Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

Grades 8-12; Genre- Fantasy; GRL Y; AR pts. 25.0

A 15-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon, finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters. The plot contains profanity and violence.

Comprehension Questions

Prologue- There is good and evil against each other in this section. List three reasons how you know the shade is evil. 1. He is quick to kill for what he wants 2. He is working with monsters 3. He burned the forest without any regard to life.

Discovery

1. Describe Eragon and what happened to him in the glen of the forest. 15-year-old boy; trying to kill a deer to feed his family through winter; will become a man at 16; uses a bow to hunt; the blue stone from the prologue appeared in the glen and he decided to take it with him p.6

Palancar Valley

1. Why didn’t Sloan want to take the stone as payment? He found out it came from the Spine, where his wife died; he also wanted to give Eragon trouble p.18

Dragon Tales

1. What does the phrase on page 26 mean, “last year’s security has deserted us…”. The traders felt secure and safe last year, but don’t feel that security with what is happening in the world.
2. Summarize Galbatorix’s history. Galbatorix was a Rider and with friends flew far north where the urgals live. They attacked and his friends, their dragons, and his dragon were all killed. Galbatorix became mad and demanded a another dragon, but he was denied. He was mad in his mind and manipulated people to get what he wanted. He found another Rider, Morzan, who helped him steal a dragon hatchling and taught Morzan dark and forbidden magic. When Galbatorix’s dragon, Shruikan was fully grown he revealed himself to the world. With Morzan, he fought any Rider they met and became stronger after each kill. Twelve Riders joined Galbatorix and with Morzan, became known as the Thirteen Forsworn. He killed the leader of the Riders, Vrael, and pronounced himself king over all Alagaesia. P.31

Fate’s Gift

1. How exciting to learn the stone held a dragon. How would you feel if you were Eragon and saw the dragon standing in front of you? Listen to your child’s answer p.37
2. How has the author prepared you to understand how significant this moment is for Eragon? He has given us background; he told us about the Shade trying to steal the stone from the elf, learning about Gakbatorix’s rise to power, learning that Brom knows the story so well p.37

Awakening

1. What did Eragon learn about dragons in this chapter? They grow quickly; they can reach out with their minds and communicate; powerful creatures; not just an animal p.46

Tea for Two

1. In what ways will Eragon’s dragon change him? He’ll get pointed ears, live longer life, stronger body, keener mind, truer sight p.54

A Name of Power

1. What name did Eragon and the dragon agree on? Saphira p.59

A Miller-to-Be

1. How do you know Eragon is upset with Roran leaving? He is frustrated, doesn’t want to talk to anyone, hates limo in his throat p.60
2. Why is Eragon upset Roran is leaving? He will miss him; they are like brothers p.62

Strangers in Carvahall

1. Why did Horst encourage Eragon to get rid of the blue stone? Two strangers are in town looking for it p.66
2. What do you predict will happen in the next chapter? Listen to your child’s answer

Flight of Destiny

1. Summarize this chapter. Saphira was afraid of the strangers and flew with Eragon to the mountains. 70
2. Was your prediction from the last chapter correct? Listen to your child’s answer

The Doom of Innocence

1. What did Eragon find at the farm? A burning barn; Garrow buried under rubble p.79
2. Who do you think causes so much destruction at the farm? The strangers from town.
3. Why do you think that? They were looking for Eragon and knew where to find him; Garrow was holding a piece of their clothing p.79

Deathwatch

1. Do you agree that Eragon should have lied about what happened on the farm? Why or why not? P. 86

The Madness of Life

1. Why did Eragon mourn in this chapter? His uncle died; he had lost everyone, his parents and aunt and uncle p.90

A Rider’s Blade

1. Who do you think Brom is? Listen to your cup child’s answer p.106

Saddlemaking

1. Why is it wise for Eragon to stay with Brom? Brom is wiser and more knowledgeable and can train Eragon p.109

Therinsford

1. Name two things that surprised Eragon in this chapter. The man at the bridge demanded money to cross; Brom pick pocketed the man at the bridge; he was able to reach the minds of the horse p.116

Thunder Roar and Lightning Crackle

1. What obstacle did Eragon and Brom face on this chapter? Why was it so dangerous? Elements; wind and rain were so strong it could have hurt Saphira p.126

