Eragon Characters

Main Characters

Eragon – An average farm boy until he found a strange blue egg in the spine, Eragon is the main character and hero of the Inheritance Trilogy.  For his entire life, Eragon believed himself to be of simple heritage, destined to live his life on a farm.  Everything changes when the blue egg hatches into a baby dragon, making Eragon the first in a new generation of Dragon Riders.  A long adventure ensues involving mistaken allies, lessons in fighting, magic and loyalty and a battle with servants of the Evil Empire.  Although Eragon is young and often acts rashly, he proves himself to be a strong, trustworthy, intelligent and worthy Dragon Rider.  Much about his heritage still remains to be discovered, but it is clear that he is no average human.

Brom – Once believed to be just a simple storyteller, his travels with Eragon reveal much more about this old man.  He has immense strength for someone of his age and possesses superb fighting and survival skills, as well as the ability to wield magic.  He acts as Eragon’s guide and human companion in the search for the Ra’zac, guiding him sternly at times, but always with the intent of preparing Eragon for his future as a Rider.  A stop in the coastal city of Teirm proves that Brom has ties to the Varden and once led a dangerous life.  Angered that Brom has kept so much from him, Eragon realizes that Brom was once a Dragon Rider only when he is moments from his death.  He leaves Eragon feeling unfulfilled, but not without hope and determination.

Saphira – When the blue stone that Eragon found hatches into a baby dragon, Eragon finds himself in the middle of a great conflict that he barely understands.  One touch and the two are permanently linked, mentally and physically, by magic.  Merely keeping her alive becomes a challenge for Eragon, but she grows to be a beautiful creature, with shimmering blue scales and the wisdom of ages residing in her intelligent mind.  He named her Saphira, which was also the name of Brom’s dragon, and the two became trusted companions and the greatest of friends. They embark on a journey that will prepare them for their fate as Dragon and Rider, encountering many obstacles and dangers.  Saphira is capable of amazing power, but she does not always understand the things that she can do.  Although younger than Eragon, her mind developed faster than his, and she also guides him on his dangerous journey.

Galbatorix – Overcome by grief when his own Dragon died, the Rider, Galbatorix, went mad and vowed revenge on the Riders who had refused to give him another mount.  He overthrew the government, becoming the Empire’s king, converting Riders to his cause and killing those who defied him.  No more Riders now remain and Galbatorix has been trying to find those who would hatch the remaining two eggs that he possesses.  Saphira was originally stolen form the King by Brom.  He is hunting for Eragon, the first of the new Riders while he attempts to eradicate the Varden and all others who oppose him.  The Empire will not be safe while it is in the hands of Galbatorix, as evil creatures now roam the Empire unchecked, bringing harm to its people.

Murtagh – This traveler has the disadvantage of being the son of Morzan, a former Rider who converted to serve Galbatorix, betraying his fellow riders.  He was abused as a child by his corrupted father and fell into the service of Galbatorix.  He managed to escape the castle of the evil King, alone with only his bravery and determination to carry him into danger.  Now branded with the treachery of his evil and brutal father, Murtagh is an exile, unaccepted by those who remember Morzan and by those who would now see him dead for his betrayal of the King.  He comes across Eragon and Brom, saving them from the Ra’zac, and then rescues Eragon and Arya, the elf, from a Shade known as Durza.  Although he was met by the Varden with hostility, he fought for the Dwarves and the Varden in an immense battle against the Urgals, a brutal species of creatures of Alagaësia in the service of the King.  He and Eragon now have matching scars running across their backs from their shoulders to the opposite side.  Murtagh received his from Morzan when he was just a boy and Eragon received his during the battle.

Arya – This elf woman first appeared to Eragon in his dreams as an injured prisoner.  He then rescued Arya from the hold of Durza and rushed her to Tronjheim where the Varden were able to save her.  Arya is very beautiful, strong and skilled with both weapons and magic.  A member of the Varden, she acted as the carrier of Saphira’s egg and was responsible for transporting it to the Spine.  She also tested Eragon on his skill with swords and fought with him in the battle against the Urgals.  More remains to be discovered about this elf.

Angela and Solembum – A witch by profession, Eragon met Angela in Teirm, where she told his future using magic.  Solembum, the werecat that resides with her, also told Eragon some important pieces of information.  The two act as guides for Eragon in Terim and later in Farthen-Dûr where they also participate in the battle.  The witch and the werecat are good-natured, yet still mysterious to Eragon.

The Twins – Powerful and mysterious, these two bald and nameless magic users present many challenges for Eragon and seem to be exuding evil.  Why is it that Ajihad, the leader of the Varden, trusts them?  Their treatment of our hero and Saphira, Arya’s hostility toward them and their absence during the battle against the Urgals leave Eragon feeling suspicious of the Twins.

Ajihad – Little is known by anyone about this man’s history but he remains a powerful leader of the Varden, those who resist Galbatorix, and a formidable man.  He has shown himself to be just and wise, but also merciless toward his enemies.  He has watched over Eragon, but now must relinquish keeping of the Rider to the Elves.

Hrothgar – The wise King of the Dwarves, Hrothgar spoke with Eragon, explaining many things to the Rider.  He rules over Tronjheim and the Nine Dwarf Clans, but is still at the mercy of the clan leaders.  He ahs managed to protect the Varden and his position over many years while maintaining peace between the clans.

Orik – This dwarf risked his life to protect Eragon from of the twins and was rewarded by becoming the Rider’s personal guide in Farthen Dûr.  He also fought in the battle against the Urgals.