. May his name live on in glory."
In Eldest, while under the tutelage of the ancient elf Dragon Rider, Oromis, and Oromis's massive gold dragon, Glaedr, Eragon and Saphira learn more about Brom's past. Oromis had taught both Brom and Morzan, who as his students became close comrades.
Brom came from a family of illuminators in Kuasta, a remote city near the sea, south west of Carvahall. His mother was Nelda and his father Holcomb. Kuasta was so isolated by the Spine that it became a peculiar place, full of strange customs and superstitions. When he was new to Ilirea (Urû'baen), Brom would knock on a door frame three time before entering or exiting a room. The human students teased him for this. Eventually, he abandoned the practice, along with his other habits. During their tutelage under Oromis, Brom idolized Morzan, tagged along with him, and always considered Morzan's actions to be the right thing to do. Morzan often took advantage of Brom's unflagging admiration.
Galbatorix had Brom's dragon, the original Saphira, put to death in front of Brom's very eyes.
Driven nearly insane by grief and loss of identity (as dragon and Rider are deeply connected from the dragon's birth onwards), Brom swore to take revenge on Morzan, whom he blamed for his dragon's death. After the creation of the independent country of Surda, Brom sought to use the turmoil to his advantage. He founded the rebel group known as the Varden by gathering and merging groups opposed to Galbatorix. He led them for a few years, and then surrendered the position to another in order to pursue his true passion, Morzan's downfall. His fervor led him to a Teirm-based scholar named Jeod Longshanks, who claimed to have discovered a passage into Urû'baen. Brom and Jeod organized the unsuccessful theft of the three remaining dragon eggs, all of which were in Galbatorix's possession. They only succeded in stealing Saphira due to treachery within the castle. They raced against the Forsworn and Ra'zac for the eggs, eventually coming to Gil'ead. There, Brom personally killed three of the Forsworn (one being Morzan) and was responsible for the death of five others.
Eragon and Saphira, who are shaken to hear that Eragon was Morzan's son, later suspect that Brom came to Carvahall after Morzan's death in order to keep an eye on Eragon, so as to prevent the boy from becoming like his father (Murtagh's existence was kept secret from everyone except Galbatorix). In Eragon, however, it is evident that Brom is fond of young Eragon. When Eragon and Brom stay in Jeod's house in Teirm, Eragon meets a witch named Angela next door, who tells him Brom has led a cursed life, always meaning good and inadvertently ruining things through no fault of his own. From various sources, such as Angela and later Oromis, Eragon learns that Brom has suffered the losses of people close to him, including his dragon Saphira and a woman who lost her life because Brom loved her.
When Eragon, Saphira and Brom flee Carvahall, Brom expresses his gratitude that he lived to see the legend of the Dragon Riders reborn.
- The movie magazine Life Story recently had an article featuring the Eragon film, but Brom's allegiance was confused. He was described as "villainous."
In the movie adaptation of Eragon produced in 2006, Brom is played by Jeremy Irons.
[edit] Durza
Durza (pronounced dehr-ZA) is a Shade, one of the antagonists of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy. He is the chief antagonist in Eragon.
Durza was born Carasib. Early in his life, he was member of a nomadic tribe. Durza and his parents were abandoned by the tribe when Durza's father was accused of being an "oathbreaker". Following his parents' deaths, Durza found his way into the desert and was discovered by Haeg, a sorcerer, who taught Durza how to use spirits and spells.
Haeg was murdered by bandits, and, in his rage over his mentor's death, Durza summoned up avenging spirits too powerful to control. The spirits took possession of his mind and body, transforming him into a Shade.
Durza, being a Shade, has incredible magic powers (as read in the book when he incinerates a half-mile of forest in his attempts to catch Arya). He is able to wield control over the Urgals through linking spirits. He is also powerful enough to defeat Arya and quite possibly Saphira, yet he is weaker than Galbatorix. In the movie, he summons a flying denture-creature to fight Eragon and Saphira. He also is an incredible swordsman, easily defeating Eragon, who mastered the art of swordsmanship. One of the Shade's most potent powers is his resistance to death. If a Shade is not killed by a thrust to the heart, he will merely regenerate elsewhere stronger than the previous appearance. While a dragon rider has limits to his magic, so far by what we have seen a Shade has very little.
