The Inheritance Almanac Part 1

The Inheritance Almanac.

Michael Macauley; Mark Vaz.

Kvetha Fricaya!

In 1998, a young Christopher Paolini sat down in his home in Montana, pen and paper in hand, to embark upon what would become a great and unique adventure: the creation of Eragon. A worldwide fantasy phenomenon, the Inheritance cycle has sparked millions of copies in dozens of languages across the globe, a movie adaptation, video games, merchandise, and more. However, the young author's success was far from instant. For the better part of a year, at the age of fifteen, Christopher pored over outlines, notes, and pages of his story, weaving characters and conflict into the tales that we have come to appreciate and enjoy. Shortly after the completion of the first draft of Eragon, he chose to show the story to his family. They were immediately captivated by the magic and creativity of the tale and began discussing ways to share his adventure with the world. Confident that Christopher's story would find an audience in Montana and beyond, the family planned to self-publish the book through their small company. Together, the Paolinis spent months editing the ma.n.u.script and preparing the book for print before finally launching a promotional tour that would put Christopher in front of crowds of readers looking to get their hands on a new, enthralling tale of action and adventure.

After months of hard work and travel spreading word of the book that they so fervently believed in, a self-published copy of Eragon made its way into the hands of editors at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers. Renowned author Carl Hiaasen recommended the book to his editors at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers after his stepson purchased and gobbled up a copy during a trip to Montana. Acquisition of publication rights for the entire series-then a proposed trilogy-quickly followed Knopf's initial interest, and the journey of Christopher Paolini, international bestselling fantasy author, had begun. Over a decade later, the first three books in the Inheritance cycle have permeated cultures and spanned continents.

Christopher Paolini's achievements as a young author in the often-challenging world of publis.h.i.+ng have been a continuing source of inspiration to his readers and have shown aspiring young authors that creating works of their own is an entirely accomplishable goal with the right amount of creativity and effort. Inspired by the Paolini family's hands-on approach to self-publis.h.i.+ng and marketing, fans and their families began publis.h.i.+ng their own books, harnessing the Internet to spread the word. Other fans have chosen alternate routes online, using fan-fiction and story-sharing websites to tell their own tales, whether they take place in the Inheritance universe or in an entirely new world.

"It's overwhelming. I feel as if I am living in an illusion, a dream where all things are possible. Amazing things do happen, I know, but always to someone else, always in some far-off place and time."

-Eragon.

Like Christopher, I began my journey through the Inheritance world as a fifteen-year-old seeking a creative project to occupy my time over an uneventful winter break. I had recently read Eragon, then still a new book on the shelves of our local bookstore, and was fascinated with both the tale he wrote and the story behind it. My interest in websites and fan communities led to my decision to create the first website for Inheritance fans-Shurtugal.com. I worked for weeks to build a centralized storehouse of information on the series, establis.h.i.+ng a community for those who wished to join in discussing the books and creating a portal for news on the series' latest developments. Over the next six years, I matured alongside the Inheritance cycle: I traveled around the world to report on the cycle and represent its fans; spent long days and even longer nights scouring the Internet for news; dissected the books for theories; led discussions into Inheritance's past, present, and future; and most importantly, had the opportunity to work closely with the people who made the entire series possible. My work at the heart of the Inheritance community over the past decade has given me a perspective that few fans have had the chance to experience. Recognizing this as an adventure that all readers would want to share in, I set out to use my knowledge and resources to create an almanac that would entertain, inform, and excite fans. The result of my experiences, efforts, and love for the world of Alagaesia is The Inheritance Almanac, a comprehensive look at both the important and overlooked characters, landmarks, events, and conflicts of the Inheritance cycle.

"Oaths betrayed, souls killed, eggs shattered! Blood everywhere. Murderers!"

-Saphira.

