Murtagh is a major supporting character in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy and the son of Morzan and the brother of Eragon, his dragon is Thorn. Murtagh is a surname, and may refer to: John Murtagh Tim Murtagh The Avons (Valerie Murtagh, Elaine Murtagh) Johnny Murtagh St. ... The Inheritance Trilogy is a series of high fantasy books written by American author Christopher Paolini that has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide [1] [2]. As of 2007, two of these three books have been published: Eragon (2003) and Eldest (2005). ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (570x748, 982 KB)Created by 20th Century Fox. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Eragon is a 2006 fantasy-adventure film based on the novel of the same name by author Christopher Paolini. ... Morzan is a fictional character from the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini. ... Christopher Paolini (born November 17, 1983) is an American writer. ... In this article, Ancient Language refers to the Ancient Language of Christopher Paolinis fictional world from Eragon and Eldest, Alagaësia. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A character of a book, play, movie, TV show or other form of storytelling usually used only to give dimension to a main character, by adding a relationship with this character, although sometimes supporting characters may develop a complexity of their own. ... Christopher Paolini (born November 17, 1983) is an American writer. ... The Inheritance trilogy is the three book series, soon to be a major motion picture trilogy, about a young man named Eragon and his dragon Saphira. ... Morzan is a fictional character from the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini. ... Eragon is the main protagonist of the Inheritance trilogy, written by Christopher Paolini. ... Spoiler warning: Thorn is a dragon from Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ...

Description

Personality

Murtagh is perhaps the most complex character in the Inheritance series, and definitely the most popular. He has a thinly veiled distaste for the Varden, asserting that although the king is mad, the system of government itself is sound, and therefore feels that the radical politics of the Varden are flawed. When he flees the king, he joins the Varden out of loyalty towards Eragon, and a hatred for Galbatorix. Later Galbatorix forces him to swear an oath of loyalty in the ancient language; the only way to break it is to kill Galbatorix (which he cannot do because of the oath) or die. Speculation is rife as to which side his loyalties really lie.

Murtagh is extremely intelligent and ambitious, a logical, sharp-minded and hard young man who can often understand and gauge a situation more clearly than the main protagonist, Eragon, can. Accustomed to being in danger from the day he was born, Murtagh is constantly on edge, wary of strangers and even friends and reluctant to trust anyone. When he beheads a slaver who was trying to capture them, Eragon grows hysterical. An argument escalates between them, until Murtagh explodes at Eragon:

"Do you think I enjoy this? My life has been threatened from the day I was born! All of my waking hours have been spent avoiding danger in one form or another. And sleep never comes easily because I always worry if I'll live to see the dawn. If there ever was a time I felt secure, it must have been in my mother's womb, though I wasn't safe even there! You don't understand - if you lived with this fear, you would have learned the same lesson I did: Do not take chances".

Later he tells Eragon, "You must be willing to protect yourself and what you cherish, no matter what the cost".

Murtagh is cool and ruthless, with a very high level of emotional maturity - this is shown often in the books, with Murtagh staying calm and controlled even in the most trying circumstances, although Eragon's childish behavior does sometimes make him lose his temper. He is intensely private and strong willed. In Tronjheim, Ajihad, the ruler of the Varden, told him that he would be imprisoned if he didn't allow Ajihad's Twin magicians to magically search his mind for his motives. Despite being in an extremely dangerous situation, Murtagh replied, "My mind is the one sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Men have tried to breach it before, but I have learned to defend it vigorously, for I am only safe with my innermost thoughts. You have asked me for the one thing I can not give, least of all to those two. Do with me what you will, but know this: death will take me before I expose myself to their probing." This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Murtagh is also a loyal comrade and, despite his hardness, a very compassionate person. He has inner strength, greater even than Eragon's, that enables him to survive the countless hardships he faces in his life. When he becomes a Rider, he rises from being Eragon's sidekick to being Eragon's powerful adversary; in Eldest, his virtual imprisonment by the King leads to Murtagh's cold anger and destructive power surfacing, suppressing his better qualities. However, he does retain some of his friendship for Eragon; when reminded of it, Murtagh finds a loophole in his orders and lets Eragon go.

Abilities

In Eragon, Murtagh proved to be an exceptional fighter, with sword and bow. He is Eragon's exact equal in swordplay, as in Eragon when they spar neither can get through the others defences. However, Murtagh was not as powerful as Eragon simply because he lacked magic. Swiss longsword, 15th or 16th century Look up Sword in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This image depicts a typical bow, as made by the Huns, lying against a tree. ...

