A Universe of Legends – The Inheritance Cycle
Monday, August 1, 2022
Eragon. Eragon. Eragon. In some part of my mind, this name keeps echoing, non-stop, like a mantra. You might be wondering what I’m talking about; I am coming to that. But I’ll have to start from the very first page, so throw a blanket over your legs, hold on to my hand and let us dive in…
“It all started with the formation of Alagaësia. When I look at it, it’s like the land was made for all the great things that happen on it. Then, magnificent creatures, with fire erupting from their maws, great, flexible bodies, glittering scales and beautiful, huge wings were born on the land. They were called…the DRAGONS. Next came the dwarves, who were the people made of stone by their god Helzvog. (Not literally, of course) Then the elegant and graceful, tall and slender ‘Fair Folk’ came to take refuge in the land of Alagaësia. They were otherwise known as the elves. The elves were creatures with impressive magic powers and often competed with the dragons. But who knew that the mini tussles would lead to a huge and bloody war between the two races. It was called Du Fyrn Skulblaka as is its name in the Ancient Language, a deep language created by mysterious beings long ago, in which one cannot tell a lie and also the language which can draw energy, resulting in magic. At the end, the dragons and the elves withdrawed, both their races reduced near to extinction and left with less magic. To promise peace, the Dragon Riders were created. By the time, King Palancar and his fellow humans had arrived on Alagaësia and settled near to the range of mountains known as The Spine. When the Dragon Riders were created, the humans joined the pact and the three races were linked, by the strongest and powerful of all types of magic. It was made a custom for the young people of the humans and the elves to line up before a single dragon egg to see which person it would choose as its Rider. Once the dragon in the egg chooses a person, the egg hatches, and the Rider and the dragon are linked for eternity, until one of them dies. The relationship is very deep, their minds are joined,they are companions in heart and soul. So, the death process is not an easy task. If one of them dies, the Rider or the dragon is plunged into misery and it can be long, as long as a few years for him or her to find the way out of eternal sadness. And just like that, an Order was formed, an Order of the Riders. Then, a new Rider emerged, by the name of Galbatorix. He bonded with the purple dragon Jarnunvösk and lived a normal Rider’s life, fighting battles to protect Alagaësia from other huge wars that could destroy the land. But then…”
Woah, woah, woah. I think I have gone too far. If any of you want to continue with this thrilling story of magic and power, join me in my words. Your much desired information will reach you soon…very soon.
The above is an excerpt from Eragon, Book 1 in The Inheritance Cycle. The Inheritance Cycle is written by my much admired author, Cristopher Paolini, and consists of four awesome books namely Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and Inheritance. So, thirsty readers, note this down as fast you can and let your pen fly on the paper as words are inked in. I’ll pause for a minute, but no more than that, because I can’t wait to tell you more.
So, first things first: How did I learn about The Inheritance Cycle?
I got the first book, Eragon, as a gift from my dear Naureen and Nadia chechis. After getting lost in this spiel of ‘will put you under a spell’ words, I was desperate to get my hands on the next three books in the series. And sure enough, I did very soon. My beloved Mema, who had bought all the books that I have in my collection was the same person who bought Eldest, Brisingr and Inheritance. Oh, how I loved those books! After lunch, every afternoon, my hands would grab the book from its place on the shelf and there it stayed on my hands till sunset, when I finally stopped when a headache develops. That magical world truly caught me in its trap. So why don’t we skip along the road instead of standing on just one spot? Come on, let’s see what’s next.
I have told you so much about the books but not a single word about the author. Yes, I told you his name, but…Is that enough for you guys? You are always as curious as a hungry child so let me tell you some more.
Christopher Paolini. That amazing man who wrote these more than amazing books. Sometimes, me and Nadia chechi used to tell each other about how great his mind and imagination must be, to write such a great series. Christopher Paolini is an American author. He actually wrote Eragon when he was 15! Seriously, the problem that I always face when writing a story is that, I come up with real lame twists. In a way, the story becomes too boring and just an interesting set of words, which even I don’t like to read. So, I’m awestruck at how he could think up such an awesome and catching story at such a young age. Cool right?
Paolini was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Paradise Valley, Montana. No wonder he was able to create a paradise with his imagination! Paolini has a younger sister, Angela Paolini. The interesting thing is, he used her name and resemblance in the Inheritance Cycle… Well, I shouldn’t tell you more, finding out by yourself through travelling with Eragon and Saphira, is much, much more interesting.
His first book, Eragon was published by Paolini International LLC, the publishing company run by his parents. To promote the book, he toured over 135 schools and libraries, all the while dressed in ‘a medieval costume of red shirt, billowy black pants, lace up boots, and a jaunty black cap.’
In mid-2002, the stepson of Carl Hiaasen read Eragon and loved it ; this lead to him leading it to the attention of his publisher Alfred Knopf. In turn, Knopf made an offer to publish the rest of the Inheritance Cycle and also publish Eragon once more. Due to many adults and children alike, who got lost in the world of Alagaësia, Paolini became the New York Times- Bestselling Author at the age of nineteen.
Later on Paolini continued writing to his heart’s content and published books one after the other for the delight of his fans as well as himself. He developed a website for Paolini-lovers, known as www.paolini.net.com. A visit to the website will plunge you into the world of Paolini, filled with art works based on his books, dictionaries for the Ancient Language, updated Paolini news from all around the world, information about paolini merch and how to purchase badges, pins, bags, phone covers….OH MY!!!
These days, if you ask me, ‘Hey, which is your favourite book?’ I would definitely say that it is To Sleep in a Sea of Stars. Merging science fiction (I would do anything to grab a sci-fi book or movie!) and his wondrous language of words Paolini created this beautiful book. I just can’t tear my eyes away from the amazing cover art… It is definitely a great book to own and to show off with pride. Another awesome book by Paolini is a continuation for the Inheritance Cycle, (Finallllyyyy…) The Fork, The Witch and The Worm. It contains beautiful pictures, a really cool coloured map and a spell binding story trapped inside the words that cover its pages.
Anyway, I think I have said my fill for now. To quench your thirst, you might want the help of Paolini… So, for now let us part. Atra esterni ono thelduin.
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