Book III and IIII (Theories)
From The Inheritance Encyclopedia
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| Warning: This page or section is a theory. Information following this warning has not been confirmed, or stated directly in any book. Theories are user created and modified. |
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This page is not to be used as a talk page. Users are free to add theories when they have support for a claim.
Contents |
Candidates for the Next Rider
Paolini stated that the rider would be a tad bit unexpected, but here are a few candidates who have been introduced:
Arya
Arya was introduced in Eragon is responsible for carrying Saphira's egg between the elves and the Varden.
- Support
- Her magic is green, and the dragon on the front of the fourth book is green. A Rider's magic matches the color of his or her dragon.
- All currently living Riders (Eragon, Murtagh, and Galbatorix - Oromis is excluded because he and Glaedr cannot fight in the war) are human and male. Given this lack of symmetry (in terms of gender and race, but also loyalties), and Paolini's statement to Shur'tugal.com that there are plenty of clues as to the last Rider in the first two books, Arya is the only character who fulfills all four characteristics: she is female, an elf, was introduced in the first book, and is against the Empire, like Eragon.
- She is already skilled in battle and magic, has years of wisdom, and is very powerful, even among elves.
- Against
- Paolini has stated that a Rider's magic will change to match his or her dragon's color, so Arya's green magic is not indicative of her being the next Rider.
- There no known history of there ever being a female rider.
Trianna
Trianna was introduced in Eldest, and then becomes more important in the end when she becomes the leader of Du Vrangr Gata,
- Support
- She already knows some magic
- Eragon actually likes her, but Saphira won't let them talk because she's jealous, but she's more understanding now, so...
- She knows enough magic, she's the leader of Du Vrangr Gata, so she probably knows as much as when Eragon defeated the Shade. Not enough time for her to become a factor in the final war? It only took Eragon one book to become what he is, and now there's going to be four books, so she's going to train in three and battle with Eragon with four and they will rekindle their, um, feelings...
- She's human
- How else are we going to learn more about familiars and sorcerers?
- Against
- She is a supporting character
- Against the Above
Roran
Roran was introduced in Eragon, and he does not play a major role until Eldest when he protects his village, rides to Surda to find his cousin, Eragon.
- Support
- Roran is Eragon's cousin.
- At the end of Eldest Roran already seems to be a formidable fighter, therefore saving the time it would take it training Roran to become one. Seeing that Roran could be a king it would make sense that he would be a strong rider.
- Against
- It has not been specified if being related to a Dragon Rider has any influence on candidacy, and as Roran is not directly related to the half of Eragon which had these assumed "rider genes", he is only related to Eragon's mother, not his Rider father. Therefore it is reasonable to presume he does not possess these hereditary traits.
- Roran may be an impressive warrior (for someone with no formal training), but he and the dragon would still have to be trained in magic and aerial combat (etc.). Upon being brought to Ellesmera Roran would be even more behind in his training than Eragon had been; Eragon, at least, could work some magic and had fought in battle with Saphira. If time is to be of the essence, which is what this argument is based on, Arya would seem a more likely candidate than Roran - she is already very skilled in both magic and swordsmanship.
- It was also noted by one of Eragon's elf guides on the way to Ellesmera that King Palancar's blood line stayed in Palancar Valley. Seeing as Carvahall is in Palancar Valley Roran could be the rightful King.
- Roran also has taken leadership of the people of Carvahall and for him to leave would leave the people of Carvahall without a leader.
- Also, in the Brisingr excerpt, Roran clearly did not like flying, which would make it improbable that he'd want to ride a dragon. Although, it is true that Eragon also did not like flying at first.
Nasuada
Nasuada is the current leader of the Varden
- Support
- Paolini confirmed that there would be a major change in Nasuada's character in book 3
- She is female, which would "even out" the gender discrepancies of the Riders
- She is already a skilled fighter.
- Against:
- Nasuada is leader of the Varden, thereby a possible candidate for the throne of Alagasia. People might not want another Rider king.
- She doesn't know any magic, so she'd have to start from scratch there.
- Nasuada has many responsibilities with the Varden, and leaving for training would leave the Varden leaderless.