Durza is first introduced in the prologue of Eragon, Shade of Fear, when he attacks Arya, an Elf, in an attempt to steal the dragon egg she guards. He is able to capture her, but not before Arya teleports the egg to The Spine, where it is found by Eragon. Eragon later encounters Durza in Gil'ead. They have a brief physical battle, and Eragon realizes that he does not have nearly enough strength to defeat the Shade. Fortunately, Durza is disembodied when Murtagh shoots him between the eyes, but he does not die. Later, during the Battle under Farthen Dûr, Eragon is forced to duel with Durza once again, and this time the two of them use magic and mental powers. Finally, Eragon has a plan and climbs onto Saphira's tail. Durza throws a ball of flame at Eragon, but to his dismay, he's not there. Saphira flicks Eragon into Durza and as they fall, Durza starts whining in protest, right up until Eragon stabs him in the heart.
Durza's sword is marred by a long scratch upon the blade, a reminder of the time Ajihad, leader of the Varden, tried to kill him. Durza is depicted as the antagonist in a poem Eragon writes for the Blood-Oath Celebration; the poem receives much acclaim from the Elves and an honored place in one of their institutions.
[edit] Elva
Elva was a Varden 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. However, Eragon had never blessed anyone in his life, but he did the best he could by saying, or so he thought at the time, in the Ancient Language: "May luck and happiness follow you and may you be shielded from misfortune." Saphira then dragon-marked her brow, giving her dragon magic.
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.
Elva has pale skin, large violet eyes and black hair. She is often called "Shining Brow", for the star-shaped dragon's mark on her forehead. She eats voraciously, possibly as a result of her accelerated metabolism.
[edit] Garrow
Garrow is Roran's father, Eragon's uncle, Selena's brother, and Marian's husband. About fifteen years before the events in Eragon, Selena arrived at Carvahall, alone and pregnant. She pleaded desperately for Garrow, her brother, to take care of her upcoming baby and, after giving birth to Eragon, she departed and was never to be seen again. From then on, Garrow took care of Eragon, even after Marian's death. Roran and Eragon got along perfectly, and always considered each other brothers, even if not by blood.
[edit] Helen
Helen is the wife of Jeod. Jeod's business problems made them constantly have arguments. Helen was used to living in comfort, but she was denied many luxury's because of Jeod's financial problems. Their marriage was strained. However, they eventually made up in and decided to start anew when Roran and the rest of Carvahall arrived at Teirm. Together, they planned their journey to Surda to seek the Varden and escape the Empire.
[edit] Hrothgar
Hrothgar is the King of the Dwarves who controls the thirteen dwarf clans. The master smith's and metal worker's clan (Durgrimst Ingeitum in dwarfish and "Metalworker Clan" when directly translated to English) is ruled directly by the King of the Dwarves while he simultaneously rules over the other twelve dwarf clans, giving jurisdiction to their own leaders. This of course gives him complete and utter control of Tronjheim, the city within Farthen Dûr. Although Hrothgar holds such power, he is known for his wisdom and his caution. Even so, it is said by his nephew, Orik, that he is 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 together. 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 of Eragon. He is killed by the new Dragon Rider Murtagh. It is said that Hrothgar wanted to die facing a foe in melee combat, not by a magic user.
Hrothgar is the name of the king of the Danes in Beowulf.
It is also the name of a dwarf in the computer game Icewind Dale, which may have a connection with Inheritance Hrothgar's predecessor Korgan, who shares a name with a dwarf in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn.
[edit] Islanzadi
Islanzadí is queen of the elves. She lives in the elvish capital Ellesméra in the land of Alagaësia. She is the widow of the former king of the elves, King Evandar, and the mother of Arya. As a character, Islanzadí is often proud, imperious, and passionate. She is capable of using magic, with or without a definite incantation. Some are of the opinion that she is aware of Eragon's attraction to Arya but is unwilling to confront it openly.
[edit] Jeod Longshanks
Jeod Longshanks (pronounced 'Jode') is a wealthy merchant of Teirm and a good friend of Brom. He is an agent of the Varden and supported them with the proceeds from his business until he was found out, and had been suffering heavy losses in his business. Jeod has been dogged by misfortune, many of his ships and their cargoes have been lost and he was bankrupt when Eragon first meet him.
