Zar'roc
From The Inheritance Encyclopedia
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| About the Item | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Zar'roc |
| What Zar'roc Is: | Zar'roc is an Elven sword created for the Riders. |
| Owner/User of Zar'roc: | Morzan; Brom; Eragon (Second); Murtagh |
Zar'roc is a sword that has had four owners so far: Morzan, Brom, Eragon, and Murtagh. Its name means "misery," which is interesting because the sword was named while Morzan was still loyal to the Dragon Riders. This suggests that the Riders used fear and intimidation to maintain control.
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Information About the Item
Zar'roc was made by the elf Rhunon for Morzan before he joined Galbatorix and became a Forsworn. Its blade is made red while Rhunon was creating it;. Zar'roc has a golden pommel with a ruby set into it, a wire-wrapped grip and a silver cross-guard. It is about three and a half feet long. Morzan's black symbol is on the blade as well as on Zar'roc's sheath.
"The balance of the sword was perfect; it felt like an extension of (Eragon's) arm, unlike the rude farm tools he was used too." (Eragon, pg. 102)
Morzan owned Zar'roc for his entire life. It was made for him and matched the red color of his dragon. When Murtagh was still a small boy Morzan threw Zar'roc at him and wounded Murtagh seriously. Had it not been for the quick acting of a healer than the blow would have been lethal. As it is, there is still a long, knotted scar up Murtagh's back. Morzan fought with Zar'roc against many riders including Brom. When Brom killed Morzan he took Zar'roc. Brom kept Zar'roc until he discovered that Eragon was a Rider and went to help Eragon find the Ra'zac. He then gave Zar'roc to Eragon, claiming that Eragon had more right to it than him.
Significance in the Books
Eragon
Zar'roc is first mentioned in Eragon when Brom gives it to Eragon to help him fight the Ra'zac.
"The handle fit Eragon's hand as if it had been made for him. He slowly drew the sword; it slid soundlessly from the sheath." (Eragon, pg. 102)
Eragon takes Zar'roc and uses the sword to learn how to fight with a sword. Eragon first fights an Urgal with Zar'roc near Gil'ead, when he and Murtagh are captured. These are the first of many foes Eragon will fight and kill with Zar'roc. Eragon uses Zar'roc at the battle of Farthen Dur to slay many Urgals. Then, late in the battle, Eragon uses the sword to kill the shade Durza. This feat gives Eragon the title of Shadeslayer forever.
Eldest
Eldest starts off with Zar'roc in the possesion of Eragon. Eragon takes the sword with him when he goes to Ellesmeŕa, where he meets Rhunön and learns more about the Rider's swords. Eragon uses Zar'roc to train against the elf Vanir. When Eragon leaves Ellesmeŕa to go to Surda he takes Zar'roc with him. Eragon uses Zar'roc to fight in The Battle of the Buring Plains, at the end of which Eragon faces Murtagh. At the end of a fierce fight, Murtagh takes Zar'roc from Eragon, claiming that it should go to Morzan's eldest son, not his youngest.
Portrayal in Movie
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Little is known about Zar'roc in the Eragon movie. However, it has been seen in a few pictures and seems to follow Christopher Paolini's description moderately well. The largest difference is that Fox placed a sapphire on the hilt instead of the ruby mentioned in the book. There is also supposed to be a symbol on Zar'roc's scabbard and its blade that is not present in the movie.
Shur'tugal's Project Zar'roc
In October 2004, Shur'tugal.com decided to pay a blacksmith to forge a real version of Zar'roc for Christopher Paolini. Christopher was turning 21 around the time of Shur'tugal.com's first birthday, so the staff decided that it would be a great gift. Fans contributed money and eventually Zar'roc was made. After it was shipped to Christopher, he wrote this about it in his newsletter:
"When the UPS or FedEx truck pulls up to my door, I’m often surprised by the deliveries. Two days ago, I received an impressive-sized box and wondered what it could be. To my utter astonishment, it contained a beautiful replica of Eragon’s sword, Zar’roc. This amazing sword has a blood-red blade, the likes of which I have never seen before. The pommel is formed by an enormous red blown-glass gem set in a crown of gold. The handle is wire-wrapped. To complete the package, a mounting board accompanied the sword; its black finish sets off the red blade to perfection."
Theories
| 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. |