Orik
- Support
- Orik has become comfortable with dragons.
- Orik enjoyed the time he spent in flight, however uncomfortable it may have been.
- He can fight well already.
- In Book III the elves might allow dwarves in the spell
- Against
- Dwarves weren't included in the spell that bound the Dragons and Elves, and later the Humans, which makes a traditional binding of Rider and dragon virtually impossible.
- Orik knows no magic, and thus would have to start from nothing.
- Orik is poised to become clan leader; if he becomes a Rider, his clan will have no leader.
- Against the against issue
- At the time of Eragon I (first rider) there WAS no spell, so why is it impossible for a dwarf to be a rider?
- It said that the Dwarves and Dragons didn't care for each other. (So said in Eragon)
Katrina
- Support
- Katrina may be held in the same place as the third egg.
- She is female, and if she became a Rider, it could even out the gender inequalities in Riders.
- Against
- Katrina has had no contact with dragons (except perhaps Shruikan).
- She also has no training, in either magic or fighting.
Elva
- Support
- Eragon blessed her to be a shield from misfortune and being a dragon rider would help her be that shield.
- She has a mark like the gedwey ignasia on her forehead.
- She apparently can already do magic
- Against
- Eragon promised to lift the curse.
- She's still only a baby in human terms.
- She has no experience in fighting
- Against the above
- She's still extremely young and therefore would be scarred for life if sent to war.
Vanir
- Support
- He is almost as strong as Eragon even after the blood oath ceremony
- He is already trained in magic and fighting
- Against
- If he became the third dragon rider, there would be five male Riders and no female ones, which is very uneven.
- He presumably already touched the eggs a long time ago when the elves still had them, and wasn't chosen then- why should he be chosen now?
Title
The Title of the Third Book is Brisingr. The cover has been released also.[1] The suggested titles below may apply to the fourth book, but now that the 6-letter-starts-with-E-pattern has been broken, the validity of the suggestions is highly questionable.
Empire
- Support
- The first two titles have had six letters and have started with E.
- The first edition of Eragon stated that the next two books would be Eldest and Empire, which held true for the second book.
- Against
- Paolini refuses to confirm the title of the fourth book.
- The third book was named "Brisingr", which broke the supposed pattern.
Eridor
- Support
- The first two titles have had six letters and have started with E.
- Eridor was the name of a dragon in the list of dragon names Brom told Eragon in Eragon. Also, some people believe Eridor will be the name of the third dragon.
- Against
- In the first edition of Eragon, Paolini stated that the next two books would be Eldest and Empire, which held true for the second book.
- There is not confirmation that Eridor will be the name of the third dragon.
Ending
- Support
- The first two titles have had six letters and have started with E.
- The fourth book? It is the "ending"...
- Against
- It's not very unique...
- The title could be the name of a character yet to be revealed
"Glaedr"
- Support
- He is one of the dragons we've heard about.
- Against
- He may not last long enough to play such a dramatic role as would merit him being the title of the next book.
"Brisingr"
- Support
- It's the official name of book 3
- Against
New Dwarf king
Orik
Orik is a dwarf who is part of smith clan (Dûrgrimst Ingeitum) and Hrothgar's nephew.
- Support
- Orik is Hrothgar's legal heir.
- When Saphira fixes the Star Sapphire, it may change the 'heart' of the clans to be more dragon favourable. Hrothgar stated in Eldest that the heart of Tronjheim was broken when the Sapphire was.
- If the clans become more dragon favourable, they would choose a leader who is also dragon-favourable - Orik.
- Against
- Many of the clan chieftains do not favor the Varden and the dragons as strongly as Orik does, and may not want a leader who is so supportive of them.
- Orik is only Hrothgar's heir by adoption, not by birth, and the other chieftains may not accept him.
Throne of the Empire
- To talk with other users about this, see Heir to Throne (Theories)
Eragon
Eragon is a Dragon Rider that is very powerful and is the central character throughout the trilogy, along with Saphira.
- Support
- Eragon is very powerful mentally, physically, and with magic, thanks to Saphira.
- Against
- Eragon has stated that he has no wish to become king because he has other duties as a dragon rider.