Even as he is coping with this grim situation, he is encountered by Brom and Eragon, who are pursuing their quest to locate the Ra'zac. In his earlier years, Jeod found a secret entrance into Galbatorix's castle in Uru'baen. Eragon asks for his aid in determining where the Seithr Oil they seek is being delivered to. Jeod helps them break into the record room of the city's capital building in order to find the necessary information. He and Brom then went on a mission to recover the three dragon eggs in Galbatorix's possession. They were only able to get one however, and it was lost, although Brom later recovered it. It was from this egg that Saphira hatched. Jeod later meets Roran and offers him much-needed assistance, revealing that he is a supporter of the Varden , The truth about Eragon and that they should travel to Surda together, along with the villagers, to seek sanctuary and fight against the Empire.
[edit] Katrina
Katrina is the beautiful daughter of Sloan, the butcher of the village of Carvahall in Palancar Valley. Tall and attractive with copper hair, she is engaged (without her family blessing) to Roran, Eragon's cousin.
While still a child, she lost her mother who had an accident in the the Spine, a range of mountains that has been said to be cursed. Since then, she has feared these mountains and has been forbidden by her father to go near them. She is the object of Roran's love and loves him like no other, although this love is hidden to her father as Roran and Sloan have never been on very friendly terms.
After Eragon (Roran's cousin) and his Dragon Saphira secretly flee Carvahall with Brom, the king's servants return again, this time to get Roran. Roran rallies the villagers and twice the villagers fight the monsters off. However, the third time, the Ra'zac and six Imperial soldiers slip into the now-fortified settlement by stealth and steal into Roran's bedroom when he was sleeping in the early hours of the morning. In the struggle that follows, Roran kills three of the soldiers and critically wounds two with his hammer. The Ra'zac seize Katrina and flee the house, and though Roran and his friends try to follow, the Ra'zac escape on their Lethrblaka.
Roran moves the villagers out of Carvahall to protect them, and is determined to rescue Katrina. Nothing more is known of her until the very end of Eldest, where Eragon scrys her; as Eragon and Roran bend their heads over the image Eragon has created, they see that Katrina is shackled to a wall, weary and imprisoned somewhere.
-
- Katrina appears in two deleted scenes in the Eragon film. One shows Katrina sneaking Eragon some meat. The second shows Katrina leaving with Roran.
[edit] Maud
Maud is a werecat from Ellesméra. She first appears in Eldest and is described (as a "human") as having feral eyes, stiff, shaggy white hair bleached with age. Her 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. He has also met Solembum, a major werecat in the Inheritance Trilogy, it is also forementioned that Solembum and Maud are kin. Maud did not give her real name, because true names are a powerful thing in Du Weldenvarden.
Maud is also the nickname of [L.M. Montgomery] (who likes to be called Maud by her family and friends), the author of the Anne Series, beginning with Anne of Green Gables, and Emily of New Moon.
[edit] Morzan
Morzan is a deceased dragon rider. Though not actually featured in the books, he is mentioned several times and has left many things behind with his passing—including his sons, who also become Dragon Riders.
Galbatorix coerced Morzan into betraying the other Riders, and Morzan helped him steal the dragon hatchling Shruikan, killing Shruikan's chosen Rider in the process. Morzan swore loyalty to Galbatorix, becoming the first, and last of the thirteen Forsworn—traitor 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, and he taught her several elements of magic. Selena gave birth to two sons, Murtagh and Eragon for whom Morzan showed no compassion, even throwing his sword at Murtagh in one of his drunken rages and leaving him with a scar on his back. Expecting a second child, Selena later disappeared, out of fear that similar misfortunes may occur on the unborn child so she gave birth to him in secret.
Morzan's end was brought about by Brom, his former peer and now bitter enemy, when he went hunting for the stolen egg. Brom, enraged at Morzan's betrayal and holding him responsible for the death of his own dragon, engaged Morzan in combat. Morzan was slain, thus putting an end to his threat, but not to his legacy.
