Quotes from book
Eldest

Eldest

Eldest is the second novel in the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini and the sequel to Eragon. Eldest was first published in hardcover on August 23, 2005, and was released in paperback in September 2006. Eldest has been released in an audiobook format, and as an ebook. Like Eragon, Eldest became a New York Times bestseller. A deluxe edition of Eldest was released on September 26, 2006, including new information and art by both the illustrator and the author. Other editions of Eldest are translated into different languages.Eldest begins following several important events in Eragon. The story is the continued adventures of Eragon and his dragon Saphira, centering on their journey to the realm of the Elves in order to further Eragon's training as a Dragon Rider. Other plots in the story focus on Roran, Eragon's cousin, who leads the inhabitants of Carvahall to Surda to join the Varden, and Nasuada as she takes on her father's role as leader of the Varden. Eldest ends at the Battle of the Burning Plains, where Eragon faces a new Dragon Rider, Murtagh, and a new dragon, Thorn.


Christopher Paolini photo
Christopher Paolini photo

“They may fight with us, but they don't fight for us.”

Source: Eldest

Christopher Paolini photo

“The songs of the dead are the lamentations of the living.”

Opening line
Source: Eldest (2005)

Christopher Paolini photo

“You cannot miss what you have never had.”

Source: Eldest

Christopher Paolini photo
Christopher Paolini photo
Christopher Paolini photo
Christopher Paolini photo

“Those whom we love are often the most alien to us.”

Oromis
Source: Eldest (2005)

Christopher Paolini photo

“I won't tell you what to believe, Eragon. It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else's notions thrust upon you.”

Eragon and Oromis discussing the elves' religion.
Eldest (2005)
Context: "It seems a cold world without something … more."
"On the contrary," said Oromis, "it is a better world. A place where we are responsible for our own actions, where we can be kind to one another because we want to and because it is the right thing to do instead of being frightened into behaving by the threat of divine punishment. I won't tell you what to believe, Eragon. It is far better to be taught to think critically and then be allowed to make your own decisions than to have someone else's notions thrust upon you. You asked after our religion, and I have answered you true. Make of it what you will."

Christopher Paolini photo

“My father's work will not go unfinished, even if it takes me to the grave.”

Nasuada
Eldest (2005)
Context: My father's work will not go unfinished, even if it takes me to the grave. That is what I want you, as a rider, to understand. All of Ajihad's plans, all his strategies and goals, they are mine now. I will not fail him by being weak. The empire will be brought down, Galbatorix will with dethroned, and the rightful government will be raised.

Christopher Paolini photo

“Shall we dance, friend of my heart?”

Eragon
Source: Eldest (2005)

Christopher Paolini photo

“Wise? No, I simply learned to think.”

Source: Eldest

Christopher Paolini photo