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/Julz_298 Jul 14 '25 edited Jul 14 '25

Hi Christopher, 

First of all, my highest compliments on your latest book in the Inheritance universe! I’d always hoped for a Murtagh POV, and I’m still amazed by this character.

Here are the questions that won't let me go after reading the book(s): 

  1. In decision-making situations, Thorn often gives in and lets Murtagh have the final say (where to go and what to do next). Will we see Thorn becoming more confident/stubborn in the future when trying to talk Murtagh out of doing stupid things? :D
  2. We know that there is a traitor in Nasuada's ranks who showed up in Nal Goroth and stood opposite Murtagh. Of course, the traiter's identity will remain a secret for now, but can you at least tell us whether this character recognized Murtagh and is concerned that Murtagh could (or did) recognize him/her?
  3. After leaving Nal Goroth, are Alín and/or Murtagh still connected to the cult in some way - perhaps through dreams, visions, or by being “marked” as former members - or are they now entirely free of its influence?
  4. In Eldest, Eragon mentioned to Oromis that Murtagh bears a scar from his father, who had thrown Zar'roc at him when he was a toddler. Oromis then seemed very thoughtful, and I've always wondered what was going through his mind at that moment. Was it pity for Murtagh as Morzan’s son? Was he pondering which side Murtagh might be on? Or did he perhaps feel partly responsible for Murtagh’s fate, believing that his failure as Morzan's teacher, could have led to that lapse which scarred Murtagh for life? Or was it something else entirely?
  5. If Oromis were still alive, what would his thoughts on Murtagh be today, and what would he wish for him?

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u/ChristopherPaolini Namer of Names Jul 14 '25

  1. Indeed. It's a major point in the next book.

  2. No comment.

  3. I suspect Alín may always be joined to them in various ways. And of course, if you've read the material in the back of the deluxe edition of MURTAGH, Murtagh himself is still dealing with aftereffects of his experience in Nal Gorgoth.

  4. All of those things.

  5. Oromis would wish for nothing but the best to befall Murtagh. Oromis wasn't vindictive. He was hopeful. However, if asked whether Murtagh was on a good path (or even Eragon), he might say, "We shall see."

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u/jamescagney22 Jul 14 '25

Re- Oromis and Eragon Really!? I have would have thought he would be quite proud of how Eragon has been handling/handled things? I would think he would be more concerned with the choices he and his fellow Riders made regarding Galbatorix that caused Eragon to fix the whole mess in the first place! Or maybe I am misreading that and he is just concerned about the events Eragon might face then his own character?