The Inheritance cycle is a fusion of action and adventure, love and loathing, victory and defeat; it is a journey through the trials and triumphs of Eragon Shadeslayer and his companion, Saphira Brightscales, who together comprise the last free dragon and Rider of Alagaesia. The pair set out to rid their beloved continent of the evil unleashed upon the world after Galbatorix claimed the throne. During their journey, they experience wonders that baffle the mind: mountains greater than our world's tallest skysc.r.a.pers; monsters thought to dwell only in the dark chasms of nightmares; majestic races of mystery and legend; and conflicts that threaten to rip apart the very fabric of the world. Their discoveries and experiences, allies and enemies, are chronicled in thousands of exquisitely detailed pages. It was clear that collecting and organizing this information to prevent losing it to the dustbins of history would be a task that at one time would have been undertaken by no one but the most devoted monks of Arcaena.

"What wisdom can I give people that they haven't already learned? What feats can I achieve that an army couldn't do better? It's insanity!"

-Eragon.

The Inheritance Almanac is a compendium of knowledge and information, from the known to the unknown, the serious to the absurd, detailing the expansive history of Alagaesia. This tome enables Inheritance adventurers to refresh their memories while exploring such topics as Murtagh and the battalions of soldiers who cannot feel pain. Readers will uncover the mysteries of the Eldunari, the heavily guarded secret of the dragon race; journey through the ruins of Edur Ithindra, one of Alagaesia's most ancient elf outposts; conquer the treacherous Spine mountain range; and roam the harsh and unforgiving Hadarac Desert. The Almanac will answer many readers' questions, rekindle distant memories, and inspire new ways of interpreting the cycle's contents.

Fantasy sleuths and Inheritance fanatics will immediately recognize Christopher's homages to fantasy and science-fiction works that have inspired and entertained him scattered throughout the Almanac. These hidden gems have provided dedicated fans with a "mini-game" of hunting down Christopher's latest references, from the obvious, such as the dwarf king Hrothgar, a direct allusion to Hrothgar, ruler of Denmark in the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowolf, to trickier references, including the "lonely G.o.d," a modern-day reference to the British science-fiction television show Doctor Who. And there are real-world character and location inspirations, such as Christopher's sister, Angela, whose personality provided the basis for Angela the herbalist, and his home amid the picturesque Montana landscape, which inspired much of Palancar Valley's beauty.

Whether you are a fan of many years or a new reader just beginning your journey through the Inheritance cycle, the Almanac will serve as a trusty companion while you experience Alagaesia in its full measure of glory. So brace yourself, for turning the page will begin an epic adventure through a collection of knowledge and information on par with the renowned historical volumes of the Arcaena monks. You are about to delve into Alagaesia's most elusive depths.

Atra esterni ono thelduin,

Mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr,

Un du evarinya ono varda.

"And now for the greatest adventure of all."

- Brom.

Michael Macauley.

October 2010.

CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI (LEFT) AND MICHAEL MACAULEY.

In southern Alagaesia, in the pastoral countryside, stands Aberon, the walled capital city of Surda, the free nation of human beings. The heart of Aberon is Borromeo Castle, where King Orrin and the royal family live and rule in defiance of King Galbatorix and the Empire. Orrin's government has played a key role in the uprising, forging a working alliance with the Varden (the major resistance group to the Empire) and providing sanctuary for refugees and opposition leaders.

Borromeo Castle is an austere edifice reflecting the spartan reality of wartime and has heartened Orrin's countrymen, as it embodies the government's serious focus in this time of crisis. The exigency of wartime can be seen in Borromeo's fortifications: three rings of stone walls, with numerous lookout towers atop each, and hundreds of ballistae ready to unleash offensive firepower. Orrin's one indulgence is the laboratory he maintains within the castle walls, where he pursues his scientific interests.

The name of one of two lovers from the song "Du Silbena Datia." The other is Nuada.

The woman celebrated in the song "Sweet Aethrid o' Dauth."

SEE EDEL.

According to the dwarven calendar, "After Creation" (AC) marks recorded history from when the G.o.d Helzvog formed the first dwarves. Major historic events based on this calendar include 5217 AC: The date elves are believed to have landed in Alagaesia near the site of present-day Teirm.

52915296 AC: The seminal struggle between dragons and elves. This conflict is referred to as Du Fyrn Skulblaka in the ancient language (the Dragon War).

5296 AC: The Dragon Riders are born of the peace pact between dragons and elves.

5596 AC: The first humans, known as the Broddrings, appear on the Surdan coast. After trading with dwarves, they disappear back whence they came. Human beings return in 7203 AC and establish permanent settlements.

