Eldest

Summarize the events that took place at the beginning of this book.

Page 1 — As Ajihad and his soldiers came in from a tunnel, they were overtaken by Urgals and they were killed. Before Ajihad died, he made Eragon promise that he would not let the Varden fall into chaos; the Twins and Murtagh were taken by the Urgals and Arya chased after them to save them

1

Why does the Council of Elders want Nasuada to be the Varden leader?

Page 16 — She is young and controllable; they want her to be their puppet

16

Summarize how Eragon’s meetings went with Nasuada and Arya.

Page 21 — Nasuada knows the Elders want to control her, but her father has trained her for this moment and she knows what she must do; Eragon pledged fealty to her, promised he would do so after the funeral. Arya was upset when they first met, but Eragon explained that he would only pledge fealty to Nasuada not the Varden and then she calmed down.

21

Name two reasons Roran is upset in this chapter.

Page 29 — Eragon left before giving his father a proper burial and Katrina asked him to talk to her father the next day. Her father presses her and wants her to marry someone more eligible. She wants to marry Roran, but will take another offer if it comes along

29

What is Roran’s predicament in this chapter?

Page 40 — The Ra’zac came to Carvahall to find Roran and Eragon; they will wait until Roran comes back from hunting; Roran wanted to kill them but realized he couldn’t die because of Katrina; he is hiding near the Spine and needs to decide what to do

40

Why did the dwarves celebrate in this chapter?

Page 49 — Saphira has promised to use magic to restore their precious gem Isidar Mithrim

49

Describe Ahijad’s funeral.

Page 56 — Dwarves and humans lined up to watch. A procession made its way from the place Ahijad died to the place he was buried with each step taken to a low drumbeat; those closest to him were able to say a few words of good-bye to him

56

Why is the council an enemy to Eragon?

Page 61 — He pledged allegiance to Nasuada and not to them

61

What are Nasuada’s plans for the Varden and Eragon.

Page 69 — The Varden will move to Surda and attack the Empire. Eragon will go to the elves with Arya and Orik to be trained and then will return to the Varden to help them fight

69

What gift did Orik give Eragon from Hrothgar and why was Eragon hesitant to accept it?

Page 78 — The king made Eragon a part of his dwarven clan; Eragon worried if he accepted, he would owe fealty to the king as well as to Nasuada

78

Predict what the plan will be to run the Ra’zac and soldiers off.

Page 90 — Listen to your child’s answer

90

Were you correct in your prediction? If not, summarize what Roran and his friends did to thwart the soldiers and Ra’zac?

Page 91 — The villagers went into their camp at night while they were sleeping and hit them, scared them and caused chaos

91

What threat did the Ra’zac give to Roran?

Page 97 — Give up Roran or they will eat them all next time they come to the town

97

Summarize how Eragon and Saphira felt about the dwarves in this kingdom?

Page 110 — They don’t like Eragon and Saphira but need their assistance; they will fight with them, but not for them

110

Summarize this chapter.

Page 111 — Gannel the dwarf priest taught Eragon the history and rituals of his new dwarf clan; the king gave Eragon a magic necklace that protects him from someone scrying him; Arya shared some personal information; they snuck out of the city since a clan is unhappy with Eragon joining Hrothgar’s clan

111

Draw a picture of Carvahall and the fortifications Roran directed to be built.

Page 128 — Have your child draw a map of the city with the fortifications

128

Describe two emotions Roran felt in this chapter.

Page 133 — Bliss because Katrina said she would marry him; courage as he fought the soldiers; desperate and anxious to find a place for the children to hide

133

What did Eragon find when he scryed Roran?

Page 146 — Roran was in Horst’s house and looked like he was grappling with a problem

146

Describe the premonition Eragon had while sleeping.

Page 146 — It was a battle in a place he didn’t recognize with soldiers

146

What emotions was Eragon feeling when Arya looked at him and something inside of him lurched?

Page 155 — Love; twitterpation

155

What do you suppose Arya is afraid of?

Page 164 — Listen to your child’s answer; it’s been a long time since she has been back to her home and her two friends she served with are dead

164

Who did Eragon, Arya and Orik meet and describe their experience with them.

Page 165 — The elves: it was fun and light. The other dwarves left and the elves and Eragon’s party headed further into the forest; Arya would send reinforcements and told the guard not to let anyone by and not tell anyone of their presence

165

How did Roran convince Katrina to go into the Spine for the battle against the Ra’zac?

Page 180 — Katrina made him promise that he would never ask her to leave his side again

180

Summarize the altercation between Roran, Sloan and Katrina.

Page 183 — Sloan saw that Katrina was going to go into the Spine and he grabbed her; Roran stopped him and said they were engaged; Sloan made Katrina choose between them and she chose Roran

183

Describe what happened in this chapter.