Later, in Eldest, Eragon and Saphira were trained by the Dragon Rider Oromis and his dragon, Glaedr. Around the same time, Murtagh and his dragon Thorn were trained by King Galbatorix and the king's black dragon, Shruikan. Eragon is given, by the power of dragons', strength and agility that exceeds that of all other humans (basically, the abilities and senses of an elf). But the enigmatic magical power within Murtagh beats Eragon (who was tired from the fighting before Murtagh appeared, which put Eragon at an extreme disadvantage in their fight) at the Battle of the Burning Plains. Murtagh seemed to be more powerful than Eragon even though he had less time in which to hone his skills; he is able to levitate Saphira, heal Thorn, and shield himself without apparent exertion, perhaps due to his training with Galbatorix. Oromis is a fictional character in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ... Glaedr is a male golden dragon in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ...

Appearances in the books

History

Murtagh is a highborn born into the elite ruling class of the Broddring Kingdom, one of two known children of the Forsworn. His father was Morzan, the powerful leader of the Forsworn and the King's most loyal and dangerous Dragon Rider. His mother was a peasant woman, Selena, the unfortunate companion and lover of Morzan. His brother is Eragon, but it is not revealed until the second book of the trilogy. Morzan is a fictional character from the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini. ... Eragon is the main protagonist of the Inheritance trilogy, written by Christopher Paolini. ...

Murtagh explains parts of his past to Eragon in Eragon and Eldest. As the child of the dangerous and twisted Dragon Rider Morzan, Murtagh experienced an unpleasant childhood. He was born to Selena, a common woman who desired to receive Morzan's love, whom Morzan used as a spy against the other Forsworn. For his own safety from the twelve other Forsworn, the estate was protected by magic so that the boy was never seen, except by a few chosen servants. Outside of this, only King Galbatorix knew of the boy's existence. Murtagh was often physically abused by his father. The long scar on his back bears testament to this; at the age of three, Murtagh received the wound when Morzan threw his sword, Zar'roc, at him in a drunken fit of anger. The sword tore into the child's back and nearly killed him, but he was miraculously saved by skilled healers. This article is about the novel. ... ← Eragon | Book 3 (Inheritance trilogy) → Eldest is the second book in the planned Inheritance trilogy by Christopher Paolini. ... For other uses of Dragons, see Dragon (disambiguation) Saphira and Thorn as painted by John Jude Palencar Dragon Riders are group of magician-warriors in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy. ... Morzan is a fictional character from the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini. ... SPY may refer to: SPY (spiders), ticker symbol for Standard & Poors Depository Receipts SPY (magazine), a satirical monthly, trademarked all-caps SPY (Ivory Coast), airport code for San Pédro, Côte dIvoire SPY (Ship Planning Yard), a U.S. Navy acronym SPY, short for MOWAG SPY, a... Galbatorix is the primary antagonist of Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Zarroc (Misery) is the sword given to Eragon by Brom in the Inheritance Trilogy. ...

When Morzan was killed by Brom, Selena mysteriously disappeared. She returned after many months and died, leaving the boy an orphan with only a few of Morzan's trusted servants as his guardians. By this time all the Forsworn were dead. The king brought Murtagh to the royal palace at Urû'baen. There Murtagh was educated and taught swordsmanship by Tornac, a man loyal to Murtagh. Murtagh avoided the courts as much as possible during his years at the palace, although he kept himself informed of the power struggles and politics that went on among the nobles. When he was around eighteen, the king called Murtagh to have a private dinner with him. Unable to refuse, Murtagh agreed; the ensuing meal was almost completely silent as Murtagh's attempts to make polite conversation failed, and the king watched him intently and speculatively. Brom is a fictional character in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Guardian. ...

After dinner the king asked Murtagh if he would serve him and fight for him as his father Morzan had. Murtagh knew the terrible power of Galbatorix and privately disapproved of some of the king's actions, yet when Galbatorix began to speak of his vision for the Empire and its people, Murtagh found himself seduced by the power of Galbatorix's words, and his sweet persuasive voice. By the end of the king's speech, Murtagh was intrigued and moved by the utopian idea Galbatorix had painted, and immediately and eagerly agreed to serve him. Months after that meeting, the king summoned Murtagh in a terrible rage, and ordered him to lead an army to crush a rebellion in the south of the Empire. When Murtagh asked what should be done with the innocents, Galbatorix answered that everyone, rebels and civilians alike, should be killed, and the area destroyed. The veil was lifted from Murtagh's eyes, and he was disgusted by the king's mad passions, irrational cruelty and clear lack of foresight. Murtagh could tell that a king who could not control his own passions had no hope of controlling a kingdom, much less a great empire; he decided that it would be folly to serve Galbatorix.

