Secrets of the Dragon Riders

It’s (reflected even belief that ageequals wisdom titleEldest), but not always in the There is a wisdom thatis notalways the case as Vaught explains, there is also an experience,but instinctual wisdom than can be drawn upon by the characters in Paolini’s stories. But perhaps more importantly, Vaught notes the discernment Eragon uses in the application of his innate, youthgul wisdom-a discernment that, those around him.

Despite the fact that age does not factor into the proper definition of the concept of wisdom, everyone in this world seems to believe that it does. So do the inhabitants of Christopher Paolini’s Alagaësia. It’s up to a young Rider named Eragon and his even younger dragon Saphira to disrupt this math and save the land of Alagaësia from the evil of King Galbatorix.

Despite being manipulated, disregarded, and even abused and attacked, both Eragon and Saphira demonstrate deep emotions and an instinctive understanding of the needs of the world and living creatures around them—an understanding that is often far greater than their companions’ or teachers’. It’s as if Alagaësia itself speaks to dragon and Rider, but this reality often goes unnoticed or gets mentioned only in passing as their elders continue to assume age alone makes them wiser. Some of the very decisions and actions that Eragon and Saphira’s elders dismiss or criticize as impulsive and foolish actually reflect this soul-deep wisdom and set the pair apart from everyone else in Eldest.

One of the first and most obvious instances of this innate wisdom is Eragon’s response to the Varden Council of Elders and its sneaky behavior. The Council slyly attempts to convince Eragon to swear fealty to the Varden instead of the Varden’s new chosen leader, Nasuada. Eragon immediately discerns and judges what is true in this situation: If he takes the steps urged by the Varden, he’ll make a puppet ruler out of Nasuada by implying the Council is more powerful than she is. Saphira helps him by using her own wisdom and instincts to determine that Nasuada speaks to them from her heart and that she might make a very good leader. Eragon then judges rightly with respect to his own conduct, circumventing the Council by indeed pledging his loyalty to the Varden but doing so directly to Nasuada herself. When he leaves Nasuada’s company, he’s immediately attacked by Arya, who assumes he’s done something stupid. After he explains his actions and decision, Arya is forced to admit, “Your position is not what I would wish, but better than I had hoped. I was impolite; Saphira . . . and you . . . understand more than I thought.”

Hrothgar, king of the dwarves, is the next being who places Eragon and Saphira in a difficult position with an offer that might or might not be a manipulation. Hrothgar bestows an honor upon Eragon by offering to adopt him and make him a member of the Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. No human has ever received such an offer, and Eragon realizes that the dwarf king has backed him into a corner. Accept and be subject to Hrothgar’s wishes and a binding alliance with the dwarves, or refuse and alienate the absolute ruler of Tronjheim, the city inside Farthen Dûr that shelters almost all the humans who actively resist the rule of Galbatorix.

Eragon once more shows a powerful ability to discern what is right and, in this case, what will be lasting, and he has the insight to accept the dwarf king’s gift. He worries that he might have been hasty, remembering Arya’s anger over his swearing of fealty to Nasuada; however, Nasuada recognizes the wisdom of his decision. “Now once again, all three races have a hold on you. . . . Perhaps it is best that we share your loyalty.”

With these two actions, at first believed to be impulsive but later recognized as intelligent, Eragon and Saphira navigate a treacherous political landscape. Ultimately their choices help keep the peace between humans, dwarves, and elves, and help hold together Alagaësia’s uneasy alliance against Galbatorix. Eragon and Saphira’s decisions, driven by their deep instincts, are in fact wise, though they are not the eldest in these situations and nobody sees the truth of the situations at first. Even Arya acknowledges this after some consideration, admitting, “I think you made the only viable choice.”

The next clear indication of Eragon’s intrinsic wisdom involves both visions of the future and dreams that pull him toward the tutoring of Togira Ikonoka, otherwise known as Oromis, the only other surviving Dragon Rider. After being forced to allow that Eragon’s dreams are in fact instances of prescience, Arya divulges, “Premonitions may be linked to the very nature and fabric of magic.”