Page 193 — Katrina was captured and Roran was wounded; Sloan betrayed them and the Ra’zac flew away on beasts with Katrina and Sloan

193

What terrible loss do you think Arya has suffered?

Page 207 — Listen to your child’s answer. I think it was one of the other elves that died trying to protect her and Saphira’s egg

207

Why is Saphira upset in this chapter?

Page 217 — She felt the desire to love and mate, but realized she won’t be able to because there are no more dragons

217

Why did Eragon think he could live in Ellesmera more than any dwarf city?

Page 223 — It was beautiful, safe, outside and enchanting

223

Summarize the interaction between Arya and Islanzadi?

Page 226 — The queen asked Arya to forgive her and she called Arya her daughter; Arya said she forgave her mother

226

What is the great advantage the elves have over Galbatorix?

A huge gold dragon and Rider;

why is it an advantage?

Page 244 — Galbatorix doesn’t know this dragon and Rider exist

244

What was Roran’s plan and how did he convince three villagers to join him?

Page 248 — Go across the Spine to Narda and take a ship to Surda to find the Varden. The Varden will keep them safe and the villagers can help them fight; he gave a passionate speech, giving his reasons and why they should follow him; Galbatorix will not have mercy and they will die or become slaves; Galbatorix has betrayed them

248

The last sentence in this chapter is, “what have I done?” What has Roran done because of his proposition and speech?

Page 259 — He has given hope and purpose to the villagers; Horst is right, the promises Roran made are a significant responsibility. There will be consequences no matter what happens

259

Do you agree that the residents of Carvahall need to leave to find the Varden? Why, or why not?

Page 266 — Listen to your child’s answer

266

Why did Oromis make Eragon wait before talking to him?

Page 271 — To see how patient Eragon was

271

How has Eragon’s purpose changed since he first set out with Saphira from Carvahall?

Page 275 — He wasn’t sure where he wanted to pledge his fealty, but since he has fought against Galbatorix’s monsters, he realized he was dedicated to helping the people of Alagaesia

275

List one example that Eragon was chastised in this chapter.

Page 285 — He gave the child a curse instead of a blessing; he and Saphira didn’t share with each other what they learned; he didn’t know everything going on in the forest, just what the ants were doing

285

Explain why it was important for Arya to serve as Ambassador to the Varden and dwarves and to ferry Saphira’s egg back and forth from the elves to Tronjheim.

Page 308 — She is a princess and heir to the throne. It is important for elves to serve their people wholeheartedly even if it means to die for their people

308

The name of this chapter is “a maze of opposition”. Why is it a good title for what is happening concerning the Varden and the kingdom of Surda?

Page 318 — Nasuada needs more gold to feed her people and needs the King of Surda to move forward with attacking Galbatorix’s Empire; the king isn’t ready yet and doesn’t have additional gold or land to give the Varden

318

How did Nasuada apply Orrin’s advice in this chapter?

Page 324 — She helped Farica rip out stitches from her ruined gown

324

What is Nasuada’s solution to earn money to feed the Varden?

Page 326 — Have a magic user make lace to sell throughout the Empire

326

Describe the curse Eragon put on Elva.

Page 332 — She is growing quickly; she’s always hungry; she can feel others people’s pain and hurt and needs to protect them from it; she can foresee events, 2-3 hours in advance

332

Summarize this chapter.

Page 337 — There was a great storm that shook the tree Eragon lived in. He hurt himself and became unconscious as he tried to close the tree off to the storm. Saphira became stuck in the tree and damaged the staircase

337

Predict what Eragon’s argument will be to explain why he is fighting the Empire.

Page 352 — Listen to your child’s answer

352

Eragon interacted with Arya and Orik in this chapter. Choose one of these interactions and describe it.

Page 362 — Arya took Eragon and Saphira to her home and gave them a tour. Eragon complimented her by telling her she is perfect and lovely. He was offended that she didn’t take his advances seriously. Orik came to his treehouse drunk and Eragon told him about his training, the child he cursed and the interaction he had with Arya. Orik is betrothed to be married to another dwarf in his clan

362

What did Eragon learn about the Ra’zac in this chapter?

Page 380 — They are not human, elf, dwarf, dragon, or a normal animal. They reproduce by laying eggs and have a humanoid form. Where humans are weak, they are strong. On the first full moon of their twentieth year, they shed their exoskeletons and become flying creatures

380

Why did Arya break the tablet Eragon created of her portrait?

Page 388 — She saw how Eragon felt about her and is upset that he is distracted by his feelings for her. He needs to be focusing on defeating Galbatorix

388

Why is it important for Eragon to hope?

Page 401 — Without hope, darkness and hopelessness will consume him. Ignorance, fear and hate are the enemies

401

Do you agree with Roran’s plan? Why or why not? If you disagree, what do you think they should do?

Page 412 — Listen to your child’s answer

412

Use one or two words to describe Clovis. Why did you choose that word(s).

