Eragon/Arya (Theories)
From The Inheritance Encyclopedia
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| Eragon and Arya | |
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Relationship
One of the largest theories and the most supported is that Eragon and Arya will fall in love. While this is discounted by a large body of fans, it still remains the strongest supported theory. Currently, Eragon shows strong feelings for Arya as a Elven Princess and friend. The possibility that Arya will be the Green Dragon rider adds to this theory due to the theory about Saphira and the Green Dragon being mates.
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Evidence in Books
Brisingr
During Brisingr, Eragon and Arya's relationship take a new turn. Arya opens up toward Eragon in general and new signs of romance show:
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Conversing with Roran
Eragon updates us with his feelings on Arya and other women, whilst talking with Roran in the chapter 'Around the Campfire':
"I cannot in good conscience marry a woman who will age and die while I remain untouched by time; such an experience would be equally cruel for both of us. On top of that, I find the thoguht of taking one wife after another throughout the long centuries rather depressing." [1]
And also:
"In other words," said Roran, "It's safer for you to love Arya than leave your heart free for the taking by a human woman." [1]
The meaning of these passages is implicit - that Eragon will not marry any mortal human woman, and that it is likely the only woman he will ever fall for or love will be Arya.
Travelling with Eragon
We see a few signals that Arya is also warming to Eragon, for instance, whilst she heals Eragon after fighting with the band of soldiers they met during the chapter 'Mercy, Dragon Rider':
"Thank you," he said. It surprised him that she had taken the initiative when he was perfectly capable of healing his own wounds. Arya seemed embarassed. Looking away, out over the plains, she said: "I am glad you were by my side today, Eragon." "And you by mine." She favoured him a quick, uncertain smile.[2]
The simple act of altruism shows a possible depth of feeling, and her 'embarassment', may be signs of Arya not wanting to be obvious. These small gestures could point towards possible romantic feelings for Eragon in Arya. To leave no doubt that any negative feelings have gone, Arya then mentions to Eragon that she was happy he was there - and her looking 'out over the plains' and away from Eragon's gaze may also suggest some embarassment and concealing of obviousness in terms of romantic feelings.
Campfire Scene
After this scene, it then leads onto the chapter 'Shadows of the Past', or the campfire scene, as it is often reffered to. One of the most important scenes, where for many Arya confirms some of the mysteries of her past to Eragon, and they converse over many matter in general.
Included in this, Arya talks of her feelings for one of her guard whilst travelling, Faolin, who was killed nearly a year ago, saying: "For over twenty years, we traveled together, the only immortals to walk among the short-lived races. We were companions... and friends." [3]
Arya also talks of her time at Gil'ead, and the hallucinations and madness she suffered, as well as her rescue. This indicates that Arya is willing to share to Eragon some of her past, and is willing to open up to her - suggesting a much closer bond.
Battle with Murtagh
Before the battle with Murtagh, in the chapter 'Fire in the Sky', we see Arya revealing more of her feelings just before Eragon is going out to battle:
Also in the ancient Language, she said, "Be careful, Eragon. I would not want to see you broken by Murtagh. I..." It seemed as if she was going to say more, but she hesistated, then removed her hand from his leg and retreated to stand by Blödhgarm.[4]
Many things can be drawn from this. Arya obviously does care about Eragon to some extent, however she has stopped herself revealing the true extent of her feelings, whether they be romantic or not. The focus on 'hand on leg' however, suggests some kind of realisiation of physical contact, and that Arya is almost embarassed at how it could be misinterpeted as a romantic/sexual gesture, perhaps indicating that Arya's hidden feelings might be possibly more than friendship. Her reutrning to stand back by Blödhgarm is almost symbolic of how Arya feels that she needs to stay at her place among the elves, and possibly feels pressure to be more 'elf-like', and may be preventing Arya from saying truly what she feels, or being truly who she is.
Battle at Feinster
During the battle at Feinster, Arya and Eragon fight the shade Varaug, which Arya eventually kills.
Afterwards, Eragon mentions "Now I shall have to call you Shadeslayer."[5] which for many is indicative of Arya achieving equal status with Eragon, and meaning that a potential relationship would be more plausible.
Eragon then tells Arya about the death of Oromis. This also causes an emotive response from Arya:
Tears filled her slanted eyes, then spilled over onto her cheeks and coursed down her face. "Eragon." She reached over and grasped his shoulder, and almost by accident, he found himself holding her in his arms.[5]
Whilst the context itself is mounrful, the words themselves indicate, that in the mourning of death, Eragon and Arya have grown closer and their feelings stronger, almost acting as protection for each other during the war. It is possible that in her emotion, Arya forgets to conceal her feelings as much. This is the first time Eragon and Arya have embraced each other in such a way - and suggests that more is possibly to come.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Christopher Paolini, Brisingr (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008), 28
- ↑ Christopher Paolini, Brisingr (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008), 187
- ↑ Christopher Paolini, Brisingr (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008), 197
- ↑ Christopher Paolini, Brisingr (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008), 316
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Christopher Paolini, Brisingr (Alfred A. Knopf, 2008), 739
