Eldest

Throughout The Inheritance Cycle, Eragon and the other characters demonstrate many aspects of the complexities of power, leadership, and responsibility, and their journeys collectively convey a sense of nuanced morality. For example, while Eragon’s feats on the battlefield position him as a hero and savior, the narrative does not glorify his actions. At the beginning of the novel, Eragon asserts that “[i]f any honor existed in war, […] it was in fighting to protect others from harm” (2). Thus, despite his increasing skills and influence, Eragon often grapples with the moral consequences of his actions, and his relationship with Elva is particularly effective in illustrating the damage that even good intentions can inadvertently cause.

Oromis points out the many historical precedents proving that unchecked power can easily be corrupted, stating, “The Riders were supposed to guard against the failings of the different governments and races, yet who watched the watchers? It was that very problem that caused the Fall” (203). His focus on the effects of past history force Eragon to consider the long-term effects of his own actions in the tumultuous present, and the mentor stresses the dangers of wielding power in the absence of “moral direction” and also and argues that critical thinking and compassion are the best weapons to ensure an ethical use of power.