Forged in Fire
Abraham Lincoln, once said “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it
today.” During the civil war, Lincoln was brave enough to lead his people to take a stand against
slavery. Often, the time when the world needs you the most is the most important time to step up and
take responsibility, and Lincoln certainly served that role. Eragon from Christopher Paolini’s
Inheritance Cycle also steps up and opposes something when his country needed him the most. In a
nation led by a dangerous tyrant, and Eragon must lead the people against the king to restore balance.
Christopher Paolini uses Eragon in Eragon, to develop a theme of growth and responsibility through
the mounting pressure on him, his training, and the duties he has as the last dragon rider.
First, Eragon must improve and grow rapidly under the mentorship of Brom. As he begins his
journey, it becomes apparent that he has a lot to learn before he can defeat his enemies. For instance,
when monsters called the Ra’zac murder Eragon’s uncle, he pledges to avenge him by killing them. To
prepare him, Brom trains him in swordplay, transforming him into a master as they travel.(Paolini
234).Through Eragon’s efforts with the sword, we can see him grow in strength and ability until he is
unrecognizable compared to the simple farmer boy he once was. In addition, Eragon also endeavors to
learn magic. (148). Magic serves as a rider’s main weapon, and can increase their power to insane
heights. After some intense training and tutelage under Brom, Eragon becomes powerful in the magical
arts. As Brom teaches him, Eragon’s power gradually increases, from barely being able to lift a stone,
to a point where he’s powerful enough to put most monsters in their place. Paolini cultivates a theme of
growth by showing Eragon’s learning process, from farm boy to dragon fully fledged dragon rider.
Second, Eragon bears the responsibility of the entire country’s fate on his shoulders. Tyranical
king Galbatorix rules with cruelty over the country, and only Eragon can stop him. Accordingly, when
Eragon discovers the dragon egg and it hatches for him, he instantly gains a duty as the last dragon
rider: to free the country of their oppressive king. Eragon gets across the country pursued by urgals,
men, monsters, and a shade, all sent by Galbatorix to capture him. Hence, Eragon must learn to fight to
survive, with the whole nation depending on him. Also, Eragon has his fortune told by the witch,
Angela, and finds out how important he is to the outcome of the war. “I see great battles raging around
you, some of them fought for your sake. I see mighty powers of this land fighting to control your will
and destiny.” (204). Because he knows he is destined to be involved with the war with the empire,
Eragon decides to embrace his fate and take on the burden. In summary, through Eragon’s acceptance
of his duty, we see his increase in bravery and responsibility.
Finally, Eragon has to take on the duties of a rider when he becomes a public figure in the
varden. Hundreds of people come to him asking for advice, blessings, and leadership. Summing it up
perfectly, Ajihad tells Eragon “There will be cases where someone’s future will rest in your hands …
with a word you can send them careening into happiness or misery … You must be kind to all of them.”
(415) Although this seems a daunting task, Eragon is forced to take it in his stride, as it is now his duty
to the varden. For instance, when an old woman once asks Eragon to bless her baby, Eragon hesitantly
complies, blessing the child with the ancient language. These words could have drastic effects, but
Eragon steels himself and does it anyway, for the woman’s sake (428). Refusing would cause outrage,
so Eragon must swallow his doubts if he is to keep up his duty as a dragon rider. Being a figurehead for
the rebellion is no easy feat, but Eragon gladly steps up to take the responsibility.
Eragon must take on the rider’s legacy and learn to lead the rebellion against king Galbatorix.
This is made clear by his quick adaptation to a new life, in addition to his willingness to accept a rider’s
duty. “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom” –Bob Dylan.
Eragon grows to become a rider and leader for the people, and in doing so he saves many lives. Thanks
to his choice to fight for good, the empire is one step closer to liberation, and the people one step closer
to freedom. This theme applies just as much to the real world; when we choose to fight for something
we believe in, we have the power to make changes. If we refuse to step up and change things, the world
will never improve, and a world with problems nobody is willing to fix is not a world we want to live
in.