Oromis later helps Eragon understand that magic arises from the energy of every living thing in Alagaësia. Thus Eragon’s ability to see the future, even in glimpses, proves that despite his youth he is inherently tied to the land which he is struggling to liberate. It is likely that this profound connection directs what at first might appear to be impulsive or rash decisions. Moreover, these dreams and visions give Eragon mature insights much like those that Saphira derives from her ancestral memories as a dragon. Eragon remains open to the subtle information he receives from his world, wisely refusing to fear it and instead letting it guide him. The energies of the land itself may be the source of Eragon’s insight and his advanced ability to discern or judge what is true, right, and lasting.

Once Eragon and Saphira journey to Ellesméra to continue their training with Oromis and his dragon, they again face dismissive attitudes. Oromis, his teacher, analyzes what he believes are Eragon and Saphira’s many mistakes, stating, “I have never met anyone such as the two of you. Every decision you make seems to have an impact far beyond what anyone could anticipate. You change the world with your whims.” He shows no recognition or understanding of the fact that Eragon’s “whims” tend to prove beneficial to their world and their cause—not to mention Saphira’s. The dragon has used her “whims” to guide Eragon unerringly through the first part of his journey, following the Ra’zac, then going to Gil’ead and the Varden. She knew it was right for Eragon to pledge himself to Nasuada and not the Varden directly. She knew it was right to go to Ellesméra and seek out Oromis himself. It’s beyond obvious that Saphira’s actions are guided by some deep source within her dragon’s heart and some deep, unassailable wisdom in her dragon’s mind that helps her to sense what is right and lasting.

As for Eragon, since he first instinctively called on magical fire to defend himself, each of his “whims” has led the fighting forces of Alagaësia closer to their goal of overthrowing Galbatorix. Yet Oromis still presumes to be wiser, because he is more experienced—because he thinks he can see the long-term outcome of the actions of dragon and Rider.

Oromis and Eragon go on to disagree over the most important tool for a person to possess. Eragon postulates that wisdom and a good heart are the most important qualities a person can possess, but Oromis insists that logic is the one most valuable skill. Eragon points out that logic can lead to conclusions that are ethically wrong. Oromis backtracks somewhat, agreeing that a virtuous nature is important, but he still believes it most important for a person to be able to think clearly.

Yet because Oromis is older, does it naturally follow that Oromis is right about this important point? Eragon initially seems inclined to think so but later remains troubled to the point that his connection to the world deepens and he has another prophetic dream. It is reasonable to assume that this symbolizes Eragon is more connected, more in tune, and perhaps closer to the truth than Oromis is. These questions have no definitive answer as yet, but Eragon’s intuitive wisdom should not be dismissed and ignored so handily.

In the case of Eragon’s sparring partner, Vanir, the overall elven better-than-you attitude extends to derisive and abusive behavior. The first time Eragon and Vanir battle, Vanir easily defeats Eragon because of his superior elven strength and speed. This victory causes Vanir to become arrogant and ultimately dismissive of the younger—and in Vanir’s mind, weaker—human. Vanir insults Eragon and then Saphira’s judgment for choosing Eragon as her Rider. Eragon’s reaction to Vanir’s disrespect for his dragon is immediate. “Eragon ground his teeth. He could stand insults to himself, but not to Saphira.”

Eragon’s next blow is almost fatal, and Vanir blocks it only at the last second. The elf learns in a hurry that the “weaker” human can be both fast and treacherous, yet Vanir still shows no respect. Even though Eragon battles on through the excruciating pain of a back injury inflicted by an evil Shade, Vanir treats Eragon like . . . well, dirt. As a less-than, a nothing. “It sickens me that such gifts are bestowed upon one so unworthy,” the elf tells Eragon after besting him in a contest of magic. “You do not even understand what magic is or how it works.” Vanir believes, as do most, that Eragon is foolish and inept.

The elf—like so many others—does not recognize Eragon’s innate wisdom or the way Eragon is connected to the land and its magic. Saphira rages back against Vanir’s insult, noting, “I wouldn’t have chosen someone to be my Rider unless they could help your race, mine, and the elves, for the three of us share an intertwined fate.”

Despite his many defeats at Vanir’s hands, and no matter the hideous pain he suffers, Eragon persists in his training with the arrogant elf. Eragon even refuses to lose his temper again with his cruel sparring partner. Both of these actions demonstrate deep wisdom—a wisdom far greater than that shown by Vanir. Vanir should know better than to question the judgment of a dragon in choosing her Rider. Also, he should be reaching deep within his own nature to assist the only known Rider fighting for the welfare of Vanir’s race, not attempting to prove him unworthy.

Saphira herself faces a similar battle, as the only other member of her race, Glaedr, repeatedly rejects her. Though Glaedr is a kind, if stern, mentor in her battle training, he does not recognize the intelligence of Saphira’s interest in him, and treats her as nothing more than a baby with a crush. Yet Saphira shows both wisdom and purpose in desiring to mate with Glaedr. She not only wishes to share her existence with the one thing she thought she would never find, another of her own kind, but also to rebuild their race. What greater benefit could there be in the struggle against Galbatorix than more eggs, and so ultimately more dragons and more Riders? Glaedr might be eldest, but it’s possible that in this decision to spurn Saphira’s advances and cut off this avenue of potential benefit, he is not necessarily the wisest.

It is the ancient dragon spirit roused during Agaetí Blödhren that shows the elves, particularly Vanir, the shallowness of their thinking about both Eragon and Saphira. A conscious magical dragon emerges during the ceremony, and once more Eragon’s instincts drive him to do the right thing. He raises his right hand, allowing the magical dragon to touch the heart of his gedwëy ignasia. This contact heals Eragon’s crippling back wound and infuses him with the physical abilities and speed of an elf as well as bringing him to maturity as a Rider in just moments. The ancient dragons, then, have passed their judgment. They have found Eragon to be worthy, and Saphira’s choice of Eragon as Rider both well-founded and, yes, wise.

We see in Eragon’s next duel with Vanir that Eragon has likely been the superior fighter all along. Now that their strength and speed are equal, Eragon is more than a match for Vanir, and ultimately breaks the elf’s arm in combat. “By the gods!” Orik the dwarf exclaims afterward. “That was the best swordsmanship I’ve ever seen....”

Eragon then has another rush of instinct, the sense of an “ominous storm . . . gathering beyond the edge of the horizon.” Saphira tells him, “What you feel is what we dragons feel and what the elves feel—the inexorable march of grim fate as the end of our age approaches.” Shortly after, Eragon moves to new heights in his training, and he and Saphira realize it is time for them to leave the land of the elves—and this time no one challenges their decision. The elves, it seems, have learned that the dragon and Rider’s wisdom should not be questioned.

The gathering battle against Galbatorix offers Eragon and Saphira yet more opportunities to demonstrate wisdom greater than most around them. In one of the most profound yet smallest examples of this, Eragon accepts Nasuada’s urging to allow the Urgal Garzhvog and his fighting forces into the ranks of the Varden. After interacting with Garzhvog, Eragon realizes that his ironclad prejudice against the creatures is misinformed, and he refuses to persist in ignorant beliefs or practices. Garzhvog and his Urgals turn out to be inordinately valuable in the battle, and this decision of Eragon’s might be amongst those that ultimately prove to be world-changing.

Another example comes while Eragon faces Murtagh on the edge of the Burning Plains. Eragon sees his cousin Roran creeping toward the very dangerous magical Twins and almost utters a spell to transport him away from danger. Murtagh urges Eragon to wait, and Eragon must evaluate whether or not Murtagh will warn the Twins and thus cause Roran harm. Murtagh gives his word not to interfere, and Eragon chooses to trust his instincts, and Murtagh leaves Roran to his fate. Seconds later, Eragon is gratified to see Roran successfully attack the Twins with his hammer. This wise choice to let Roran make his attack results in the defeat of these two magical menaces. And because the Twins are no longer able to fight, the dwarves and the Varden reclaim lost ground and rout the confused soldiers the Twins had been controlling. The physical aspect of this battle against the Empire is won, and Galbatorix’s forces retreat.

However, the greatest example of Eragon’s wisdom, and perhaps the most heart-rending, occurs in Eragon’s actual showdown with Murtagh. Despite the fact that Murtagh has betrayed Eragon and nearly battled Eragon and Saphira completely out of the sky, Eragon attempts to reach out to the older Rider. “Join me, Murtagh,” he pleads. “You could do so much for the Varden. With us, you would be praised and admired, instead of cursed, feared, and hated.” Eragon even offers to help Murtagh escape the bonds of Galbatorix and pledges his help and Arya’s in assuring Murtagh’s freedom.

This choice to reach out to Murtagh, this older Rider who considers himself smarter and stronger than Eragon, softens Murtagh’s heart. There is even a long moment in which Murtagh studies his sword and seems to be debating whether or not to accept Eragon’s offer. When Murtagh refuses, the two battle again, Eragon intent on killing Murtagh rather than allow him to return to the evil king. Eragon fails, and Murtagh plans to take Eragon and Saphira to Galbatorix—but Eragon asks Murtagh to release him instead. He tells Murtagh, “If you do this, Murtagh, you’ll be lost forever.”

The wisdom of Eragon’s statement sways the older Rider. Murtagh lowers his sword and releases Eragon. Thus, despite being physically weaker and less able to defend himself with magic, Eragon prevails in this fight, and he does it with thought, intelligence, and wisdom greater than that of the older Rider.

Murtagh takes his leave, but not before burdening Eragon with the knowledge of their shared parentage. Eragon is initially stunned, but then his innate wisdom once more rises to the surface. “Morzan may be my parent, but he is not my father. Garrow was my father. . . . I am who I am because of him.” Many people, many older and purportedly wiser people, would take many years to come to such a realization—if they ever managed to do so. Murtagh in fact is so far from understanding it that he has allowed himself to believe he is hopelessly ensnared by the evil king. Eragon, however, refuses to let his bloodline color his beliefs about himself, his intentions, or his abilities.

After his showdown with Murtagh, Eragon enjoys his reunion with Roran and comes to understand the burden of horror and misery placed on his cousin by the capture of Roran’s true love Katrina. Eragon intuitively understands that this situation must be resolved before Roran can reach his destiny, whatever that might be. He uses magic to show Roran that Katrina still lives, then agrees that he will go with Roran to Dras-Leona to rescue Katrina, and ultimately to kill the Ra’zac and avenge their father Garrow.

In Brisingr, there are those who decry this decision and insist that Eragon and Saphira are being immature and impulsive, tending to Roran’s heart and the life of one girl before the needs of the Varden, but these naysayers are ultimately forced to understand their folly when this trip turns out to be yet another key stop on the path to defeating Galbatorix. The Ra’zac are dead, slain by Eragon’s bold mission, and Galbatorix has lost some of his most valuable weapons. Moreover, the Varden has gained Roran, a valuable warrior and commander who will do his part to turn to the tide in the battle against the twisted emperor.

Eragon and Saphira’s wisdom is what Alagaësia needs, especially with the ultimate loss of Oromis and Glaedr in the third installment of the series. The land itself has decided that love and loyalty must be honored, even at great cost. Yet those who surround dragon and Rider remain slow to recognize this, and to respect Eragon and Saphira’s decisions.

Perhaps in the fourth tale in the Inheritance Cycle, Eragon and Shapira will finally enjoy the full measure of the respect they deserve. The second tale, however, makes one thing abundantly clear: eldest does not always equal wisest.

Susan Vaught is the author of Trigger, which was called “a powerful cautionary tale” by Publishers Weekly in a starred review, and Stormwitch, winner of the Carl Brandon Society Kindred Award. Both were named Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. Her most recent release, Big Fat Manifesto, is already garnering critical acclaim. She is a practicing neuropsychologist and lives with her family and dozens of pets in rural Tennessee.