That very night, Murtagh and Tornac fled the palace on their horses. The king seemed to have anticipated it, for soldiers waylaid them. Although they fought bravely and bested the soldiers, Tornac was killed. Murtagh escaped on his horse, a swift grey stallion named Tornac in honor of his friend. (It is quite possible that the horse was already named Tornac, as he had been gifted to Murtagh as a foal).

Filled with grief, Murtagh escaped to an old friend's estate, where he was sheltered. While in hiding at the estate, Murtagh kept track of the king's movements and began to plan out his future. He then heard rumors that the king's elite dragon hunters, the Ra'zac, were searching for someone, and he remembered the king's plans for the Riders. Murtagh therefore set out to track the Ra'zac, in the hope that they would come across a Dragon Rider. He then came across Eragon. Razac are superhuman beings in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ...

Role in Eragon

Eragon first meets Murtagh when he, Brom and Saphira are ambushed by the Ra'zac. Murtagh had been able to drive the Ra'zac away with his arrows, but not before Brom is fatally wounded. Murtagh explains how he had been hunting for the Ra'zac in hopes of meeting the new Dragon Rider, Eragon, who had been stirring up so much trouble for the king. When the two young men meet, Murtagh is tracking the Ra'zac. Eragon wonders who he is, for Murtagh has an air of authority, is dressed and armed like a prince, and rides a noble horse. Eragon can't think what he is, speculating that Murtagh is either a thief or "accustomed to money - and lots of it". Murtagh is cagey about his past at first. Much later, when the two of them spar, they are found to be equally excellent swordsmen. Murtagh wields a hand-and-a-half sword. Saphira Bjartskular (which means Saphira Brightscales) is a female sapphire-blue dragon from Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy and also happens to be Christopher Paolinis favorite character. ... Razac are superhuman beings in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... early langes schwert dating to ca. ...

Brom dies during this time; Eragon, Murtagh, and Saphira continue fleeing the Ra'zac. They travel to Gil'ead together in hopes of coming in contact with the Varden. During this time, Eragon and Murtagh become very good friends, although they continue to keep their pasts hidden from one another. When Eragon is captured at Gil'ead, Murtagh saves him from captivity by paying a steep bribe to enter the prison by stealth, and then kills the guards before rescuing Eragon and signalling to Saphira to come and fly them away. Meanwhile, Eragon breaks out of his cell with magic and is assaulted by prison guards, who are shot down by Murtagh. As they escape, Durza the Shade appears and is temporarily disembodied after being shot between the eyes by Murtagh. This secures their getaway; Murtagh, Eragon, Saphira, and Arya (a captive elf whom Eragon insisted on rescuing) safely depart the city. The Varden are a group of fictional rebels in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ... Durza (pronounced dehr-ZA) is a Shade, one of the antagonists of Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy. ... Saphira Bjartskular (which means Saphira Brightscales) is a female sapphire-blue dragon from Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy and also happens to be Christopher Paolinis favorite character. ... In Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy, Arya is an elf who helps Eragon and Murtagh find Farthen Dûr and the Varden. ... For other uses, see Elf (disambiguation). ...

Murtagh somewhat reluctantly agrees to accompany them on their quest to find the Varden; though as they approach the fortress of Farthen Dûr, the Varden's stronghold, Murtagh becomes increasingly uneasy and makes it clear that it was against his will to come there. Eragon is curious as to why, but Murtagh will say no more. They are imprisoned for a time, though Arya is recognized as the dragon-egg courier, and therefore taken for healing. Eragon demands to know why Murtagh does not wish to stay with the Varden. Grudgingly, Murtagh reveals that he is the son of Morzan, first and last of the Forsworn. Although Murtagh has proven himself to be trustworthy and genuine, he faces distrust and scrutiny because of his heritage, and is imprisoned by Ajihad when he, Eragon, and Saphira finally arrive at Tronjheim. Rather than treat him harshly, Ajihad gives him a comfortable room, lavish meals, and his choice of reading material. When Eragon comes, Murtagh continually talks about Nasuada, hinting that he likes her. Farthen Dûr is a mountain which has within in it Tronjheim, a primarily Dwarven city in the fictional world of Alagaësia. ... It has been suggested that European dragon be merged into this article or section. ... In most birds and reptiles, an egg (Latin ovum) is the zygote, resulting from fertilization of the ovum. ... Alagaësia is a literary fantasy world in which the Inheritance trilogy takes place. ... In Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy, Ajihad is the leader of the Varden. ... Farthen Dûr is a mountain which has within in it Tronjheim, a primarily Dwarven city in the fictional world of Alagaësia. ...

