I’ve had a lot of people show up here at Semicolon looking for a Christian perspective on the fantasy series by Christopher Paolini that begins with the book, Eragon and is continued in the sequel Eldest. I’m assuming that people are interested in the books partly because of the movie version of Eragon that debuted a couple of weeks ago. So I thought it might be useful to re-run my reviews of the two books. As you can tell from reading the two reviews, I liked Eragon a lot more than I did its sequel. I do think the anti-Christian, atheistic message becomes much more blatant in the second book, but the first book is enjoyable as story and shouldn’t corrupt any young minds. I haven’t seen the movie and can’t comment on it, but Steve at Flos Carmeli saw it with his eight year old son and had this to say: “It was sufficient to entertain, entrance, captivate, and otherwise stimulate the mind and imagination of an eight-year-old boy. And so, it served its purpose well. Is it as good as other films that might do the same? Probably not.”
Semicolon book reviews (written last year 2005):
First of all, I like fantasy. I’m a Tolkien fanatic, and I’ve read and enjoyed Anne McCaffrey, Lloyd Alexander, C.S. Lewis, Ursula LeGuin, Stephen Lawhead, Carol Kendall, and John Christopher, to name a few favorites. However, I don’t like fantasy that gets too New Age-y or heretical. It doesn’t have to have Christian themes, but I prefer that it not be blatantly anti-Christian. (I will admit that I’ve never read Harry Potter nor have I read the Dark Materials books by Pullman because I was afraid both series would be just “off” enough to annoy me. Please don’t beat me up (figuratively) for not reading these. I know I may be wrong about either or both series.) So when I heard about Eragon,, a very popular fantasy novel mostly about dragons, I adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Dragons can be used to glorify evil in the wrong author’s hands.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised by Eragon. I wouldn’t say that the novel was profound or made me think deep thoughts, but it was a really good story, as advertised. I can see Tolkien influences in it as well as some resemblance to Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series, but Eragon is not a cheap copy of anyone else’s fantasy as far as I can tell. Christopher Paolini, a homeschooled teenager when he wrote the book, knows how to tell an absorbing story that kept me reading until after midnight last night just to see what would happen to Eragon and his dragon friend Saphira.
Maybe you already know the story of the writing and publication of Eragon: Christopher Paolini finished homeschool high school at age fifteen. He could have gone to college, but he decided to wait a while and write a book instead. He read books about writing, wrote his own book, and then showed it to his parents who owned a small publishing company. Christopher’s parents published the novel, and Christopher himself went on an author tour in the Northwest where his family lives to promote the book. Someone with connections in the publishing world read the book and liked it, and Knopf (Random House) re-published the book. It became a best-seller in 2003-4.
Eragon is the first book in a projected trilogy called the Inheritance trilogy. I will be getting the other two books in the series when they’re published in order to find out what happens next in the land of Alagaesia. I will also suggest that Computer Guru Son read this book. He’s been reading Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in anticipation of the release of the much-hyped movie version. He really should like Eragon.
NOTE: If you’ve not read Eldest by Christopher Paolini nor seen the movies from which it borrows freely, here there be spoilers!
An orphan boy who knows little or nothing about his parentage grows up on his uncle’s farm far from the political center of the Empire. Because the boy accidentally finds something that evil Emperor wants, the Empire sends soldiers to capture the boy. He escapes, but they destroy his uncle’s farm and kill his uncle. He is befriended by a wise mentor who teaches him to use the forces of “magic” to protect himself and to defeat his enemies. He pursues the agents of the Empire and eventually is able to rescue a young woman who has been captured by the Empire, but his teacher dies at the hand of the Emperor’s soldiers. Our young hero travels through many dangers to join the forces of the rebels against the Empire, and he is able to help them win a key battle fighting an Imperial army. However, he is wounded in the battle, and he comes to realize that he must have more training if he is to finally defeat the Evil Emperor and his henchmen. He goes to a hidden land and finds there another teacher whom he calls “Master.” His training involves swordplay, meditation, and learning the many uses of magic. Before his training is complete, he must leave to go and help the rebels who are under attack by the Emperor. Near the end of part 2 of the story, the hero finds out that his father is really the Emperor’s right-hand man, an evil traitor.
Does any of this sound vaguely familiar?