Morzan's weapon was the elven-forged Rider sword Zar'roc, which meant "Misery". It had a red blade and sheath, matching the color of Morzan's dragon. 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, who claimed it as his inheritance. (Murtagh's dragon Thorn, coincidentally, has ruby-red scales that perfectly match Zar'roc). At the end of Eldest, Murtagh says in the ancient language to Eragon that they are brothers - Eragon is Morzan's second son. The truth of this statement, however, is still under debate. Whether or not Eragon is truly Morzan's son, no doubt Murtagh and Eragon are brothers, for it has been confirmed that Selena was indeed both Murtagh and Eragon's mother, though whether they are brothers or half-brothers remains to be seen.
[edit] Nasuada
Nasuada is the daughter of Ajihad, the leader of the Varden. Upon her father's death Nasuada becomes leader of the Varden at around seventeen years old. Little is known of Nasuada's beginnings. The dwarf prince Orik tells Eragon that no one knows who her mother is - Ajihad simply showed up one day with a baby in his arms and said that she was his daughter. Orik remarks that she is "an unusual girl" who, despite her young age, is skilled at manipulating her father's enemies and is a completely devoted daughter.
Nasuada and Ajihad are from an unknown land and, with their deep ebony skin, seem to be of a different human race. Nasuada and her father live in Tronjheim (a mighty Dwarf city in the Beor Mountains that is the base of the resistance movement) until the King's Urgals invade the Dwarf tunnels and nearly destroy the city in a fierce battle. Nasuada secretly defies her father's orders to stay hidden during the battle and chose to fight alongside the archers. She is later unperturbed by Ajihad's rage.
Nasuada is as forceful, brave, and charismatic as her father Ajihad, and her quick thinking and wise decisions (such as moving to Surda, as well as allying with the Urgals) enables the Varden to survive the many troubles they face following the Tronjheim battle and the Burning Plains battle. However, she is also mischievous and sweet-tempered, although she begins to harden slightly as her responsibilities as the Varden leader begin to weigh heavily upon her. In the course of Eldest, Nasuada matures far beyond her years and establishes complete control over the Varden, commenting dryly that the Council seems resigned to her leadership.
She is referred to formally as "the Lady Nasuada", although this does not imply aristocracy, for she was democratically elected to her leadership. Nasuada is not without insecurities: although she is intelligent, she is young, and she is plagued by fears and doubts concerning her leadership abilities and her ability to make the correct decisions for her people. She is lonely without her father, and her worries over battling the Empire keep her awake at night. When the magical child Elva reads her thoughts and consoles her by saying, "You chose the correct path", and that Nasuada's name would be praised for centuries for her courageous decisions, Nasuada gives in to a very rare moment of weakness and cries with relief.
[edit] Orik
Orik is a dwarf, a member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum ("Clan of Smiths"), and an ally of Eragon. He is also the adopted heir and nephew of the dwarf king Hrothgar, and the son of Thrifk. Orik, short as he is, is quite burly and strong, he is also very 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.
Orik is first encountered when Eragon, Murtagh, Saphira, and the gravely injured Arya come to Farthen Dûr, seeking the aid of the Varden. He persuaded the Twins to allow Murtagh to stay with the Varden, despite him being Morzan's son. 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 piece to the Blood-Oath Celebration, a 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.
When King Hrothgar is killed Orik mentions that both a new leader of Clan Igneitum, and a new Dwarf King must be chosen. Since Orik is considered Hrothgar's heir, he may thus be a candidate for either or both positions.
[edit] Oromis
Oromis is Eragon's second teacher (his first mentor being Brom). He is also referred to as Osthato Chetowä - The "Mourning Sage" and Togira Ikonoka - The "Cripple-Who-Is Whole". He is a "Shur'tugal" (a Dragon Rider) and an elven prince descended from a royal house, although not the ruling house. His dragon is gold and is named Glaedr.
Oromis is one of the last Dragon Riders of the generations before Eragon, besides Galbatorix. Oromis' golden dragon's name is Glaedr, with whom Oromis shares a psychic partnership. Oromis and Glaedr reside in Du Weldenvarden, the forest realm of the elves, living on the brink of the Crags of Tel'naeír. In the tradition of the Riders, Oromis carries a golden sword, Oromis' blade bearing the name Naegling.