- Eragon will leave Alagaesia forever, as foretold by Angela.
- Eragon has been advised against taking the throne because he will not die of old age.
- Angela said that parts of Eragon's future could be changed if Eragon avoided things that would cause him to fulfill her prophecies.
Roran
Roran is Eragon's cousin who has lived on a farm most his life. He becomes a more developed character throughout Eldest.
- Support
- Some of the humans in the Palancar Valley (where Roran is from) are the descendants of the first human king.
- The people of Palancar Valley looked to Roran as a leader help them to flee to Surda.
- A large part of Eldest was spent developing Roran, which from a writing perspective sets him up to play an important role in Books 3 and 4.
- Against
- Roran has not had a formal education and has lived most of his life on a farm undisturbed by politics.
- Roran is still young.
- Seems to show no interest in politics, just in rescuing Katrina.
Side Note - If Roran becomes the Rider of the green dragon, he like Eragon, will not age like normal humans. Seeing how that turned out with Galbatorix, many of the Empire's citizens will probably not accept his rule.
Orrin
- Support
- Already rules Surda and resists the Empire, thus has experience.
- Seems to be a good, well-liked ruler.
- Against
- He does not seem to have any interest in ruling the Empire.
- As he is already king of Surda, people may not accept him as king of the Empire, too.
Nasuada
Nasuada is the leader of the Varden.
- Support
- Leader of the Varden.
- She is a strong leader.
- Against
- Nasuada is still young.
- Even those who are against the Empire often still consider the Varden to be upstart rebels, so they may not accept her rule.
Murtagh's loyalty
Murtagh becomes a Dragon Rider and fights for Galbatorix.
- Murtagh willingly serves Galbatorix
- Galbatorix possesses charisma that won Murtagh over while he still resided in Uru'baen.
- Galbatorix holds power over Murtagh by threatening the livelihood of Thorn.
- Murtagh unwillingly serves Galbatorix
- Murtagh had misgivings about capturing Eragon in Eldest.
- Murtagh was disgusted by Galbatorix's merciless killing.
- Galbatorix controls Murtagh with his true name.
- Mutagh and Thorn have sworn oaths in the ancient language
Theories about relationships
Known relationships
This is a list of characters who we know will have a relationship form or have a relationship revealed in the next book.
- Eragon's lover
- Faolin's relationship to Arya
Relationship theories
Eragon
As foretold by Angela, Eragon's lover will be beautiful, wise, powerful, and noble. Angela was unable to see if the romance would end happily, but Angela describes it as "epic." (Eragon 205)
Nasuada
- To talk with other users about this, see Eragon/Arya (Theories)
Nasuada and Eragon first met in Tronjheim. Eragon has supported Nasuada since she became the leader of the Varden.
- Support
- Nasuada's heritage is unknown, but she is beautiful and a popular leader.
- Nasuada is overjoyed when she discovers that Eragon survived his fight with Murtagh.
- Against
- Nasuada is not of noble birth and heritage
- Nasuada may actually love Murtagh
Arya
Eragon is already deeply infatuated with Arya the elf. However, she has rejected him.
- Support
- Arya fits the description of the woman in Angela's prophecy. Arya is beautiful and, like all elves, wise and powerful. She is also a princess.
- Angela's prophecy stated that "an epic romance...extraordinary" with this woman was in Eragon's future. So far, however, it has not been anything that could be termed "romance", but only unrequited love, and there has certainly been nothing "epic" about it. Thus, if the woman in the prophecy is Arya, the rest of the prophecy has not yet come to pass, which suggests that something might happen between Arya and Eragon that will make this romance happen as foretold.
- Paolini has spent the better part of two books fleshing out the relationship between Eragon and Arya. Eragon has never expressed any romantic feelings towards any of the other female characters, and Arya's actual feelings towards Eragon are still unclear. At this point, many think it unlikely that the author would have spent all that time on them if Eragon was meant to move on and get together with another character, either known or yet to be introduced. Thus a romantic relationship between Arya and Eragon is still possible in the final two books.
- Opposition
- Arya has already rejected Eragon.
- Arya is already decades older than Eragon.