7206 AC: Dragon Riders widen the pact between dragons and elves to include human Riders.

7886 AC: The Dragon Rider Galbatorix begins his b.l.o.o.d.y rise to power in Alagaesia.

78967900 AC: The period known as the Fall of the Dragon Riders, which culminates in the death of Rider leader Vrael and victory over the Broddring nation, whereupon Galbatorix declares himself king.

79007903 AC: The Varden, a rebel alliance, is founded by humans to fight Galbatorix's Empire while other humans form the independent state of Surda.

7903 AC: The year in which Jeod Longshanks and Brom, last of the Dragon Riders, rescue a dragon egg from Galbatorix. The egg subsequently hatches into Saphira, the dragon raised by Eragon, a fifteen-year-old human dwelling in the village of Carvahall in Palancar Valley.

This elven festivity, whose name means "Blood-oath Celebration," is held once every century to honor the sacred pact that ended the war between dragons and elves and formed the Dragon Riders. Held around the Menoa tree in the heart of the Du Weldenvarden forest, this joyous three-day festival is marked by music, dancing, and feasting. A highlight of the celebration is a renewal of the bond between dragons and Riders. It is performed by the Caretakers, two ancient elves who wield the combined power of every dragon in Alagaesia and can bestow this energy upon a chosen one-most recently, Eragon.

The elven Dragon Rider Oromis warned Eragon to be on his guard during the Agaeti Blodhren, explaining that even elves can go mad-"wonderfully, gloriously mad, but mad all the same." Eragon and Saphira indeed found themselves drawn into what Oromis called "the web of our magic." The celebration pa.s.sed like a dream, with Eragon lulled by songs and dancing, strange sights of animals drawn out of the woods, and elves perched on the Menoa tree, which seemed to sway to the energy pulsating around it.

It is a tradition that everyone share a poem, song, or piece of art at the Agaeti Blodhren. On the third day, Eragon and Saphira each did so. Eragon had prepared verse that Queen Islanzadi proclaimed helped them all understand his difficult journey as a Dragon Rider, a work of such distinction she would add it to her great library in Tialdari Hall. Saphira offered artwork to the elves, a large black stone sculpture bathed in fire that made the rock appear alive.

The ceremony concluded with the Caretakers, Iduna and Neya, both clad only in their iridescent dragon tattoos, magically conjuring a dragon that touched Eragon's gedwey ignasia (a distinctive mark on a Dragon Rider's palm). Overnight, Eragon experienced the physical transformation a human Rider undergoes over time. Eragon not only came to physically resemble an elf, but he later realized the supernatural dragon had also imparted to him elvish strength and speed.

SEE CARETAKERS AND GEDWeY IGNASIA.

In the history of the dwarf nation, the period during which the great dwarf sculptor Durok Ornthrond carved the gigantic gem known as Isidar Mithrim.

A leader of the Varden, the rebel alliance fighting Galbatorix's Empire. Ajihad and his daughter, Nasuada, joined the Varden shortly after the rebellion was founded. Little is known of their past, although it is believed that father and daughter lived among the nomads of the Hadarac Desert before joining the Varden. From the beginning, Ajihad worked tirelessly for the cause and swiftly rose in influence and power. When the Varden leader Deynor died, Ajihad be-came the new leader.

The Urgals, then the enemies of the Varden, honored him with the name Nightstalker, a term of respect, "because of how he hunted [them] in the dark tunnels under the dwarf mountain and because of the color of his hide." Ajihad fought in many battles against the Empire. Ajihad also welcomed Eragon and Saphira to the Varden sanctuary in Farthen Dur, telling the young Dragon Rider the Varden were hoping for the best from him, but also giving a warning: "Every-one knows what the Varden want-or the Urgals, or even Galbatorix-but no one knows what you want. And that makes you dangerous, especially to Galbatorix. He fears you because he doesn't know what you will do next."