Oromis was born over a millennium ago in the city of Luthivíra, located in the current Empire, which stood in the woods by Lake Tüdosten. At twenty years of age, he was presented to the eggs that the dragons had given to the Dragon Riders. Glaedr hatched for him, forging their virtually unbreakable magical bond. They trained together as dragon and rider, and for nearly a century they travelled together doing Vrael's will. After time, Oromis and Glaedr deemed it was appropriate to retire and pass on their experience, and so they took up a position in Ilirea and taught new Riders, normally one or two at a time. His known students include Brom and Morzan. Oromis was one of the Elders who denied Galbatorix a new dragon egg, although he never taught Galbatorix personally.
Oromis is injured in a way; The Forsworn broke something within him when he was captured, and though he is still able to teach and learn, he can no longer control magic, except for the smallest of spells. His sickness is not contagious, but it is incurable. Also, his dragon Glaedr is missing a foreleg. Thus, they are unable to enter battle, as they could easily be captured and controlled. Oromis has spent decades binding himself with hundreds of small, weak spells, that, layered upon another, are able to imitate the effect of enchantments that are now beyond his reach. He bound himself with them so that he could live long enough to witness the birth of the last Dragons and to foster the Riders' resurrection.
Oromis' role is now to help educate Eragon and Saphira with the secrets of the Dragon Riders. He knows the secret of how Galbatorix grows ever stronger, but isn't ready to reveal this until later in Eragon's training. Unfortunately, Oromis does not have much longer to live (due to his injury), and this sets him apart from the almost immortal elves. He is dignified and aloof, calm and compassionate, as well as wise and methodical. He does little that is not thoroughly considered, and is seldom surprised or puzzled. The one exception to this latter rule is the scene of Eragon's transformation at the Blood-Oath Celebration.
[edit] Roran Garrowsson
Roran "Stronghammer" Garrowsson 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. Roran is in love with Katrina, the daughter of the village butcher Sloan. This plays a more prominent part in Book II. Early in Eragon, he leaves Carvahall to work as a miller's assistant in the neighboring town of Therinsford.
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 love-interest 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 defences 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 going against his demand to avoid the Spine and Roran reveals that they are engaged. Sloan renounces Katrina and storms off, leaving her devastated. The following night, Katrina is kidnapped when the Ra'zac attack Roran's temporary home while he is sleeping with her. 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 longing to save 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 three barges, 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 Boar's Eye, 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 the entire village are aboard. Although Eragon orders him to stay put, Roran leaves the ship, using his hammer to kill The Twins , the two strongest magic users (aside from Eragon and Arya) in the Varden, who later betrayed them. He is met by Eragon, and the two are properly reunited at last. When they meet Roran punches Eragon in the face, finally being able to vent his frustration and anger at Eragon after abandoning his dying father (Eragon's Uncle, who he believe was killed because of Eragon) and the town. 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 from the Ra'zac to which Eragon agrees.
[edit] "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 travelling in disguise.
[edit] Selena
Selena is the mother of the character Eragon. She is also the mother of Murtagh, the wife of Morzan, first and last of the Forsworn, and the sister of Garrow. Selena married Morzan who used her to convey messages and get information for him. She was important to him because she would never betray him because of her love for him. He taught her some rudimentary magic for this reason. When she gave birth to Murtagh no one knew about it except Morzan, a few trusted servants, and Galbatorix. When Murtagh was three years old he was nearly killed by Morzan who was drunk at the time. Because of this, Selena decided to hide her second child, Eragon and decided to put him in her brother, Garrow's, care. She died soon after, because of the hardships she faced during Eragon's birth.
[edit] Sloan
Sloan is Carvahall's butcher and Katrina's father. He "dotes" upon his daughter, although he is also highly possessive of her. Sloan made it clear that he wants a good match for his daughter, and "not a poor farmer like Roran."