Revelation at Yazuac

1. Summarize this chapter. Brom and Eragon went into Yuazac and found the villagers had been murdered; they were attacked by two urgals and Eragon killed them p.129

Admonishments

1. List two things you learned about magic in this chapter. Taught by elves, if you know the word, you can use it, the color of fire depends on the person, it takes strength and energy you have in your body, it is incredibly dangerous and can kill you p.140

Magic is the Simplest Thing

1. Why did Brom go to bed with bruises near the end of the chapter? Because Eragon was growing stronger and would jot him when they sparred with sticks p.150

Daret

1. Why was Saphira so adamant Eragon ride on her the next day? She was worried for his safety and that she wouldn’t be able to help him if he was on his horse p.158

Through a Dragon’s Eye

1. How did Saphira help Eragon get over his fear of flying with her? She helped him see flying from her perspective p.162

A Song for the Road

1. List two reasons why out is a good idea for Eragon to ride with Brom from now until they get into the city? People won’t wonder why an old man is riding alone; they won’t wonder where Eragon came from if they saw him before and then again in the city p.172

A Taste of Teirm

1. What information did Eragon and Brom learn in this chapter? Ships have been getting attacked with certain goods; they aren’t sure who is attacking them; ships will go out and disappear p.173

An Old Friend

1. Summarize this chapter. Brom and Eragon find Jeod in Teirm; Jeod and Brom catch up; Eragon uses magic to overhear what Brom and Jeod are saying; he then checks in on Saphira; Eragon and Brom discuss the danger Roran could be in p.179

The Witch and Werecat

1. Describe Solembum. He’s a werecat who can shapeshift from being a large cat to a small human; he can talk with his mind; he can also prophesy p.199
2. What did Angela foretell? Someone in Eragon’s family would betray him; someone close to him will die; he will love someone of nobility; there will be a time he leaves Alagaesia; he can choose his fate p.203

Of Reading and Plots

1. Can you understand why Eragon doesn’t want to leave Teirm? Have you ever felt this way? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer p.212

Thieves in the Castle

1. Using the information they gathered from the shopping records, what process does Eragon, Brom and Jeod use to figure out where the Ra’zac are hiding? Process of elimination p.219

A Costly Mistake

1. How did Eragon go too far in this chapter? He used magic against twelve urgals, which required too much energy p.232

Vision of Perfection

1. Why was Brom upset with Eragon in this chapter? Eragon was foolish when he attacked the urgals and as Brom tried to train Eragon, there was only some improvement p.236

Master of the Blade

1. Summarize this chapter. Eragon bested Brom in dueling; Saphira and Eragon go swimming in Leona Lake; Brom discusses how to fight with magic against a wizard p.240

The Mire of Dras-Leona

1. Describe the city Dras-Leona. Filthy, narrow-tall homes, against a tall outcropping named Helgrind, cathedral with tall spires p.246

Trail of Oil

1. What is the tentative plan to get close to the Ra’zac? Brom and Eragon will be the slaves p.253

Worshipers of Helgrind

1. Do you agree that Eragon should have run from the Ra’zac? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer. P.258

The Ra’zac’s Revenge

1. Predict who is helping Eragon and Brom by attacking the Ra’zac? Listen to your child’s answer p.266

Murtagh

1. Were you correct in who you thought helped scare away the Ra’zac? Listen to your child’s answer
2. Describe Murtagh. A couple years older than Eragon, wealthy; his sword and shield are of the finest make p.268

Legacy of a Rider

1. What did Brom tell Eragon in this chapter? Brom was a dragon rider; his dragon was named Saphira, and she died fighting Galbatorix; Morzan betrayed him; Brom is over 100 years old p.274

Diamond Tomb

1. Do you agree that Eragon and Saphira should trust Murtagh? Why or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.282

Capture at Gil’ead

1. Describe the emotional journey Eragon and Murtagh have been taking together. They have found companionship together and have many things in common; they stay away from their pasts, but still learn of each other as they share experiences; Eragon is sad to have Murtagh go a different direction once they go with the Varden p.287