How about this? A young immature hero travels with a dwarf and an elf through a mythical land. They must find a way to defeat the Evil Lord of the land who wishes to make all living creatures his slaves. Only an alliance of men, elves, and dwarves (with a few other assorted creatures thrown in for good measure) can hope to defeat the overwhelming forces of evil.
OK, one more. Dragons hatch from eggs and upon hatching choose a human partner, a dragonrider, with whom they share a telepathic connection. The dragonrider and his or her dragon work together to keep the peace and defeat the enemies of peace. They are almost inseparable and come know each other in a way that mere friends cannot understand or emulate.
I don’t mean to be too critical, and there are many things to like about Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Trilogy, the first two books of which are Eragon and Eldest. But I must say that as I read through Eldest, in particular, I kept feeling as though I had read this story before somewhere. I like fantasy, but this trilogy is far too long and not nearly as absorbing as the stories it borrows from. As you can read in my review of Eragon, I began by being skeptical about that book, and ended up liking it very much. However, Eldest just didn’t hang onto the goodwill built up in my enjoyment of Eragon. I found myself skimming–a lot.
I did like the parts about Eragon’s cousin, Roran, and the villagers that Eragon left behind when he left to become a hero and pursue revenge against his uncle’s murderers. I also enjoyed the description of the elves’ celebration of Agaeti Blodhren which featured a sort of craft/poetry exhibition in which each person in attendance brought something he had created or written. The battle scene was well done, but hard to follow, probably because of the aforementioned skimming (my fault).
I’ve had many people come to this blog looking for a Christian perspective on Eragon. I certainly can’t claim to give The Christian Viewpoint on the books, but I do have a couple of observations. First of all, I don’t believe The Inheritance Trilogy derives from a Christian worldview. Religion is dealt with in this second book of the trilogy. The dwarves are polytheistic; they worship many gods represented by idols of stone, including a creator-god named Helzvog. Their beliefs and practices sound rather Norse in origin. Humans, according to Eragon, “lacked a single overriding doctrine, but they did share a collection of superstitions and rituals, most of which concerned warding off bad luck.” Basic pagan superstition. The elves of Alagaesia, however, the epitome of the fantasy’s civilization, do not worship anyone or anything. When Eragon asks his master what elves believe, this is the reply:
We believe the world behaves according to certain inviolable rules and that. by persistent effort, we can discover those rules and use them to predict events when circumstances repeat. . . . I cannot prove that gods do not exist. Nor can I prove that the world and everything in it was not created by an entity or entities in the distant past. But I can tell you that in the millennia we elves have studied nature, we have never witnessed an instance where the rules that govern the world have been broken. That is, we have never seen a miracle. . . . Death, sickness, poverty, tyranny and countless other miseries stalk the land. If this is the handiwork of divine beings, then they are to be rebelled against and overthrown, not given obeisance, obedience, and reverence.”
So in the world of Alagaesia, we can choose between pagan polytheistic idol worship, pagan superstition, and “enlightened” closed-system scientism. Those options are limited and short-sighted. In addition, the themes of meditating and becoming one with nature and wielding magical powers for the good of all humanity are not Christian, but rather New Age spiritualism.
If you’ve read Eldest and disagree with my opinion, you’re free to share your ideas about the book in the comments. I’m rather disappointed that with such a promising beginning in Eragon, Mr. Paolini didn’t give us a better sequel.
I’ve added Eragon to my Saturday Review challenge books. I’ll probably glance at the movie after I get the review done.
Read both Eragon and Eldest. Like fantasy. Both show promise. Yes, there are definite references to atheism, polytheism and superstition. I believe the books and in particular the elfs’ beliefs tend to reflect the young author’s own leanings. Although I wager he is still searching.
The magic, as always, leaves me somewhat unsettled as with any novel dealing with magic. My Christian sensibilities are left feeling uneasy.
Would not recommend to children.
wow this is pathetic…. a fantasy book corrupting the mind of children, what is wrong with you people… and no people didn’t show interest in the book because of the movie, the movie was absolutely horrible, if anything the movie hurt the popularity of the books. as in the review it didn’t make you think deep thoughts? what is wrong with you isn’t that the point of fantasy to ask yourself what if? honestly listen to yourselves this is horrible so what if there isn’t a religion to chose from that is similar to Christianity, Christianity is a religion that isn’t all that old and shouldn’t be respected as much as it is. it has caused death, corruption and depression for as long as it has been around. how do you think vikings came about? because if they didn’t submit to Christian ideals they would be torchered and killed. corrupting the minds of little ones, thats just stupid, if anything Christian ideals are corrupting their minds. why don’t you grow up and realize there is a whole lot more then a stupid religion and just enjoy life for what it is.
After reading your review, I cannot disagree on any of your critiques, though I thoroughly enjoyed (okay.. obsessively loved) both of the books that have been released. I also noticed the obvious atheistic point of view, and I was disappointed with the blatant similarities to the Dragon Riders of Pern and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, I didn’t find anything inappropriate. A few curses here and there, moderate violence, and no sexual content. That is really good for a fantasy book! I absolutely LOVED these books, and I know Christopher Paolini could have made some adjustments, but overall, I thought they were fantastic and I can’t wait to read the next 2 in the series. For a rating, I would recommend Christopher Paolini’s story for kids 13+.
(Sorry to be commenting on an old post.)
I agree that Eragon was better than Eldest, which was a little boring in places.
After I had read the part where Eragon is talking with Oromis about about the elves’s religion I wondered how Paolini saw things. Another thing I noticed though is that Eragon hadn’t yet decided on what he believed, so I wondered (hoping for something leaning more toward a Christian view) if maybe the other book would adress that.
I’m not sure I like it that people are judging his views by those of his characters, but I also can’t ignore the truth in it. I guess I’d rather hear it in his own words that he is agnostic or not, but it does seem that way. I do think that if he *were* a Christian he would be careful not to come across like that.
On the site for the Inheritance trilogy Paolini gives out ‘spoilers’. One of them is that Eragon will encounter a god. Don’t know if that might help.
Atheism “corrupting young minds”?! Are you kidding me?! I do believe YOU are the short-sighted one.
I read both books and thought they were mildly entertaining, Eldest was a little slow. Although Paolini did describe battle sequences well, I thought.
However, I didn’t think the book was like LOTR. I thought that Paolini definitely saw Star Wars one too many times. A dragon rider, the last of his kind, is mentored by an old man, who turns out to be a rider also, but after the mentor dies the rider has to complete his training with an ancient, seasoned rider in a distant land? Luke Skywalker? Obi Wan Kenobi? Yoda? Eragon is related to Murtag which parallels Luke being related to Darth Vader and Leah. Not to mention him being a poor, orphan farm boy living with his aunt and uncle who are murdered by the empire’s troops. “Uncle Owen?! Aunt Beru?!”
Anyway, I thought the elf’s comments on religion and faith were funny, “That is, we have never seen a miracle.” How do they explain magic?
about the religion discussion in the book Eldest…
It surprised me that the author inserted that discussion between Eragon and Oromis. It was unnecessary! It was out of place and does not flow with the stream of the story. It only succeeded in introducing a thorny issue that was better left alone. I get the impression that the author somehow HAD to show his audience, through his characters, that he, Paolini is not a Christian and quite proud of it.
i enjoyed Paolini’s books immensely, and found this review very interesting. I am puzzled by the religious references in Eragon, but think the author is not attempting an allegory or anything like that…
I laughed when I found out the parallels between Eragan and Star Wars…Don’t forget the part when Eragon rescued a beautiful Princess! 🙂
According to the author, he simply thought up as many religions as he could and distributed it to the cultures. However, he could have thought of a less emphatic way to present them. 😀
I enjoyed both books and got Eldest around Chirstmas, some times if you want something enough you get it before Christmas. I noted the atheist theams but chose to ignore I thought as he is writing in anient times he put in more roman religoins but that doesn’t fit in with the elfs does it? But it makes a good story. If you are one of those people who thought it was repetitive read the third book it isn’t. Oh and parents might want to read that one first, it does get a little sugestive. But I agree with13 and up
I agree with just about everything said for both sides here. Everyone presents some very valid points. Personally, I wouldn’t say that I chose to ignore the atheist, polytheistic, and superstitious themes so much as I opened up to them. I am a christian, but how can you truly believe in something without witnessing all the other possibilities. When affirming beliefs, whether christian or otherwise, it’s up to you as the reader to not just read the bible or listen to the priest at church and accept everything that is said, but to take the word of God into your own account and try to interpret and expand upon its meaning. I don’t think that reading a book will turn a child atheist or otherwise so long as they have a firm understanding of what they believe. Who knows though, if they find the that atheism, polytheism, superstition, or agnosticism make more sense to them, then I say go with it! Your beliefs are what make you unique and we shouldn’t try so heftily to sway others toward our own beliefs just because we think they’re right. Cherish your beliefs and make them more self-expressive and less conformed.
