Eldest

by Christopher Paolini

Grades 14-18; Genre - Fantasy; Young Adult Novel; AR pts. 36

After successfully evading an Urgals ambush, Eragon is adopted into the Ingeitum clan and sent to finish his training so he can further help the Varden in their struggle against the Empire. The plot contains mature elements: profanity, subtle sex scene (His Enemy's Face), subtle nudity (The Gift of Dragons), and violence.

Grades 16-18; Fantasy; Young Adult; AR pts. 36.0

Comprehension Questions

A Twin Disaster

1. Summarize the events that took place at the beginning of this book. 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 p.1

The Council of Elders

1. Why does the Council of Elders want Nasuada to be the Varden leader? She is young and controllable; they want her to be their puppet p.16

Truth Among Friends

1. Summarize how Eragon’s meetings went with Nasuada and Arya. 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. 
2. 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. P.21

Roran

1. Name two reasons Roran is upset in this chapter. 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 p.29

The Hunted Hunters

1. What is Roran’s predicament in this chapter? 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 p.40

Saphira’s Promise

1. Why did the dwarves celebrate in this chapter? Saphira has promised to use magic to restore their precious gem Isidar Mithrim p.49

Requiem

1. Describe Ahijad’s funeral. 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 p.56

Fealty

1. Why is the council an enemy to Eragon? He pledged allegiance to Nasuada and not to them p.61

A Sorceress, a Snake, and a Scroll

1. What are Nasuada’s plans for the Varden and Eragon. 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 p.69

Hrothgar’s Gift

1. What gift did Orik give Eragon from Hrothgar and why was Eragon hesitant to accept it? 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 p.78

Hammer and Tongs

1. Predict what the plan will be to run the Ra’zac and soldiers off. Listen to your child’s answer p.90

Retaliation

1. Were you correct in your prediction? If not, summarize what Roran and his friends did to thwart the soldiers and Ra’zac? The villagers went into their camp at night while they were sleeping and hit them, scared them and caused chaos p.91
2. What threat did the Ra’zac give to Roran? Give up Roran or they will eat them all next time they come to the town p.97

Az Sweldn rak Anhuin

1. Summarize how Eragon and Saphira felt about the dwarves in this kingdom? They don’t like Eragon and Saphira but need their assistance; they will fight with them, but not for them p.110

Celbedeil

1. Summarize this chapter. 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 p.111

Diamonds in the Night

1. Draw a picture of Carvahall and the fortifications Roran directed to be built. Have your child draw a map of the city with the fortifications p.128

Under a Darkling Sky

1. Describe two emotions Roran felt in this chapter. 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 p.133

Down the Rushing Mere-Wash

1. What did Eragon find when he scryed Roran? Roran was in Horst’s house and looked like he was grappling with a problem p.146
2. Describe the premonition Eragon had while sleeping. It was a battle in a place he didn’t recognize with soldiers p.146

Drifting

1. What emotions was Eragon feeling when Arya looked at him and something inside of him lurched? Love; twitterpation p.155

Arya Svit-kona

1. What do you suppose Arya is afraid of? 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 p.164

Ceris

1. Who did Eragon, Arya and Orik meet and describe their experience with them. 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 p.165

Wounds of the Past

1. How did Roran convince Katrina to go into the Spine for the battle against the Ra’zac? Katrina made him promise that he would never ask her to leave his side again p.180

Wounds of the Present

1. Summarize the altercation between Roran, Sloan and Katrina. 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 p.183

His Enemy’s Face

1. Describe what happened in this chapter. Katrina was captured and Roran was wounded; Sloan betrayed them and the Ra’zac flew away on beasts with Katrina and Sloan p.193

Arrow to the Heart

1. What terrible loss do you think Arya has suffered? 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 p.207

The Dagshelgr Invocation

1. Why is Saphira upset in this chapter? She felt the desire to love and mate, but realized she won’t be able to because there are no more dragons p.217

The Pinewood City

1. Why did Eragon think he could live in Ellesmera more than any dwarf city? It was beautiful, safe, outside and enchanting p.223

Queen Islanzadi

1. Summarize the interaction between Arya and Islanzadi? The queen asked Arya to forgive her and she called Arya her daughter; Arya said she forgave her mother p.226

Out of the Past

1. What is the great advantage the elves have over Galbatorix? A huge gold dragon and Rider; why is it an advantage? Galbatorix doesn’t know this dragon and Rider exist p.244

Conviction

1. What was Roran’s plan and how did he convince three villagers to join him? 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 p.248

Repercussions

1. The last sentence in this chapter is, “what have I done?” What has Roran done because of his proposition and speech? 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 p.259

Exodus

1. Do you agree that the residents of Carvahall need to leave to find the Varden? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.266

On the Crags of Tel’naeir

1. Why did Oromis make Eragon wait before talking to him? To see how patient Eragon was p.271

The Secret Lives of Ants

1. How has Eragon’s purpose changed since he first set out with Saphira from Carvahall? 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 p.275

Under the Menoa Tree

1. List one example that Eragon was chastised in this chapter. 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 p.285

A Maze of Opposition

1. 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. 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 p.308
2. 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? 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 p.318

Hanging by a Thread

1. How did Nasuada apply Orrin’s advice in this chapter? She helped Farica rip out stitches from her ruined gown p.324
2. What is Nasuada’s solution to earn money to feed the Varden? Have a magic user make lace to sell throughout the Empire p.326

Elva

1. Describe the curse Eragon put on Elva. 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 p.332

Resurgence

1. Summarize this chapter. 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 p.337

Why Do You Fight?