Du Sundavar Freohr

1. Describe the circumstances Eragon found himself in. He has been captured by a shade; he’s alone in a cell; he’s been drugged; the food and water is drugged, so he won’t eat or drink; he learned the elf from his dream is in this place p.293

Fighting Shadows

1. Describe how Eragon escaped. He was able to use magic since he didn’t eat or drink; he unlocked the door and Murtagh came to the rescue; together, they defeated the soldiers and the shade; they found the elf and rescued her as well; Saphira broke through the ceiling and carried them away p.300

A Warrior and a Healer

1. Why are the companions feeling hopeless right now? They don’t know how to reach the Varden, and they realized that Galbatorix is working with the urgals and the shade p.310

Water From Sand

1. How did Eragon solve the problem of getting enough water in the desert? Instead of turning sand into water, he would bring the water to the surface p.322

The Ramr River

1. Describe one thing that happened in this chapter. Tying the elf to the front of Saphira; crossing the Ramr River; concern for the elf since she hasn’t woken up p.324

The Hadarac Desert

1. Why is Murtagh so grumpy? He is hot, sand is in his eyes,  Have you ever been so uncomfortable that it has made you grumpy? Listen to your child’s answer p.333

A Path Revealed

1. Who do you think Murtagh’s father is. Listen to your child’s answer p.344

A Clash of Wills

1. Why is Eragon confused at the end of the chapter? He felt like Murtagh’s action to kill the slaver was extreme and shouldn’t have happened, but Murtagh defended it. Eragon needs to think about Murtagh’s explanation to see if it was right in the end p.352

Flight Through the Valley

1. Why is Murtagh’s news so shocking to Eragon? Because Morzan was one of the forsworn and a servant to Galbatorix, it’s hard to believe he fathered a son p.368

The Horns of Dilemma

1. Why was Eragon unsure of their safety inside the mountain they had worked so hard to get to? The people inside were not happy to see them and threatened to kill Murtagh if Eragon used magic p.377

Hunting for Answers

1. Summarize Murtagh’s story. His mother fell in love with Morzan and followed him to the palace; Morzan taught her magic to do his bidding; she became pregnant and when Murtagh was born, he was given to a wet nurse; when Murtagh was a few years old, his mother disappeared; when she came back, she died soon after; Morzan threw his sword at Murtagh and sliced his back open before his mother left; after Morzan’s death, Galbatorix invited Murtagh to dinner and Murtagh pledged to follow him; later Murtagh realized Morzan’s intentions for the empire so he escaped p.387

The Glory of Tronjheim

1. Describe the welcome Eragon and Saphira received from the people gathered with the Varden. The humans cheered and many of the dwarves turned their backs on them p.398

Ajihad

1. Describe Ajihad and his role with the Varden. The leader of the Varden; a politician; kind and full of justice; firm and carries out the law p.406

Bless the Child, Argetlam

1. Would you like to live in Farthen Dur? List 3 reasons why or why not. Listen to your child’s answer p.422

Mandrake Root and Newt’s Tongue

1. Who did Eragon find at Farthen Dur and what warning did she give him? Angela and Solembum; to be careful of Murtagh p.434

Hall of the Mountain King

1. Describe the Twins. Devious; can use magic; powerful in their magic and position in the Varden; bald and are identical p.448

Arya’s Tests

1. Summarize how the training went. The Twins tested him; they would cheat, but Saphira helped Eragon; at the last task, Arya interrupted them and shamed them for their deceit and trickery; Arya sparred with Eragon and said he was competent at magic and fighting; he was to go to the elves to further his testing p.456

The Shadows Lengthen

1. In what ways did Eragon help prepare for battle? Used magic to cave in tunnels; he and Saphira helped dig spikes at the entrance of a tunnel p.471

Battle Under Farthen Dur

1. Describe one part of the battle you felt was most exciting during this chapter. Listen to your child’s answer p.479

The Mourning Sage

1. Describe what happened to Eragon after Durza died. Eragon became lost in the evil and darkness in Durza’s memories; someone in Ellesmera protected him from the darkness and brought him peace; the voice told him to come to him p.492
2. What did you like about this book? Listen to your child’s answer. 
3. Do you want to read the next one to find out what happens? Listen to your child’s answer.