The Fork, the Witch and the Worm: Review & Analyis

The fork, the witch and the worm gives a feeling of dragon riding like we get in the series of “how to train your dragon”. Eragon the main character in the book leaves his Alagaesia, a fictional continent in inheritance cycle. It is mostly forested place but its north is mountainous.

Building a better home for new generation of riders was the purpose of leaving. Mount Arngn is his new destination. It is also known as mountain of night. This place is a symbol of hope and new beginning. Here, Eragon meets new characters, such as Saphira, Nasuada, Angela and Roran. These characters connect with Eragon, helping him to achieve larger mission.

In this journey of rebuilding the dragon riders and establishing a new sanctuary, we find Eragon’s character development. First he was struggling to seek personal vengeance. Defeating Galbatorix, the primary antagonist in Inheritence Cylce series by Christopher Paolini. Galbatorix uses his magical powers to fulfil his destructive purpose. He wants to rule all over Alagaësia and achieve immortality. But, with time Eragon becomes a selfless leader while putting his vengeance aside. He nurtures his leadership skills and focuses more on the impacts of his actions and more thinks about the future of Alagaësia.

In these times, Eragon visits Eldurani, sentient of heart, preserving consciousness of dragons, memories and wisdom. This magical heritage is necessary to a new order of dragon riders. He gets help from it to observe whats happening in other parts of the world.

In the first story “The Fork”, Eragon finds his half brother, ​​Murtagh. Murtagh has a significant role in inheritance cycle. First, he was a serve of tyrant Galbatorix. Later his character evolves and becomes a sympathetic figure in the story. He understands his mistakes and tries to fix those. By seeing all this from a distance, Eragon realizesthe importance of staying connected with loved ones.

We find Murtagh’s perspectives for the first time in this part of the story. Knowing about him readers make a deeper connection with him. This part of the story enhances readers’ enjoyment while affection increases with Murtagh. Furthermore, Eragon becomes happy, finding that his brother is safe. 

The second part of the story, “the witch”, Eragon becomes aware of Elva’s curse for the first time. In this part of the story Anglea tells Eragon to read unfinished memoir. This memoir reveals many truths such as Angela’s past mistakes and limitations of her abilities. She was not able to bring deaths back into life. This chapter provides new insights into Elva’s sufferings and character development of Angela and Elva.

The third and the last part of the story, highlights the developing of relationship with Urgals and Eragon. Urgals are a race of creatures in Inheritence Cycle. They have large and rugged appearance and some them have a horned head. They are muscular build and a warrior like culture. They have better strengths and combat skills than other creatures.

Urgals invite Eragon to tell the story of Ilgra and the story of Vêrmund. Ilgra is a female Urgal and Vêrmund, a male. Vêrmund destroys Ilgra’s home. However, Eragon does not directly resolve this issue, but Ilgra gets successful in finding revenge. This brings honor to her people. At the same time, it breaks the belief that all dragons are noble or good.

The book wraps up when Eragon understands the world around him and the characters within it. The story is interesting to read and there are many lessons to learn from it. Understanding the mistakes of Murtagh is my favorite part. And, when Eragon decides to become a selfless leader. Having this mindset is challenging to have in real life. But, it is a good bedtime story to tell your children. It will help them to find a difference between good and bad.