- Elves generally outlive humans (although Eragon currently has eternal life as well being a dragon rider and possessing elfin abilities), and are more patient and less lively.
- Angela's prophecy also said that she didn't know if his love would work out or if she would even love him back.
- Refute:
- Angela predicted that Eragon would be immortal or have an unusually long life. This way he could continue living with Arya.
- Angela said that not many poor farmer boys could expect to be loved by a noblewoman.
- Arya's rejection of Eragon could have nothing to do with her actual feelings for him, but rather her adherence to duty (pursuing a relationship would only distract them, especially Eragon, who is crucial to the war against the Empire).
- Maybe Arya secretly loves and admires Eragon , but wants him to concentrate and put his energies to fighting Galbatorix, so what does she do but feign that she has no interest in Eragon and is just a friend.
Saphira
- To talk with other users about this, see Saphira's Mate (Theories)
It is not known if Saphira will find a mate.[2] She is the last known female dragon. The other known dragons are Thorn, Glaedr, and Shruikan. Glaedr has already rejected Saphira. Another green dragon will be introduced in Book 3. In Eldest is it confirmed that this dragon was male.
Glaedr
- Support
- Something might have happened between Saphira and Glaedr in the cave. A mating might have taken place and more on that could be elaborated in the third book.
- Opposition
- Glaedr has rejected Saphira.
- Saphira would have been happy, to a certain extent, if they had mated.
- Saphira said that he had rejected her meaning that there is no way the two could have mated.
- Eragon would have sensed that she was hiding somthing after the incident.
Thorn
Thorn is younger than Saphira. His rider is Murtagh, and they fight together for Galbatorix.
- Support
- Thorn is closer to Saphira's age than Glaedr, and perhaps the green dragon.
- Opposition
- Thorn and Saphira are on different sides. Thorn fights for Galbatorix, but Saphira fights against Galbatorix.
- Saphira has expressed a strong grudge against "egg-breaking" forsworn dragons and would most likely refuse mating with one another.
- Saphira might die in the third book, and dragon kind dies.
The green dragon
The green dragon has not been introduced. In Eldest, Murtagh states that Galbatorix wants to capture Saphira so she could mate with the third dragon.
- Support
- It is not known which side the green dragon will be on, but Glaedr has rejected Saphira and Saphira will most likely reject Thorn, the green dragon is the last dragon left.
- Against
- We only have "word of mouth" that the green dragon is a boy, it may be a girl and mate with ether Thorn or a supposible wild Dragon.
- Even if the green dragon hatched at the beginning of Brisingr, he would still be almost a year younger than Saphira, who is only a year old herself. The age difference is huge.
Shruikan
Saphira will defintely not mate with the evil king's dragon who has been bonded for 100 years. Unless he "force-mates" her which I don't see possible.
Wild Dragon
These are the possible dragons that live in remote regions like the Spine or the Beors.
- Support
- If the green dragon does not turn out (and there is no assurance that he will), these dragons may be found.
- Wild dragons might explain the disappearance of half of Galbatorix's army.
- Going to find wild dragons might be the reason Eragon has to leave Alagaësia forever, like Angela predicted.
- Opposition
- There is no proof whether or not there are actually any wild dragons alive.
- If there even are wild dragons, there is no guarantee that one will mate with Saphira.
Murtagh
Nasuada
- To talk with other users about this, see Murtagh/Nasuada (Theories)
Nasuada visited Murtagh while he was imprisoned by the Varden because of his heritage.
- Support
- Murtagh is openly impressed by Nasuada's elegance. He compares her to "a princess" and the noblewomen of the Empire's court. (Eragon, 465)
- After learning of Murtagh's betrayal to the Varden, Nasuada comments, "It's a pity that this befell Murtagh when he has already endured so much hardship. I enjoyed his company in Tronjheim and believed he was our ally, despite his upbringing. I find it hard to think of him as our enemy." (Eldest, 662)
- In Eragon, the title character asks Murtagh his reason for avoiding the Varden, saying "Did you kill someone important or bed the wrong woman?" Given Eragon's uncanny ability to predict events, the line has such a connotation when one considers the fact that after Murtagh's "betrayal", he kills the king of the dwarves, Hrothgar; Nasuada, being the leader of the Varden, who oppose Galbatorix and thus Murtagh, would no doubt be considered "the wrong woman." Further, Paolini has stated that he has made a major change towards the end of the final book and that it involves Nasuada, and also that the Varden might not favour Nasuada in terms of leadership starting at some point in the final book.