In the Battle of Tronjheim, Murtagh is allowed to join in the fight, and he defends the dwarven city valiantly. The dwarves are heartened by his skill and courage. In the scouring of the dwarf tunnels immediately following the battle (the scouring is shown in Eldest) Ajihad allows Murtagh to accompany him. He is captured by Urgals, along with the Twins. Look up city, City in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Men hur kommer man in i berget, frågade tomtepojken (But how do I get into the mountain? the young dwarf asked. ... A disused railway tunnel now converted to pedestrian and bicycle use, near Houyet, Belgium A tunnel is an underground passage. ... Urgals are a fictional race in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance Trilogy. ...

Role in Eldest

In the beginning, Murtagh helps Ajihad find any remaining Urugals in Farthen Dur, to continue to earn the Varden's trust. However, upon the arrival a group of Urgals come up from behind, killing Ajihad and capturing Murtagh- who is later assumed dead. It is later discovered by Eragon that the trap was planned by the Twins to capture Murtagh and kill Ajihad. They used magic to torture Murtagh until they reached Uru'Baen. The emperor Galbatorix, a Dragon Rider and an extremely powerful magic user, tortures Murtagh severely because he ran away from the palace, and then uses magic to forcibly extract everything Murtagh knows about Eragon, Saphira and the Varden. The Twins betrayed the Varden by killing the leader, then kidnapping Murtagh, and took him to Galbatorix. The ruby dragon Thorn hatches for Murtagh. Galbatorix wants another Rider to work for him, and so forces both Thorn and Murtagh to swear allegiance to him in the Ancient Language, creating a binding magical oath. In addition, Galbatorix discovers Murtagh and Thorn's true names; this makes him their lord, in that knowledge of a being's true name grants a person absolute control over another. Galbatorix's knowledge of Thorn and Murtagh's true names allows him to control them regardless of their intent. Thus enslaved, Murtagh becomes a Rider for the Empire. From Galbatorix, Murtagh learns dark secrets of magic that allow him to best the weary Eragon towards the end of the Battle of the Burning Plains. After defeating him, Murtagh takes Eragon's blade, Zar'roc, and claims that the sword is rightfully his. He then reveals that Morzan was Eragon's father, as well as his own. When Eragon doesn't believe him, Murtagh repeats the statement in the Ancient Language, which confirms it as truth because it is impossible to tell a complete lie in the Ancient Language, unless it is spoken with visceral conviction. Galbatorix had ordered Murtagh to try to capture Eragon and Saphira and bring them to Urû'baen, since Saphira is the last female dragon in existence and Galbatorix wants to use her to rebuild the Riders. At Eragon's pleading, Murtagh spares him, circumventing his magical oath by saying that he tried to capture them, but couldn't. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... It has been suggested that European dragon be merged into this article or section. ... It has been suggested that True name (legal) be merged into this article or section. ... Combatants Surda, Varden, Dwarves, Kull, Villagers of Carvahall Galbatorixs Alagaësia Commanders Orrin, Nasuada, Eragon, Hrothgar†, Garzhvog, Roran Murtagh, The Twins†, Unknown Officer† Strength 200-300 Urgals , 2,000-3,000 Varden , 15,000-25,000? Surdans, 20,000-30,000 Dwarves, 300 Villagers of Carvahall [1] over100,000... A blade is the flat part of a tool or weapon that normally has a cutting edge and/or pointed end typically made of a metal, most recently, steel intentionally used to cut, stab, slice, throw, thrust, or strike an animate or inainimate object. ...

Trivia

• In a poll on Inheritance Forums, Murtagh was voted the most popular character and Thorn was voted the second most popular dragon after Saphira, beating Glaedr and Shruikan, even though he has only made one appearance in the trilogy so far. [1]
• Thorn is on the cover of Eldest but doesn't appear until the end, which has been criticized by readers.

Murtagh is very popular among girls in fanfiction. Glaedr is a male golden dragon in Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy. ... In Christopher Paolinis Inheritance trilogy, Shruikan is the name of Galbatorixs black dragon. ...

• Murtagh is credited by unoffical critics of the book to be one of the few realistic characters, as Arya is considered a "Mary-Sue" and Eragon a "Gary-Stu".

Mary Sue, sometimes shortened simply to Sue, is a pejorative term used to describe a fictional character, either male or female (though male characters are often dubbed Larry Stu or some other rhyming male name), that exhibits some or most of the clichés common in fan fiction, making the...

Film Portrayal

In the film adaptation of Eragon, Murtagh is portrayed by the actor Garrett Hedlund. Eragon is a 2006 fantasy-adventure film based on the novel of the same name by author Christopher Paolini. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

External links

• Inheritance trilogy official website