Be sure to view part one of our Top Ten Weapons in the Inheritance Cycle post for weapons 10 through 6 before reading this post.
Every true fantasy hero (and villain) needs a good weapon. Whether in a large scale battle or a duel of champions, a warrior’s chosen weapon can mean life or death. Not only used for fighting, they can also be symbols of great power, hope and despair. Fortunately for fans of the Inheritance Cycle, the series is loaded with amazing weaponry both beautiful and meaningful. From infamous Rider swords, to improvised tools and unique enchantments, the weapons of Inheritance are fantastical and far reaching in so many ways.
In the first part of our Top Ten Weapons series, we focused on five weapons that, while powerful, weren’t necessarily key to shaping the future of Alagaesia. The remaining five weapons, revealed in today’s list, are not only powerful because of their physical strength, but because of what they are capable of and what the weapons have allowed – or will allow – their wielding to do.
Below you’ll find the conclusion of our two part series where we count down the top ten most incredible weapons from the Inheritance Cycle. Yesterday we gave you ranks six through ten, and now we reveal the remaining top five! (Note: This list is only the Shur’tugal staff’s opinion, and we’d love to hear what your top ten list is in the comments!)
Without further ado, our top five weapons:
5. Niernen (Dauthdaert) – One of the twelve Dauthdaertya (Death Spears) created by the elves for the sole reason of slaying dragons, Niernen was a supremely powerful weapon. Though Niernen means “orchid” in the Ancient Language, its beautiful name was transcended by its deadliness. A long, magic spear, Niernen’s distinguishing feature was a cruelly barbed blade at the tip etched with glyphs. The weapon was of an emerald color, with an equally emerald glow surrounding it.
Why it’s so epic: The Dauthdaertya were the bane of dragons. Initially used by the Empire, Niernen nearly killed Saphira, bringing her to the complete brink of death. Claiming it after the battle, this lance was then wielded by Arya and used to slay Shruikan, Galbatorix’s titanous black dragon and one of the biggest obstacles to the Varden in winning the war. It is believed that Niernen was destroyed with Galbatorix.
4. Roran’s Hammer – Useful weapons need not be elegant or stylish to be effective, and that is truly the case with Roran’s Hammer. What started as one of Horst’s smithing hammers, this ware turned from simple tool into a weapon of legend within the Varden. Naught but wood and iron, this hammer is as rugged as its owner. Becoming Roran’s weapon of choice, Eragon infused the hammer with magic to strengthen its power.
Why it’s so epic: Stronghammer. This was the nickname given to Roran by the citizens of Carvahall after he used the robust weapon to defend them and lead them to the Varden. The simplicity of the hammer is an excellent parallel to the humble beginnings of Roran, and the message than anyone can rise against those who wish to oppress what they hold dear.
3. Zar’roc – Morzan, Brom and Eragon all once fought with this infamous sword in hand, but the ownership now rests with Murtagh. Originally the sword of Morzan, first and last of the Forsworn, this blade’s namesake translates to “misery”, something that Zar’roc was surely known to cause for many years. With a striking, blood red blade and a glittering ruby in the pommel, this one-handed sword embodies a lethal beauty.
Why it’s so epic: Zar’roc is the definition of redemption. Used by Morzan to slaughter Riders and innocents, this sword was pure evil until it came into the hands of Brom and Eragon. When Murtagh claimed the weapon on the Burning Plains as his birthright, Zar’roc was again used for evil purposes. It wasn’t until Murtagh broke free of Galbatorix that this crimson blade was no longer feared by the free people of Alagaësia.
2. Brisingr – The finest Rider blade ever forged by the legendary elven smith Rhunön, this weapon is truly worthy of the savior of Alagaësia, Eragon Shadeslayer. With Eragon in dire need of a sword as war waged on against Galbatorix, he joined with Rhunön in creating Brisingr from rare brightsteel found under the mysterious Menoa Tree. Able to be wielded with the strength of two hands, or with single hand allowing for a shield, this shining blue sword was ideal for various battle situations. Translating to “fire” in the Ancient Language, Eragon can call flames to Brisingr’s blade when he says its true name.
Why it’s so epic: Not only did this sword help Eragon with several crucial battles that helped win the biggest war in the history of Alagaësia, it will also continue to serve and protect the future of the Riders for years to come. Having a hand in the creation of Brisingr, the weapon easily became an extension of Eragon’s being and a beacon for those uniting around him.
1. Vrangr (formerly known as Islingr) – In a time where it was known as Islingr (Light-Bringer), this sword was wielded by Vrael, the last leader of the Dragon Riders prior to the Fall. After slaying Vrael in combat, Galbatorix took up the weapon and renamed it Vrangr (Awry) to use as his own tool of destruction. This pale blade lacked color in comparison to other Rider weapons, and instead was a deathly white from hilt to blade tip, with an entirely clear gem set in the pommel.
Why it’s so epic: There may be no weapon in the Inheritance Cycle that had as far-reaching of an impact as Vrangr. Though we don’t encounter this weapon until Inheritance, it was there for the rise and Fall of the Riders, and when the Empire came to power. Many dragons, Riders and people of Alagaësia fell under Vrangr, the sweeping blade of Galbatorix’s tyranny.