DanielB,
That is one of the most wishy-washy, relativistic comments I’ve read in quite some time.
“Who knows though, if they find the that atheism, polytheism, superstition, or agnosticism make more sense to them, then I say go with it! Your beliefs are what make you unique and we shouldn’t try so heftily to sway others toward our own beliefs just because we think they’re right.”
Honestly?
You say you’re a Christian: that means you’re a follower of Someone Who claimed to be “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”. Does it sound like Jesus is leaving multiple options open here? “I suggest you choose me. Of course, if atheism, polytheism, superstition, or agnosticism make more sense to you…”
Saying that all religions are equally valid is just another way of saying that none of them are.
I agree with you on everything! I’m fourteen right now, and read the books when I was eleven, so I think that it really depends on the strength of your Faith in Christ and also your teaching of when you should read them. I’m glad you don’t beat up on the magic–a lot of my school friend’s parents won’t let them read Harry Potter or Eragon because of the magic. Thanks 🙂
I am going to have to say in part I disagree with these book series being anti-Christian. The Author even says that what he writes has nothing to do with his own faith. I am a strong Christian working on going to the ministry, but I do not believe that is what the Author wants to come across. Just think back in time when it was rare to believe in a single god. I feel like Christoper Paolini put the religions the way he did because historical a single god religion would have been hard to found in a closed off area of land. I would love to discuss these more with anyone who will be willing to discuss these with me with an open mind. my email is tennisguy1997@gmail.com
there are 4 books
I was disappointed that it was never cleared up. I would have liked Eragon to adopt a religion, even a pagan one. Oh well. However, we can look for themes that we agree with, while critically assessing and analyzing those we do not. No need to impoverish ourselves of good literature because the author messed up its religions.
Thank you. I was considering this book for my daughter, and very much appreciate your guidance. It is so hard to keep an avid reader in good books which are beneficial and encourage a Christian worldview. Being aware that this one promotes and atheistic/pantheistic/new age perspective helps a lot. Much appreciated.
I am a Christian homeschool mom of 7 children, with a 20 year spread. My oldest son was an avid reader and loved & read many books, until he read the Inheritance series. He was probably about 11 when it came out & he absolutely loved it. Only the first 3 books were out at the time. He read & read them, & couldn’t get enough. When he got done, he wanted to read them again. I tried to get him to read other great books but I don’t know if he did read another until Inheritance came out. Then of course he had to read the series again so that he could follow it up by the new one. But then that was it. Apparently in his mind, nothing else could compare. I don’t know.
I also read the series & thoroughly enjoyed it. I do remember a lot of sorcery & witchcraft, but as I was a very avid fan of Tolkien, I guessI was able to write it off as fantasy in my mind. A was a fairly new & undiscerning Christian at the time.
My next son is 6 years younger. He also loved to read & when he was older, maybe around 13, I encouraged him to read the series. I told him his brother loved it so much he wouldn’t read any other books. This was a ridiculous mistake in hind sight, because he too loved it & stopped reading after he finished the series. I urged him to read many new books, & he would always just say, can I read Eragon again.
Both boys had a love for the Lord at a young age, but whether you can attribute it to going to public school when they reached high school, or just the age, they both walked away from the faith.
Now as I have another 14 year old & a 12 year old in the house, I am have a strong sense that this series is not one to encourage. I have grown much more discerning in my faith. I remember even thinking previously like this was surely an ok series because Paolini was homeschooled, & homeschoolers are the majority Christian. But now I see that this was a deception. These books enraptured my young men’s minds, & the fruit was not good. It ended their love for reading & may have drawn their young, impressionable minds away from the Lord as well. I’m thinking it’s time for these books to leave our home.