Murtagh (World of Eragon)

Christopher Paolini, Murtagh (World of Eragon), Penguin, November 2023, 709 pp., RRP $32.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780241651346

In this book we meet again some familiar characters from Christopher Paolini’s previous Eragon books. Murtagh, the hero of this book, senses that there is something rotten in the state of Alagaesia. It seems as though there might even be an uprising against the current ruler. Although he is despised and outcast because of his past deeds, Murtagh sees it as his duty to find out the truth and protect his homeland.

Although this is a continuation of earlier stories and the author says he has more in store, the book can stand alone. It’s is full of characters from myths and fairy stories – dwarves, elves, shape changers and giants. They are all believable and Murtagh even finds that appearances can belie the goodness of a person as he is helped by various characters he meets along the way.

Murtagh is accompanied throughout by his dragon, Thorn. Thorn is a major character and provides support for Murtagh, indeed they support and aid each other, communicating wordlessly through thought.

The book is divided into five parts. Murtagh travels through different lands and has to deal with a variety of challenges in each of them. He needs to track down and defeat whoever it is that is fomenting the trouble in Alagaesia. To do so, he must overcome obstacles such as a giant fish made virtually invincible by magic and a mysterious and powerful witch. On the way, he faces many tests of courage and ingenuity.

With a fantasy novel such as this, it is crucial that the settings be internally believable, even if they differ from the known world. Paolini carefully constructs all his settings, both landscapes and cities, so they are completely convincing for the reader.

Murtagh’s adventures follow the hero’s journey as discussed by Joseph Campbell whereby the hero (Murtagh) leaves his home, after being called to an adventure or quest, meets, or has with him, a supernatural helper (Thorn), meets a point of trial and revelation and eventually returns home, as a changed, more self-aware person.

Paolini has included various addenda explaining the names used in the book, pronunciation of various words, a glossary and a piece about runes.

This is a long and complex book and one that will be loved by readers who enjoy fantasy or who have read others in Paolini’s World Of Eragon series.

Reviewed by Margot Hillel

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