• Book 4.5
  • NEW: Book 5
    • Alagaësia Prequels and Standalone Novels
  • NEW: Eragon TV Show
  • Fractalverse
  • Inheritance Cycle Fan Stuff
    • Inheritance Cycle Quizzes
      • Master the Ancient Language (Quiz)
      • Master the Dwarf Language (Quiz)
    • Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Tattoos
      • Eragon Video Game Concept Art
    • Official Inheritance Cycle Art
    • Inheritance Cycle Facts
    • Contacting Christopher Paolini
    • Site Stuff
      • About Shurtugal.com
      • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
Shur'tugal
No Result
View All Result
  • Book 4.5
  • NEW: Book 5
    • Alagaësia Prequels and Standalone Novels
  • NEW: Eragon TV Show
  • Fractalverse
  • Inheritance Cycle Fan Stuff
    • Inheritance Cycle Quizzes
      • Master the Ancient Language (Quiz)
      • Master the Dwarf Language (Quiz)
    • Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Fan Art
        • Weapons of Alagaesia Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Tattoos
      • Eragon Video Game Concept Art
    • Official Inheritance Cycle Art
    • Inheritance Cycle Facts
    • Contacting Christopher Paolini
    • Site Stuff
      • About Shurtugal.com
      • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
  • Book 4.5
  • NEW: Book 5
    • Alagaësia Prequels and Standalone Novels
  • NEW: Eragon TV Show
  • Fractalverse
  • Inheritance Cycle Fan Stuff
    • Inheritance Cycle Quizzes
      • Master the Ancient Language (Quiz)
      • Master the Dwarf Language (Quiz)
    • Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Fan Art
        • Weapons of Alagaesia Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Tattoos
      • Eragon Video Game Concept Art
    • Official Inheritance Cycle Art
    • Inheritance Cycle Facts
    • Contacting Christopher Paolini
    • Site Stuff
      • About Shurtugal.com
      • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Shur'tugal
No Result
View All Result
Murtagh as you’ve never seen him before: this beautiful piece of art helps us understand and explore the polarizing character

Murtagh as you’ve never seen him before: this beautiful piece of art helps us understand and explore the polarizing character

February 13, 2016
in Fan Art
0 0

murtagh and thorn headerMurtagh is perhaps the most conflicted and polarizing character in the Inheritance Cycle. For many, Murtagh represents oppression, struggle, and even a little bit of evil. He has always been a fan favorite, and his disappearance at the end of Eragon was devastating for the Inheritance community. His reappearance at the Battle of the Burning Plains was shocking, both because he was alive and because he was now a Rider… on Galbatorix’s side. His shy and innocent demeanor in Eragon was replaced by antihero qualities in the future books, representing a changed and, perhaps, broken Murtagh.

Murtagh’s inner struggle is apparent throughout Eldest, Brisingr, and throughout most of Inheritance. It isn’t until his encounter with Nasuada, resulting in his affection toward her continuing to grow, that we truly began to see Galbatorix’s hold over Murtagh crack. During the final battle and the last pages of Inheritance, Murtagh shows that he and Thorn are in the process of redeeming themselves and rediscovering who they are after they broke free from Galbatorix’s grasp.

It isn’t hard to imagine that we will see Murtagh and Thorn in future Alagaesia books. It will take time for the pair to heal just as it will take time for the people of Alagaesia to forgive them for what they did under Galbatorix, both against their will and by choice, but they will hopefully one day return to their home.

One fan artist – AnnaHollinrake on DeviantArt  – beautifully captured her interpretation of Murtagh and Thorn as they appeared prior to the Battle of the Burning Plains. The illustration shows a mature, confident Murtagh and a young Thorn. Although the artist took some liberties with his armor, it isn’t hard to imagine that this is how Murtagh would have appeared in the books.
murtagh and thorn

“I’m not the person I once was. I have Thorn now, and . . .” Murtagh hesitated; then his shoulders rose and fell in a tiny shrug. “I’m not fighting for myself anymore. . . . It makes a difference.” He took a shallow breath and winced. “I used to think you were a fool to keep risking your life as you have. . . . I know better now. I understand . . . why. I understand. . . .” His eyes widened and his grimace relaxed, as if his pain was forgotten, and an inner light seemed to illuminate his features. “I understand— we understand,” he whispered, and Thorn uttered a strange sound that was half whimper and half growl.

