Eragon Book Summary

by Christopher Paolini78

TL;DR

A young farm boy named Eragon discovers a dragon egg, leading him on a perilous journey to become a Dragon Rider and fight against an evil king.

What is Eragon about

Eragon, written by Christopher Paolini when he was fifteen, is a fantasy novel that tells the story of Eragon, a poor farm boy who discovers a mysterious blue stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. The dragon, named Saphira, hatches and bonds with Eragon, setting them on a dangerous adventure through a kingdom ruled by a tyrannical king. The book explores themes of destiny, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. It is the first installment in the Inheritance Cycle tetralogy.

Eragon 7 Key Takeaways

Discovery of the Dragon Egg

Eragon, a farm boy, finds a mysterious blue stone in the Spine mountains, which turns out to be a dragon egg.

Hatching of Saphira

The dragon egg hatches, and Eragon names the dragon Saphira. They form a deep bond, marking the beginning of Eragon's transformation into a Dragon Rider.

Attack on Eragon's Farm

Eragon's home is attacked by King Galbatorix's forces, killing his uncle Garrow and forcing Eragon to flee with Saphira.

Journey with Brom

Eragon and Saphira are joined by Brom, a former Dragon Rider, who becomes Eragon's mentor and guides them on their quest.

Brom's Death

Brom dies protecting Eragon and Saphira, revealing key information about the Dragon Riders and the evil king.

Joining the Varden

Eragon and Saphira join the Varden, a group of rebels fighting against King Galbatorix, preparing for the ultimate confrontation.

Battle of Farthen Dûr

Eragon participates in a fierce battle within the rebel stronghold of Farthen Dûr, marking the climax of their journey in the first book.

Top Eragon Quotes

  • 'One part brave, three parts fool.' — Brom
  • 'Live in the present, remember the past, and fear not the future, for it doesn't exist and never shall. There is only now.' — Saphira

Who should read Eragon?

Eragon is ideal for readers aged 13 and up who enjoy epic fantasy adventures filled with dragons, magic, and heroic quests. It appeals to fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, offering a richly detailed world and a coming-of-age story about a young hero's journey.

About the Author

Christopher Paolini, born in 1983, is an American author best known for his Inheritance Cycle series, which he began writing at the age of fifteen. The series has achieved worldwide success, with millions of copies sold. Paolini's passion for storytelling and world-building has earned him a dedicated fanbase. His other works include the science fiction novel 'To Sleep in a Sea of Stars.'

Eragon Best Reviews

  • 'A compelling and action-packed fantasy adventure that sets the stage for an epic saga.' — Publishers Weekly
  • 'Paolini's writing is extraordinary for such a young author, showcasing a deep understanding of epic fantasy.' — Kirkus Reviews

Eragon FAQs

What age is the book Eragon appropriate for?

Eragon is written for kids ages 13 and up, reflecting its readability and content appropriateness.

In what order do I read the Eragon series?

The recommended reading order is: 1. Eragon, 2. Eldest, 3. Brisingr, 4. Inheritance.

What is the book Eragon about?

Eragon follows a young farm boy who discovers a dragon egg, becoming a Dragon Rider and embarking on a dangerous journey filled with magic and ancient prophecies.