- Opposition
- Murtagh is currently fighting against the Varden, which is lead by Nasuada.
- Eragon feels strangely apprehensive about Murtagh's praise for Nasuada.
Future changes mentioned in interviews
- ComicCon International 2006 interview with Paolini
- Changes in Nasuada's character.
Solembum's advice
- To talk with other users about this, see The Vault of Souls (Theories), Eragon's next sword or The Menoa Tree (Theories)
- Eragon may find an weapon underneath the Menoa Tree
- When in despair and powerless, Eragon must speak his name to open the Vault of Souls at the Rock of Kuthian
Angela's prophecy
Eragon
- The nature of Eragon's departure from Alagaësia
- Eragon's lover
- The woman will be of noble birth, beautiful, powerful, and wise.
- The romance may or may not end in happiness.
- His long life or immortality
- Human Dragon Riders gain long life through their bond with their dragons.
Selena
There is little information on Selena's fortune. Angela only says that "her fortune was bleak and painful. I don't think she believed it--not at first."
The blind beggar
The blind beggar speaks to Solembum, but does not agree to have his fortune told.
The Major Death
On October 30th, Christopher Paolini stated in a Video Announcement that there was going to be a major death in Book III. Who's it going to be?
Murtagh
At the end of Eldest, Murtagh became an enemy of Eragon. He is also the son of Morzan, which means he is hated by the Varden.
Islanzadi
If Islanzadi died, Arya would have to face the decision of becoming queen or not. This would also deepen the gap between Eragon and Arya. Furthermore, major leaders of various factions have died at the ends of the first two books (Ajihad and Hrothgar) and a major leader will probably die at the end of the fourth book (Galbatorix). As queen of the elves, Islanzadi is a major leader and her death would fit in with the others.
The God
On March 18th, a newsletter was sent out from Alagaesia.com that told us a surprise spoiler for the third book of the Inheritance Cycle. When we visit the spoiler page it reads, "In Brisingr, the next book of the Inheritance cycle, Eragon will meet a god."
Who could it be?
An unknown dragon
A dragon, as they are all-and-powerful creatures, could be the god.
Unintroduced character
Could there be a new character entering the cycle in this book?
Oromis
A master of swordsmanship and magic...would make a good choice.
Angela
Maybe she's not just a fortune teller, or a herbalist. Maybe she could be more....
Brom
Could he really be dead? This theory takes us back to what his seven words may have been.
Selena
Not much is known about Selena. That doesn't mean that she can't be the god.
Unresolved plot threads
- Once you find support for a theory, you may move it from this list and make a section for it above.
Brom
- To talk with other users about this, see Broms last 7 words
- The seven words that Brom revealed to Eragon as he was dying.
- Brom's words to Saphira when he thought he might die after the events in Teirm
- The identity of Brom's lover
- The seven words might also be the name of ancient language
Eragon
- To talk with other users about this, see Eragon's Heritage (Theories)
- Eragon's dream in which he and a female rider hold hands below two flying dragons
- Eragon's true name
- Eragon obtaining a new sword, since Murtagh took Zar'roc
- How Eragon and Saphira will repair the Star Sapphire.
- Eragon's promise to Elva.
- Solembum's advice to him
Galbatorix
- To talk with other users about this, see Galbatorix (Theories)
- The steady increase of Galbatorix's strength
- The reason Galbatorix lost half of his army in the Spine
- The identity of the "sympathetic Rider" who helped and was killed by Galbatorix.
General theories
- At the vault of souls Eragon will become a good shade.
- Eragon will fight Galbatorix and win because in the vault of souls are the words to absorb energy from light and or air.
- Eragon shall take charge of the Elven Spellcasters sent to aid him in the assault on the empire. With the aid of strong spellcasters, this new Green dragon and it's rider, and Saphira he will infiltrate cities and work his way towards Galbatorix's Dark throne in the capital. With the army of the Varden, and his Elite allies, he shall storm the city and face off Galbatorix and Murtagh.