1. Predict what Eragon’s argument will be to explain why he is fighting the Empire. Listen to your child’s answer p.352

Black Morning Glory

1. Eragon interacted with Arya and Orik in this chapter. Choose one of these interactions and describe it.
2. 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.
3. 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 p.362

The Nature of Evil

1. What did Eragon learn about the Ra’zac in this chapter? 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 p.380

Image of Perfection

1. Why did Arya break the tablet Eragon created of her portrait? 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 p.388

The Obliterator

1. Why is it important for Eragon to hope? Without hope, darkness and hopelessness will consume him. Ignorance, fear and hate are the enemies p.401

Narda

1. Do you agree with Roran’s plan? Why or why not? If you disagree, what do you think they should do? Listen to your child’s answer p.412

The Hammer Falls

1. Use one or two words to describe Clovis. Why did you choose that word(s).  Listen to your child’s answer p.423

The Beginning of Wisdom

1. Why is Eragon repulsed when he tried to eat rabbit? 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 p.443

Broken Egg and Scattered Nest

1. Summarize what happened at Stone of Broken Eggs in this chapter. 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 p.449

The Gift of Dragons

1. Predict the gift Eragon received from the dragon that touched his gedwey ignasia. Listen to your child’s answer p.469

In a Starry Glade

1. Were you correct in your prediction? Explain.
2. What mistake did Eragon make in this chapter and what was the consequence? He shared his feelings with Arya again; She told him they can’t be friends until he can master his feelings for her p.473

Landfall

1. Why did Mandel’s mom want Roran to talk to him? He was picking up the skill of gambling from the sailors and he was losing items they needed p.477

Teirm

1. Do you remember when we first met Jeod? Describe the circumstance. 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 p.487

Jeod Longshanks

1. How do you think Jeod knew Roran? Listen to your child’s answer p.492

An Unexpected Ally

1. Pick a word to describe how Jeod, Roran and the other villagers felt at the end of this chapter. Explain. Hope, determination, excitement, anticipation p.502

Escape

1. List three things that happened in this chapter. 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 p.503

Child’s Play

1. How did Elva save Nasuada? She fought her way into Nasuada’s room and knocked her to the ground, so an assassin who tried to kill her missed p.518

Premonition of War

1. What news did Nasuada learn about it in this chapter? Galbatorix has sent an army of 100,000 soldiers to attack the Varden p.525

Red Blade, White Blade

1. What is Eragon’s attitude with the physical changes he has experienced? Even though he has changed, he is grateful he is healed and won’t have painful episodes anymore p.536

Visions Near and Far

1. What did Eragon learn in this chapter? Carvahall is burned to the ground; the Varden is getting ready for war; Roran and the villagers are with Jeod on a ship p.547

Gifts

1. Explain why Eragon left Ellesmera. He learned that Galbatorix was getting ready to attack Surda and he needed to be there to help p.550

The Maw of the Ocean

1. What is the Eye? A whirlpool in the ocean that Roran wants to go through p.562
2. 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

Running the Boar’s Eye

1. Summarize this chapter. 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 p.565

To Aberon

1. Summarize Eragon’s visit to Orrin’s castle? 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 p.577

The Burning Plains

1. List three things that happened in this chapter. 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 p.581

The Clouds of War

1. Explain why the birds were gathering in the air above the armies. The birds knew people were going to die due to the battle and they were anxious to feast on them p.604

Nar Garzhvog

1. Do you agree with Nasuada to become allies with the Urgals? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer p.609

Witch’s Brew

1. What changed Eragon’s mind about the Urgals? They let him into their minds, and he saw that their intentions were true to what they had said p.618

The Storm Breaks

1. Predict who is on the ship Eragon is going to destroy? Listen to your child’s answer p.630

Convergence

1. Why is Roran both angry and joyful to see Eragon? 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 p.635

Eldest

1. What surprised Eragon in this chapter? Murtagh was the Rider fighting for the Empire p.645

Inheritance

1. How has Eragon lost when his side won the battle? He found out Murtagh is his brother, Morzan is his father and Murtagh took his sword p.652

Reunion

1. How does this story end? 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 p.654
2. Do you like this story? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer