This deleted snippet from Inheritance answers two big questions about Glaedr, Oromis, and Naegling

Many readers have wondered what the elves did with Oromis and Glaedr’s bodies after their deaths during the fighting at Gil’ead. Thanks to Christopher, we now know how and where they were buried, and we know more about the mysterious whereabouts of Oromis’ lost Rider sword, Naegling.

Oromis and Glaedr’s Grave

This paragraph was originally written for Inheritance, but was cut during the editing process. It takes place during Eragon and Saphira’s trip north, where Nasuada sent them to use the name of names to remove Galbatorix’s magical hold over the city and its residents.

This deleted snippet came from Christopher Paolini himself, so it’s official book cannon:

“Both Eragon and Saphira found Gil’ead unpleasant to visit. It reminded them of when the Urgals had captured Eragon at Durza’s orders, and also of Oromis’s death. While there, they visited the cairn where the elves had burned Glaedr’s body and then buried Oromis underneath a great oak tree that they had sung from the depths of the earth. All that Eragon could think to say before the thick trunk of the oak was a simple thank you, the same as he had said at his father’s tomb.”

A cairn is a pile of stacked stones marking a burial plot. An example of what one might look like:

Naegling

In addition to being a powerful Rider sword crafted by Rhunön, the gem in Naegling’s pommel contained a massive amount of stored energy. For more than a century (and potentially even longer), Glaedr and Oromis stored all of their excess energy within the gem. Additionally, several elves would visit the Crags of Tel’naeír twice a week to pour their own energy into the gem. Oromis told Eragon that the sword contained enough energy to “shift an entire mountain.” Little of its power was used during the fighting above Gil’ead.

The sword was lost when it fell to the ground during his duel with Murtagh. The books make no mention of whether or not the sword was ever recovered, and fans took notice. Christopher was asked about the sword’s whereabouts and told us that it hasn’t been forgotten and will be an important part of a future World of Eragon book.

Our speculation: If the sword is central to another story, it’s very unlikely that it’s in safe hands, meaning the elves didn’t recover it during or after the fighting. With Oromis being revered amongst the elves, it’s unlikely one of their race would find the sword and keep it for themself. We believe it’s more likely that if the sword is in someone’s possession, they’re human.

Because Oromis’ battle with Murtagh was so brief, it’s unlikely he used much, if any, of the energy stored within. Because of this, the individual now in possession of the sword would wield a massive amount of magical power. If the current holder of the sword has nefarious intentions, he or she will be a formidable foe.

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