We aren’t sure what the future holds for Murtagh and Thorn, but we hope that they are able to find themselves as they far from the home they’ve known since both were born.

Now we ask: As a reader, are you willing to forgive Murtagh? What do you think is in store for Murtagh and Thorn as they leave the known parts of Alagaesia? Do you think the pair will return in Book 5 or other future Alagaesia books? Let us know in the comments!

 

Next Post

Raise your mugs with original Brewfest drinks!

Inheritance Comic: Live an iconic moment as we visit Vroengard in a new graphic novel-style experience

Inheritance Comic: Live an iconic moment as we visit Vroengard in a new graphic novel-style experience

Last Week on Paolini.net: A new Q&A with Christopher, a guide to e-book conversion, Christopher's recommended books, and a newsletter!

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Christopher Paolini announces MURTAGH, the next book in the world of Alagaësia!

Christopher Paolini announces MURTAGH, the next book in the world of Alagaësia!

March 8, 2023
Everything we know about the Eragon TV series on Disney+

Everything we know about the Eragon TV series on Disney+

August 17, 2022
Eragon TV adaptation is in the works at Disney+!

Christopher Paolini offers an update on the Eragon Disney+ TV show!

July 28, 2022
Christopher Paolini confirms that the Eragon TV show will be live action

Christopher Paolini confirms that the Eragon TV show will be live action

September 9, 2022

On Spoilers and Spoiling 2.0

2830

Book 4 Chapter: Review, Analysis, Theories, and More!

2220

Official “Back of the Book” Description Released for Inheritance!

2186

On Spoilers and Spoiling 3.0

1890
Stunning illustrated 20th anniversary edition of Eragon releasing later this year!

Stunning illustrated 20th anniversary edition of Eragon releasing later this year!

March 14, 2023
Christopher Paolini announces MURTAGH, the next book in the world of Alagaësia!

Christopher Paolini announces MURTAGH, the next book in the world of Alagaësia!

March 8, 2023
Is a new Alagaësia book about to be announced? Sure looks like it!

Is a new Alagaësia book about to be announced? Sure looks like it!

March 7, 2023
The cover for Christopher’s upcoming book, Fractal Noise, has been revealed!

The cover for Christopher’s upcoming book, Fractal Noise, has been revealed!

March 8, 2023

RECENT NEWS

Stunning illustrated 20th anniversary edition of Eragon releasing later this year!

Stunning illustrated 20th anniversary edition of Eragon releasing later this year!

March 14, 2023
Christopher Paolini announces MURTAGH, the next book in the world of Alagaësia!

Christopher Paolini announces MURTAGH, the next book in the world of Alagaësia!

March 8, 2023
Is a new Alagaësia book about to be announced? Sure looks like it!

Is a new Alagaësia book about to be announced? Sure looks like it!

March 7, 2023
The cover for Christopher’s upcoming book, Fractal Noise, has been revealed!

The cover for Christopher’s upcoming book, Fractal Noise, has been revealed!

March 8, 2023
Shur'tugal

World of Eragon community
© Shurtugal.com 2004 - 2022

Navigate Site

  • Book 4.5
  • NEW: Book 5
  • NEW: Eragon TV Show
  • Fractalverse
  • Inheritance Cycle Fan Stuff
  • Newsletter

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Book 4.5
  • NEW: Book 5
    • Alagaësia Prequels and Standalone Novels
  • NEW: Eragon TV Show
  • Fractalverse
  • Inheritance Cycle Fan Stuff
    • Inheritance Cycle Quizzes
      • Master the Ancient Language (Quiz)
      • Master the Dwarf Language (Quiz)
    • Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Fan Art
      • Inheritance Cycle Tattoos
      • Eragon Video Game Concept Art
    • Official Inheritance Cycle Art
    • Inheritance Cycle Facts
    • Contacting Christopher Paolini
    • Site Stuff
      • About Shurtugal.com
      • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter

World of Eragon community
© Shurtugal.com 2004 - 2022

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In