Ajihad showed his mettle as he led his forces against an Urgal army fighting for Galbatorix that had invaded the Varden sanctuary, the great struggle known as the Battle of Farthen Dur. The Varden won, but even when that fight was over, Ajihad spent three days hunting the remnants of the Urgal army through the ancient tunnels the dwarves had built under Farthen Dur and throughout the Beor Mountains. Ajihad was among ten men who were returning to the dwarven capital of Tronjheim when a pack of Urgals attacked. Ajihad fought fiercely, killing five Urgals, but fell, mortally wounded. Eragon and the elven princess Arya witnessed this. As Eragon approached and knelt by his commander, he saw the Varden leader's breastplate hacked open, heard his labored breathing. Ajihad, with his dying breath, asked Eragon to promise not to let the Varden fall into chaos. They were the only hope for resisting Galbatorix, Ajihad said, and had to be kept strong.

Ajihad had ruled for fifteen years. At a meeting to decide the transfer of power, Varden commander Jormundur recalled that Ajihad had done more than anyone to oppose the Empire, that he had led and won "countless battles against superior forces," that he had nearly killed Durza, a Shade, and had welcomed the Dragon Rider Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, into the Varden sanctuary. But "a new leader must be chosen, one who will win us even more glory," Jormundur declared. The slain leader's own daughter, Nasuada, was ultimately entrusted with that solemn duty.

SEE AJIHAD'S TOMB.

In honor of all he had done for the free races of Alagaesia, Ajihad was buried within the great chamber under Farthen Dur where dwarves are entombed. During the funeral procession, Ajihad's body was lain on a white marble bier and carried by six men dressed in armor the color of mourning black. A helm of precious stones was upon Ajihad's head, and he was laid to rest with his mighty sword and s.h.i.+eld.

Although Ajihad, being human, could not be buried with dwarves, a special alcove was prepared where the Varden and others could come to pay their respects without disturbing the sacred s.p.a.ces dedicated to the dwarves. His burial place was past a graveyard of glistening crystal, down into a catacomb of alcoves lit by red lanterns. Above his crypt, this tribute was carved in dwarven runes: May all, Knurlan, Humans, and Elves,

Remember.

This Man.

For he was n.o.ble, Strong, and Wise..

Guntera Aruna.

SEE DWARVEN BURIAL RITES.

The continent of Alagaesia is home to dragons, dwarves, elves, humans, Urgals, and the nomadic tribes and artisans descended from the wandering tribes. Some races have migrated from the legendary land of Alalea, as the elves call this mysterious place of their origins. In addition to the Empire of Galbatorix, which is basically the former cities and territory of the Broddring nation, there is the independent human state of Surda in the southwest.

Geographic features include the western coastal mountain range of the Spine, which includes numerous human settlements; the forest of Du Weldenvarden to the north, the largest forest on the continent and home to the elven people; the Hadarac Desert, which spreads across much of the land and has traditionally been home to wild dragons; and the Beor Mountains to the south, where the dwarves make their home.

Magic is woven into the land and has even been used to transform the natural world, as the elves have done in the cities they have formed out of the trees and other plant life of Du Weldenvarden.

SEE ANCIENT LANGUAGE.

CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI'S MAP OF ALAGAeSIA, WHICH HE DREW WHEN HE WAS WRITING ERAGON.

This legendary second continent of the world is shrouded in mystery-even the elves who migrated from this place have not revealed anything about the land of their origins. Much of this mystery is due to the great unknown of what lies across the seas and beyond the horizon. The ancient language word for Alalea is reserved for only the rarest and most important occasions and roughly translates as "a melancholy dream of great beauty."

SEE ELF CHILDREN.

SEE DAUTH.

A Nardan s.h.i.+p.

One of Horst and Elain's two sons. Albriech and his brother, Baldor, gave valuable help to Roran when the Empire invaded Carvahall and during the villagers' flight to join the Varden. The burly sons also help their father in black-smithing for the Varden.

CHRISTOPHER NAMED ALBRIECH AS A TRIBUTE TO HIS GREAT-UNCLE, ALBERT.

SEE SLOAN.

Dwarf chief of Durgrimst Ingeitum prior to the leaders.h.i.+p of Hrothgar, the future dwarf king.

SEE DWARF CLANS IN THE APPENDIX.

One of the guards for the dwarf clan chief Undin.

