Eldest, Chapters 13-16

The Inheritance Cycle journey continues! I have been distracted by Chess and other life obligations but on the sorta night of Halloween, let's dive into a few chapters of Eldest!

Chapters read:

• Az Sweldn rak Anhûin
• Celbedeil
• Diamonds in the Night
• Under a Darkling Sky

Helzvog, one of the most important dwarf gods!

Src

The first two chapters are in Eragon's perspective and the next two are in Roran's perspective.

Eragon learns details of the dwarves' fascinating beliefs on religion and how the world was formed and I find it so fascinating and fun. The dwarves are a seriously proud people and their faith is unwavering. From what I personally gather, dwarves seem to associate each major magical creature (humans, elves, dragons, dwarves) with an element which maybe does sound basic but the way it's laid out and told is way cooler than it sounds. Humans of the earth, elves of air, dwarves of stone and dragons from fire. I loved hearing about their beliefs. They also have an epic painting of the ENTIRE history of Alagaesia which is just amazing. Well, it's not a true painting but more like a carving.

Arya really seems to be kind of nasty to the dwarves in my opinion. She seems to think the dwarves are sorta stupid which I found pretty disrespectful. A bit annoying but I suppose that these debates about faith and religion still go on to this day.

I think that Eragon being tied to all four races is sort of symbolic of like, evolution and/or being an ambassador to all people of the world, which is pretty interesting. Especially considering how Eragon becomes his own unique race as a Rider. Something I will definitely ponder on as I read more.

Roran continuing to deal with the Empire and battle the nasty Ra'zac continues to be just epic quite frankly. Continues to be relatable and wholesome despite the fear and violence that has been ensuing.

At this point Roran and the village are at straight up war with the Empire and it's pretty intense. Roran is like the definition of what it means to be human. I am starting to hypothesize that Paolini is trying to express just how powerful humans can be in Alagaesia. I also simply wonder if Roran 'inherited' traits from his bloodline himself. His lineage is interesting too. Since I read the books before I have always wondered about Roran. When he is in battle he seems to be a seriously fierce fighter. His willpower is just off the charts. He seemingly does things in a mildly superhuman way. It is not said bluntly, only briefly and indirectly but Roran seems like he may actually be built different. I get the feeling that this is on purpose. To some, humans seem sort of unremarkable, but somehow humans have solidified their own place in a magical world of elves, dragons and dwarves. I feel like Roran is an example of how humans have survived in a world like this. Dragons are dragons. Elves are kind of pure magic and extremely strong, and dwarves are super strong warriors, skilled craftsmen, and just overall have maxed out resourcefulness skills and can practice magic. Humans and dwarves seem most similar, but not that similar either. The trait that is maxed out for humans in Alagaesia seems to be just sheer willpower. They can also practice magic.

But yeah, anyway, the Empire is seriously obsessed with Carvahall. They are securing the village's perimeter but still have struggles keeping the soldiers at bay.

The romance between Roran and Katrina is simple and pure and it really injects life into my dead cold heart LOL. Seriously though.

I can't wait to keep going!! Reading as an adult takes a lot longer since I have to be an adult HA. But I am really enjoying myself.