Eldest facts for kids

Eldest is the second book in the popular Inheritance Cycle series, written by Christopher Paolini. It continues the exciting story that began in the first book, Eragon. This fantasy novel was first released in hardcover on August 23, 2005. A paperback version followed in September 2006.

What is Eldest About?

This book follows the main character, Eragon, and his dragon, Saphira. They travel to Ellesméra, the secret city of the elves. Eragon goes there to complete his training as a Dragon Rider. He is joined by his dwarf friend, Orik, and the elf, Arya.

Eragon's Training and Healing

In Ellesméra, Eragon discovers that the mysterious "Mourning Sage" is actually an old Elf Dragon Rider named Oromis. Oromis and his dragon, Glaedr, become Eragon and Saphira's new teachers. Oromis is too old to fight the evil king Galbatorix himself, but he can share his vast knowledge.

Eragon faces a challenge: he has a painful back injury. This injury makes it hard for him to fight or use his strength. However, during an elf celebration, the dragons give Eragon a special gift. He is transformed, gaining some physical features of an elf. His back is also completely healed! This transformation makes him much faster and stronger. His lessons with Oromis become easier and more effective.

The Battle and a Shocking Discovery

Eragon's training is cut short when he hears urgent news. The Varden, a group fighting against King Galbatorix, are under attack. A huge army sent by Galbatorix is trying to defeat them. Eragon and Saphira rush to help the Varden in battle.

During the fight, Eragon comes face-to-face with another Dragon Rider and his red dragon. This Rider turns out to be Murtagh, Eragon's old friend. After a previous battle, Galbatorix had captured Murtagh. A dragon hatched for Murtagh while he was a prisoner. Galbatorix then forced Murtagh and his dragon to swear unbreakable oaths in the Ancient Language. These oaths mean they must serve only Galbatorix.

Murtagh is bound by his oath to try and capture Eragon and Saphira. Eragon loses the fight against Murtagh. However, Murtagh lets Eragon go, saying he has "tried" to capture him. He warns Eragon that Galbatorix will make sure his oaths are even stronger next time. Murtagh also takes Za'roc, a special sword that belonged to Morzan, a former Dragon Rider.

Then, Murtagh reveals a shocking secret: he and Eragon are brothers! He also tells Eragon that Eragon is the son of Morzan, a powerful and evil Dragon Rider who served Galbatorix. This discovery changes everything Eragon thought he knew about his past.

See also

• Eldest para niños (Eldest for kids in Spanish)