Palancar Valley
From The Inheritance Encyclopedia
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| About Palancar Valley | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Palancar Valley |
| Capital | None |
| Major Race Population: | Human |
| Ruler | None |
Palancar Valley is located in Northwest Alagaesia. Both Carvahall and Therinsford reside within the valley. The valley is surrounded by the Spine. The land around the river is used for farming.
Contents |
[edit] Description
Located in Northwest Alagaësia, the Palancar Valley is a relatively isolated section of land. The only entrance into the Valley is a pass protected by fortifications on the mountain of Utgard, although it is possible to journey across the Spine into Narda. The Anora River provides water for the Valley, which is covered with subsistence farms.
Two towns of note are Carvahall and Therinsford; the latter of these is located closer to the pass and is larger.
The Palancar Valley remained largely untouched by Urgals running rampant at the start of Eragon, although Carvahall was later razed by the Ra'zac.
[edit] History
Palancar Valley was the original seat of power of King Palancar, the first leader of the humans in Alagaësia. He tried unsuccesfully to extend his kingdom beyond its borders by declaring war upon the elves three times and losing each time. After his barons and lords formed a peace with the elves, Palancar was banished. However, he and his family refused to leave the valley, bringing the Riders to constuct the outpost of Ristvak'baen on the mountain of Utgard to watch over him. Eventually Palancar was assassinated by one of his sons, and the line dimished, although the blood of the king still runs strong in Palancar Valley.
[edit] Towns
Carvahall is located deeper in the Valley, near the Igualda Falls.
Therinsford is larger and located near the entrance to the Palancar Valley.
[edit] The Spine
The Spine almost completely surrounds Palancar Valley. It is often regarded with superstition and fear by townspeople. Though many want nothing to do with the Spine, it is a good source of wild game.
[edit] Relevance to the Real World
Paolini named the valley as a tribute to John Jude Palencar, illustrator for the Inheritance Cycle, because he had been a big fan of his work. It should be noted that this decision was made before John Jude Palencar was hired to be the illustrator.
