Brom
A fallen Rider guiding the next generation.
Brom is a storyteller who teaches Eragon and Saphira the ways of the Dragon Riders. He accompanies them after the Ra'zac attack Carvahall and fatally wound Eragon's uncle Garrow. Brom gives Eragon the sword Zar'roc and instructs him in sword fighting, magic, the ancient elvish language, and the history of the Dragon Riders. He is mortally wounded by the Ra'zac and dies, revealing on his deathbed that he was once a Dragon Rider himself, with a dragon also named Saphira. Saphira encases his body in a diamond tomb using magic.
Origins and Publication
Christopher Paolini began writing Eragon after graduating from home school at age fifteen. He spent a year writing the first draft and a second year rewriting and fleshing out the story and characters. His parents decided to self-publish the novel in 2001. Paolini spent a year traveling around the United States promoting the book. The book was discovered by novelist Carl Hiaasen, who brought it to the attention of Alfred A. Knopf. The re-published version was released on August 26, 2003.
Narrative Premise and Brom's Role
The book tells the story of a farm boy named Eragon, who finds a mysterious stone in the mountains. The stone is revealed to be an egg, and a dragon named Saphira hatches from it. When the evil King Galbatorix finds out about the egg, he sends monstrous servants to acquire it, forcing Eragon and Saphira to flee with a storyteller named Brom, who teaches them the ways of the Dragon Riders.
Creative Influences and World-Building
Paolini cites old myths, folk tales, medieval stories, the epic poem Beowulf, and authors J. R. R. Tolkien and E. R. Eddison as his biggest influences. The ancient language used by the elves is based on Old Norse, German, Anglo Saxon, and Russian myth. The landscape in Eragon is based on the wild territory of Montana, particularly Paradise Valley.
Commercial Success and Legacy
Eragon was the third-best-selling children's hardback book of 2003, and the second-best-selling paperback of 2005. It placed on the New York Times Children's Books Best Seller list for 121 weeks and was adapted as a feature film released on December 15, 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brom die?
During a skirmish with Urgal warriors, Brom stays behind to fight them off so Eragon can flee with Saphira. His sacrifice marks him as a fallen hero who prioritized the new generation's survival over his own life.
Is Brom a member of the Varden?
Yes, he eventually aligns himself with the rebel faction known as the Varden to oppose Galbatorix. His past failures drive his commitment to protecting Eragon and Saphira from similar tragedies.
More in Characters & Riders
Elsewhere in Eragon
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