Page 423 — Listen to your child’s answer

423

Why is Eragon repulsed when he tried to eat rabbit?

Page 443 — He has lived in their minds and has felt their feelings of survival. He has connected with them and has compassion for them in a way he has not felt before reaching out to them

443

Summarize what happened at Stone of Broken Eggs in this chapter.

Page 449 — Saphira wanted to mate with Glaedr and thought he wanted to mate as well. He didn’t. She attacked him and he attacked her back

449

Predict the gift Eragon received from the dragon that touched his gedwey ignasia.

Page 469 — Listen to your child’s answer

469

Were you correct in your prediction? Explain.

What mistake did Eragon make in this chapter and what was the consequence?

Page 473 — He shared his feelings with Arya again; She told him they can’t be friends until he can master his feelings for her

473

Why did Mandel’s mom want Roran to talk to him?

Page 477 — He was picking up the skill of gambling from the sailors and he was losing items they needed

477

Do you remember when we first met Jeod? Describe the circumstance.

Page 487 — Eragon and Brom stopped in to see him and stayed with him as they tried to figure out where the Ra’zac were hiding. Jeod lost his ships to the Empire

487

How do you think Jeod knew Roran?

Page 492 — Listen to your child’s answer

492

Pick a word to describe how Jeod, Roran and the other villagers felt at the end of this chapter. Explain.

Page 502 — Hope, determination, excitement, anticipation

502

List three things that happened in this chapter.

Page 503 — They commandeered the ship; Helen came to join Jeod; the villagers made it onto the ship; a Ra’zac came and Baldor hit it with an arrow

503

How did Elva save Nasuada?

Page 518 — She fought her way into Nasuada’s room and knocked her to the ground, so an assassin who tried to kill her missed

518

What news did Nasuada learn about it in this chapter?

Page 525 — Galbatorix has sent an army of 100,000 soldiers to attack the Varden

525

What is Eragon’s attitude with the physical changes he has experienced?

Page 536 — Even though he has changed, he is grateful he is healed and won’t have painful episodes anymore

536

What did Eragon learn in this chapter?

Page 547 — Carvahall is burned to the ground; the Varden is getting ready for war; Roran and the villagers are with Jeod on a ship

547

Explain why Eragon left Ellesmera.

Page 550 — He learned that Galbatorix was getting ready to attack Surda and he needed to be there to help

550

What is the Eye?

Page 562 — A whirlpool in the ocean that Roran wants to go through

562

Predict what will happen… will the Dragon Wing make it through the Boar’s Eye or will they get swallowed up into the ocean?

Listen to your child’s answer

Summarize this chapter.

Page 565 — The Dragon Wing went into the Eye and because they had enough people to take over rowing for those who were exhausted, they made it. Galbatorix’s ships didn’t make it. The magicians on one of the ships helped a fire arrow reach the Dragon Wing, but Roran and the crew were able to throw the wood that was on fire overboard

565

Summarize Eragon’s visit to Orrin’s castle?

Page 577 — The King and Varden left for battle already; supplies and a map were brought to Eragon to show where Eragon needed to go; Eragon told the seneschal that two men were fighting, and one is to be murdered unless they went to stop it immediately

577

List three things that happened in this chapter.

Page 581 — Eragon made it to the Burning Plains; Varden soldiers shot arrows at Eragon and Saphira and Eragon told them they were courageous but to identify their target better next time; he didn’t want them punished; Eragon reported to Nasuada; he apologized to Arya but was frustrated that she didn’t change her behavior towards him; Eragon visited Angela and Saphira told Solembum of the werecat in Ellesmera

581

Explain why the birds were gathering in the air above the armies.

Page 604 — The birds knew people were going to die due to the battle and they were anxious to feast on them

604

Do you agree with Nasuada to become allies with the Urgals? Why, or why not?

Page 609 — Listen to your child’s answer

609

What changed Eragon’s mind about the Urgals?

Page 618 — They let him into their minds, and he saw that their intentions were true to what they had said

618

Predict who is on the ship Eragon is going to destroy?

Page 630 — Listen to your child’s answer

630

Why is Roran both angry and joyful to see Eragon?

Page 635 — He’s angry because Eragon brought about Garrow’s death, the destruction of the farm and the need to move the villagers from Carvahall; he’s happy because he loves his cousin and is relieved to see him alive

635

What surprised Eragon in this chapter?

Page 645 — Murtagh was the Rider fighting for the Empire

645

How has Eragon lost when his side won the battle?

Page 652 — He found out Murtagh is his brother, Morzan is his father and Murtagh took his sword

652

How does this story end?

Page 654 — Eragon shares the information about Murtagh with Arya and Nasuada; Roran and Eragon talk and work things out; Eragon scryes to see if Katrina is alive and she is; Eragon tells Roran he will help set her free

654

Do you like this story? Explain.

Listen to your child’s answer