- Before his Showdown with The king and the king's considerable might, not to mention his army and of course Murtagh, Eragon will attempt to locate this Vault of souls so he can destroy it so that Murtagh and Galbatorix aren't so formidable in regards to their Capacity and strength in maintaining spells via the multiple conscousness' they have access to.
- Galbatorix somehow removes the elven spell protecting Du Weldernvarden and Eragon Galbatorix, and Murtaugh fight there, they dismount and fight on foot for some reason with magic. Eragons and Murtaugh magic weakens and Murtaugh pulls out Zar'roc to fight with swords (Galbatorix stands back to watch his pupil). Eragon uses another sword but is defeated easily by Murtaugh because the magic entwined in Zar'roc. Eragon end up backed against the Meona tree and The Vault of souls opens underneath the tree. Eragon finds a blue sword there. His magic is restored when he gains the sword and he learns his ancient name. He exits the Vault and Stabs Galbatorix and frees Murtaugh from Galbatorix's Magic. -Kate Bamford if any questions please post on katelyn980@hotmail.com
- It states in the third book that eragon fells a multitude of consciousness in murtaghs head whats to say the razaacs layer is not the vault of souls and galbatorix has somehow used souls to make him stronger in magic and stuck his last dragon egg there for safe keeping and also i belive that the roots of the meonia tree -also in solembum prediction- are refering to elves descendint of the tree are holding broms old sword because Rhunon the elven smith states (eldest 302) that there is 3 swords left and one could be broms old sword found by the elves this is all just theory but very intresting
- One of the characters will become pregnant. Who is it and what is the importance of the Newborn Child?
Galbatorix Theory of Innocence
By Kate Bamford katelyn980@hotmail.com
I actually (after reading eragon so many times) feel sorry for galbatorix, He lost his dragon! You know how eragon felt after loosing garrow, how nothing would stand in his way from killing the raz'zac all the soldiers dead because of him. Imagine now galbatorix losing his dragon. Part of his self ripped from him. many million times worse than eragon loosing garrow. then he was lost for years! Without anyone to guide him or help him so he became mad with grief. when he finally came back to a civilized place he wanted his dragon so much he would do anything to get it back as a cause by his madness galbatorix wanted another dragon to fill that missing place and the council of elders refused and passed him off as evil he as a cause of his madness thought they were just that keeping him from the one he loved and in shock he concluded that they were keeping him from his dragon and the only way to get it back was to learn skills and kill them yet we must remember that half of himself was ripped from him that includes the bad and the good we just haven't seen the bad from him and i don't think it was just him that turned him evil in the end. we forget the shade durzas part in this a creature bred for evil. he was a big part of the riders downfall. he trained galbatorix but- it didn't say wether it was voluntary or involuntary wether galbatorix knew what a shade was or not. at the age of ten he got the dragon at that time he didn't even know where ellesmira and farthern dur where he never learned where they were even as a fully accomplished rider so what is to say he didn't know what it was and shade durza twisted him with dark magic after all his dragon was killed by an ambush by urgals in urgal country by a foolish act by not putting watch shifts on and it says in the book that he was quite mad in that urgal country whats to say when he was jumping out trying to kill himself the shade didn't see or hear of him and did something to him or made him twisted in dark magic or made a deal that if he killed the elders he would get his dragon back or trained him for evil preposes or poisoned him against the riders this is my theory
Other
- The fate of the last dragon egg
- The importance of the Grey Folk, if any.
- Katrina's fate, along with the fate of Sloan, the Ra'zac and the Lethrblaka
- Thorn's growth from hatchling to being able to breath fire
- The fate of Oromis
- The answer to Blagden's riddle.
- Tornac's importance.
- Nasuada's heritage.
External Links
- Alagaesia.com The Official Site for the Inheritance Trilogy
- Shurtugal.com
- Shurtugal.com's Book III page Including all known facts, and a set of theories.
![[1]](http://www.shurtugal.com/imageviewer.php?view=2008/january/16/BRISINGR.jpg){kind=link}