The Legends of the Dragon Rider

By: Nicole Shalit

“I never imagined being a writer. I always imagined myself off fighting monsters with a sword or something.”

— Christopher Paolini

Those are the words of author Christopher Paolini who was born on November 17, 1983 in California. Paolini graduated high school at the young age of 15. Now at the age of 23 he lives on the Yellow Stone River with his parents and younger sister Angela. The ridged mountain view of his home inspired the scenery in his book “Eragon”. As a child Christopher could be found quite frequently at the library picking up fantasy books full of magic, dragons, etc.

After writing the first draft of Eragon, which took a year, Paolini was horrified to discover how poorly it was written. After a second revision, and another year, his parents read it over and gave the thumbs up. The book was brought to a family publishing company, Paolini International. After a third and final year, which was spent on final edits and cover designs, the book was ready to be published. The next year was spent by the family marketing the book. Between 2002 and 2003 Christopher gave over 135 presentations at schools, libraries, and bookstores. For most presentation he was dressed in a medieval costume which was worn in the era that Eragon was set it. Eragon quickly became the “Inheritance Trilogy”. The first two books are already out, and the third is on its way.

The first book is “Eragon”. The book is named after the main character Eragon, a fifteen year old boy. Eragon finds a mysterious blue stone in the mountains near the village he lives in. He tries to sell the stone, but is unsuccessful. He soon discovers that is isn’t a stone at all, but rather an egg, a dragon egg. There before his eyes is a baby dragon, Saphira. Saphira is the only dragon in the world, aside from Galbatorix’s dragon. A mysterious old story teller, Brom, tells Eragon the stories of dragon riders back in his day. After Eragon reveals that he has a dragon, Brom realizes that Eragon is the last dragon rider. They endure many dangers, and meet some interesting creatures along the way to rescue the girl in Eragons dreams. This books ends with a battle.

The second book, “Eldest”, starts with the death of Ajihad, who took part in the battle at the end of book 1. Another dragon rider by the name of Oromis is found. He shielded Eragon during a battle. Oromis becomes weak, and cannot take part in the war against Galbarix. He and his golden dragon begin training Eragon and Saphira for what lies ahead. Eragon has strong feelings for Arya, but soon realizes that he cannot be with her due to the gap in their ages. The unbreakable bond between a dragon and its rider is stronger than ever, as they once again try to defeat Galbatorix. This isn’t the end though. There is still another book in the works.

The third book is rumored to be released in 2008. There is also a rumor that the title will be “Empire”. The cover of book one has a blue dragon, the second book has a red dragon, and the third is said to have a green dragon, which possibly means that the third dragon will be revealed. There are a few known facts of the new book. The final dragon egg is a male. The identity of the new rider will be revealed, and Paolini says “it may be a bit shocking”. There are hints of the identity in both books, though I have not heard talk of who it might be.

These books can be found in most major book. Below is a list of the characters in each of the first two books.

 

Eragon	Eldest
Eragon Sloan Horst Katrina Roran Garrow Saphira Brom Jeod Angela Solembum Murtagh Arya Durza Orik Dwarf The Bald Twins Ajihad Hrothgar	Ajihad Angela Arya Elva Eragon Glaedr Helen Horst Hrothgar Islanzadí Jeod Jörmundur Katrina Murtagh Nasuada Orik Oromis Orrin Roran Saphira Sloan Solembum Thorn Trianna Twins, the Vanir

The cover of book 1 “Eragon”	The cover for book 2 “Eldest”	A possible cover for book 3