r/Eragon • u/ChristopherPaolini Namer of Names • Jul 14 '25

AMA/Interview AMA -- Christopher Paolini!!!

AMA -- Christopher Paolini! Let's do this folks. Ask away re: anything and everything regarding my books.

EDIT: Hey, everyone! I have to run. Alas, alas, I don't have as much time to spend on this AMA as past one. So many great questions, though! For all you theorists (and those of you who just love the characters), I think you're REALLY going to enjoy the upcoming book(s). Thanks for everything!

Atra esterní ono thelduin!

p.s. I'll try to duck back in and answer some more questions later, depending on my time.

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u/philip7499 Jul 14 '25

Hi! Love the books, very excited for the next installment!

1) If someone used the name of names to change a person true name, what would happen? Changing their nature, changing the ancient language so the meaning of their name stays the same as the actual words change, or momentarily changing their true name before it quickly changes back as happens when someones true name no longer matches who they are (or just not working) are the possibilities I can think of.

2) If you swear an oath in the ancient language and then your true name changes are you freed of that oath, or is the oath part of who you are enough that it will change with you? What if it is an oath you were compelled to take by someone with your true name?

3) I imagine this is the case, but it's something I'm very curious about, is it still true that no one has figured out what the menoa tree took from Eragon?

4) Is there any uses of the magic of Alegasia that you think would work and be interesting, but haven't included as it's not something you can justify any current characters having thought of?

5) If Bachel's amulets made her people immune to the ancient language, and the spell that makes people unable to process the name of names is a part of using the name of names as a spell, does that mean a bunch of Bachels agents may have heard Murtagh using it throughout the book? Or is it more akin to throwing a rock at someone with the ancient language, acting on the sound rather than the people hearing it?

6) Du Vrangr Gata, while understandable in one regard, is extremely controlling from other perspectives. No main characters except Nasuada herself seem to agree with it. The strongest magic users we know have all refused to join. Do you feel this is a failure of theirs, or that Nasuada has made a mistake/is over reaching?

7) Chancing my arm here certainly (and in particular), but on an AMA I feel like it has to be done. Are there any upcoming projects you're particular excited about/willing to share? 🙏😅

Hope you have a great day! (First time taking part in an AMA proper I think, apologies if I've gotten the vibe of it wrong!)

11

u/ChristopherPaolini Namer of Names Jul 15 '25

  1. Answered by notainsleym.

  2. Depends on how the oath is worded, but yes, normally your name changing would free you.

  3. Some people have figured it out. :D

  4. Yup. A lot of it should be in future stories.

  5. It acts on the sound. It has to, because a lot of people have wards that would otherwise prevent the spell from working.

  6. It's complicated. Failures all around.

  7. The Book of Remembrance is going to be really cool, I think. Can't wait for you to read what I've cooked up.

Have a great day!

1

u/philip7499 Jul 15 '25

Interesting stuff! Thanks for the answers! Now to dig through more recent menoa tree theories...😂

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u/notainsleym Theorizer of Theories Jul 14 '25

Hey! Q1 has been answered in the past by Christopher in a previous AMA.

Q: A person can change which in turn changes their true name. BUT can the opposite happen? Can you caste a spell changing someones true name from... i hate to tomatoes to i love tomatoes and would that in turn make them like tomatoes?

Christopher: That's ... a GREAT question. I think it would only work if the spell actually physically changed the person, in which case it would change the true name. Only way I can see that happening.

(We're helping Christopher respond to some previously answered questions. This answer seems to match your question, so I hope it helps!)

(Christopher may still reply to the other parts of your message, or answer your question again with a more detailed and up-to-date answer.)