Sloan is a disagreeable, unpleasant-looking man, who does not like Eragon. He wants his daughter to marry well (mentioned in Eldest), and dotes on her (mentioned in Eragon). However, he does not hesitate to snap at her. He shows a bloodthirsty side during the Battle for Carvahall, taunting a soldier who runs away, and asks "Shall I gut and hamstring you?" Although he ultimately betrays the village, he does not do so until Roran declares his engagement to Katrina, and that all women and children will hide in the Spine. Sloan does not completely turn until Katrina, the one person he cares for, openly disobeys him and causes him to be humilated in front of the entire village.
Sloan told the Ra'zac about the blue stone Eragon found in the Spine, leading them to attack Garrow's farm. Seeing as he also betrayed the whole town to the Ra'zac in Eldest, he might be considered one of the reasons that the villagers had to abandon Carvahall.
In Eldest, Sloan intially defends Carvahall, somehow splitting open the helm of a soldier with a thrown cleaver, and generally acting bloodthirsty. Roran tells Sloan during the defense of Carvahall that he is engaged to Katrina, and furthermore, that all the women and children in Carvahall are going to hide in the Spine - even Katrina. An enraged Sloan swings at Roran, only for the young man to send him sprawling. Humiliated, Sloan disowns Katrina, then runs back to his shop weeping. He kills Byrd, and after betraying his fellow villagers to the Empire, is forced to travel to Helgrind along with his daughter to be tortured there.
[edit] Solembum
Solembum is a werecat and friend of Eragon. He usually accompanies Angela, a powerful witch. Solembum takes the form of a young boy when he changes from his catlike form. 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 say his name to open the Vault of Souls. Later he warns Eragon about approaching guards when Eragon, Brom, and Jeod had snuck into the records room in Teirm to procure information regarding converted Seithr oil. Solembum also appears in Tronjheim to lead Eragon to Angela and to simply chat with Saphira.
Since Solembum has been with Angela, he has only spoken to three people besides Angela: Eragon, Selena, and a blind beggar. Also he has talked to the dragon: Saphira
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 another, older werecat, Maud.
[edit] The Twins
The Twins are powerful human magicians who 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, the Du Vrangr Gata (The Wandering Path), so that they can learn more of the Ancient Language. 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 and kidnaps the Twins and Murtagh; 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. However, Durza ended up dead, so that plan fell through.
During the Battle of the Burning Plains, it is learned that the Twins had, in fact, survived; they had 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 Uru'baen, where he was forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix. They now 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 a medium-sized hammer. This affected the other twin so much that he could not defend himself when Roran struck him down.
[edit] Trivia
- The Twins appear in an extended scene in the Eragon film but do not appear in the movie, like many other things that happen in the book.
[edit] Vrael
Vrael was the last leader of the Dragon Riders when the downfall of the Riders came to pass. His earliest predecessor (as the Riders' leader) was the elf Eragon who had a white dragon and who lived many centuries ago. His immediate predecessor was the elf Rider, Anurin.
Apart from that, not much is known about Vrael, except that he was one of the last Riders (apart from Brom and Oromis) to escape from the madness of Galbatorix. He was the only Rider who could fight Galbatorix and the Forsworn (a band of Dragon Riders corrupted by Galbatorix). When Vrael came close to killing the tyrant, he could not bring himself to do so, and thus, Galbatorix blindsided the rider, weakening him severely. He fled to seek refuge, but was eventually caught by Galbatorix. They fought, but the corrupted rider gained the advantage by kicking Vrael in the groin, and beheaded him.
[edit] Characters that do not appear in the film version
- Hrothgar [appears in the movie but not named]
- Orik
- Elva (appears in a deleted scene)
- Solembum [although Angela appears]
- Nasuada [appears in the movie but not named]
- The Twins (appears in a deleted scene)
- The Dwarves
- Katrina [appears in two deleted scenes]
| Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Trilogy | |
|---|---|
| Books | Eragon | Eldest | Book 3 |
| Films | Eragon |
| Games | Eragon |
| Main Characters | Eragon | Brom | Arya | Galbatorix | Murtagh | Roran | Durza | Ajihad | Nasuada | Angela | Saphira | Oromis | more... |
| Places | Alagaësia | Beor Mountains | Ellesméra | Farthen Dûr | Teirm | Inheritance Trilogy locations | more... |
| Events | Battle of the Burning Plains | Battle for Carvahall | Battle under Farthen Dûr | Dagshelgr Invocation | The Fall |