The great elf bard. One of a.n.a.lisia's epics was read by Eragon during his stay in Ellesmera, capital city of the elves.

An enduring remnant of Alagaesia's ancient history is the original language of truth and magic created by the indigenous race known as the Grey Folk. Although lost for a time, the ancient language was reintroduced by the elves, a people of innate magical qualities. Because the ancient language is bound to the energy of the world, to speak it is to harness great power. Elven celebrations where songs are sung in the ancient language create bewitching spells that can be intoxicating to elves but dangerous to humans and other outsiders.

Among its attributes, the ancient language describes the true nature of things, and one cannot directly lie while speaking it. Masters of the ancient language can cast spells and make others do what they want. Although Dragon Riders were traditionally trained in the magical language, even they had to use it correctly, for a mistake could result in unintended consequences, including death. The script itself is composed of forty-two different glyphs, representing different sounds that can be combined in limitless ways to form words and phrases.

SEE LIDUEN KVAEDHi AND MAGIC.

NEARLY HALF OF BRISINGR WAS WRITTEN WITH AN INK-DIP PEN.

In a time when even the most trusted are subjected to intense scrutiny, it is considered a great accomplishment to keep one's past a secret-such an inscrutable figure is Angela the herbalist, a human witch and warrior with a penchant for speaking in riddles and answering questions with questions. In a rare personal revelation, Angela once acknowledged an apprentices.h.i.+p with the hermit-wizard Tenga, a time she recalled as "unfortunate." It is said she is one of the rare outsiders to have traveled among the elves of Du Weldenvarden before the Fall of the Riders.

What is known about Angela for certain is that she owned the herb and potion shop in the wealthy residential section of the city of Teirm and is often accompanied by Solemb.u.m, a shape-s.h.i.+fting werecat. Despite the pair's close companions.h.i.+p, the witch is loathed by the king of the werecat race. Angela has curly brown hair and youthful features but is much older than she looks. Her youthful appearance and radiant health are the result of her herbs and potions. She can read one's future, but usually only those Solemb.u.m deems worthy-only five are known to have been so favored, including Eragon and his mother, Selena.

Angela became a freedom fighter when she took up residence among the Varden in their sanctuary of Farthen Dur, and she proved her valor during the Battle of Farthen Dur. During the Battle of the Burning Plains, she snuck behind enemy lines to poison the Empire's soldiers. In addition to her fighting ability, her talent as a healer has aided many wounded Varden. Angela is currently an advisor to Nasuada, the Varden leader, and caretaker of Elva.

THE CHARACTER ANGELA IS BASED ON, AND NAMED AFTER, PAOLINI'S SISTER.

ANGELA'S THEORIZING ABOUT THE EXISTENCE OF TOADS AND FROGS IN ERAGON IS BASED ON A REAL INCIDENT WITH PAOLINI'S SISTER.

In Teirm, next to the mansion of Jeod Longshanks, is the shop where Angela and her werecat companion, Solemb.u.m, once lived and worked, a rustic structure overrun with tangled vines and leaves where a green-tinted light was usually visible from the obscured windows. Angela closed the shop when she made the decision to follow Eragon to the Varden.

SEE BRODDRING KINGDOM AND ILIREA.

The dwarves' personification of Death, also known as the Gray Man.

The Grimstcarvlorss of a dwarf clan that was once among the oldest and richest in the dwarf nation, Anhuin volunteered to help Vrael, the leader of the Dragon Riders, fight Galbatorix and his Thirteen Forsworn. It was a disaster-all the clan was slaughtered, except for Anhuin and her guards. The grief-stricken keeper of the clan house died soon after, and the survivors adopted a new clan name-Az Sweldn rak Anhuin, meaning "the Tears of Anhuin." The clan bitterly blamed all Dragon Riders and recently declared themselves sworn blood enemies of Eragon and his dragon. It was while Eragon was visiting the dwarven surface city of Tarnag that a strange dwarf made the clan intentions clear by plucking three hairs from his beard, wrapping them around an iron ring, and disdainfully tossing it in the street and spitting. The bitterness was so extreme that the clan actually violated the Law of Hospitality in an attempt to kill the young Dragon Rider.