History Literature / InheritanceCycle

The final title in the series, ''Inheritance'', answered a number of key mysteries regarding the series, such as what was contained in the Vault of Souls and the fates of major characters like Galbatorix and Eragon, but left open certain nagging mysteries such as the source of the witch Angela's powers. Following its publication, author Christopher Paolini floated a number of possibilities regarding what he might work on in the future, including a hypothetical fifth title, spin-off titles focusing on characters other than Eragon, or separate works in other genres.

However, there was an approximately seven year gap in the series prior to the announcement of the publication of the short story collection ''The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm'', which was stated to feature three original stories set within Alagaësia, interspersed with an unfolding adventure featuring Eragon set a year following the ending of ''Inheritance''. The title includes a tale written by Christopher Paolini's sister, Angela, featuring the Angela the herbalist character she serves as the namesake for. It was published in December 2018.

Five years later, Paolini announced a new entry in the series, a full sequel rather than a collection of short stories. ''Murtagh'', set to release in 2023, looks set to explore the immediate aftermath of the original Cycle and Murtagh's coming to terms with his role in things. An illustrated edition of ''Eragon'' (illustrations by Sidharth Chaturvedi) was also announced to accompany the title and celebrate the franchise's 20th anniversary.

The ''Inheritance Cycle'', [[TrilogyCreep formerly known as]] the ''Inheritance Trilogy'', is a series of HighFantasy novels written by Creator/ChristopherPaolini. The first book was originally self-published by Paolini and his parents, but has since migrated to Alfred A Knopf on the recommendation of Carl Hiaasen. It contains the following books:

* YeOldeButcheredeEnglishe: The archaisms in the books are often used incorrectly. An example would be Orik saying "mine King, Hrothgar." "Mine" is only used before vowels. Characters also use "thou" and "you" within the same sentence. This may be a stylistic decision on Paolini's part, though some (especially those who know a bit about old English) feel that it breaks the WillingSuspensionofDisbelief.

* IKnowYourTrueName: Used in conjunction with WordsCanBreakMyBones. In ''Inheritance'', before Angela the herbalist kills the high priest of Helgrind, she tells him that it should know her name, and then whispers her name in its ear. We don't get to hear what it is, but whatever it is is enough for the priest to emit a sustained, horrified shriek before Angela says "Oh, enough already!" and stabs it to death.
* ImHavingSoulPains: Eragon thoughout most of ''Eldest''.

* TheGodsMustBeLazy: This is the base argument for the Elves' atheism.

* {{Geas}}: A character who swears an oath in the Ancient Language is incapable of breaking it (though they only have to obey the letter, [[LoopholeAbuse not the spirit]]). What is more, a person can be compelled to swear such an oath by someone who knows their true name. There is an out, however – if who they are changes so much that their True Name in the Ancient Language changes, all oaths they've sworn using it up to that point are null-and-void.
* GemTissue: A dragon's Eldunar is stated to be a gem-like body organ.

* ObfuscatingPostMortemWounds: After Eragon and Arya kill a squad of Empire soldiers, Arya and Eragon stab the corpses with a spear and a sword in order to make it look like they were killed by ordinary warriors, knowing the Empire is still searching for them. They make an exception with the soldier Eragon punched hard in the chest because they can?t disguise an injury like that, so Arya tells Eragon that they?ll just have to hope that whoever finds the body will assume a horse stomped on him.

* OldMaster: Oromis.

%%* LeftFieldDescription: All the time.

* ProudWarriorRace: The Urgals qualify after ''Eldest''. Elves and Dragons have traits of this, too.

** In ''Brisingr'', Arya doodles something about a lonely god in the sand in reference to ''Series/DoctorWho''. Paolini mentions this in the afterword. He says he did it because he's a fan of the doctor. "And to those who got the line about the lonely god, all I have to say is that The Doctor can be anywhere at any time, even alternate dimensions. Hey! [[JustForFun/OneOfUs I'm a fan too!]]"
---> '''Eragon:''' "What does it mean?"
---> '''Arya:''' "I don't know."
** In ''Inheritance'' There's another ''Doctor Who'' reference. Angela, the herbalist, is knitting a blue hat with runes around the edge. When asked what the runes say, she responds: "Raxacori--Oh, never mind. It wouldn't mean anything to you anyway." There is a planet in ''Doctor Who'' called Raxacoricofallapatorius (it's where the Slitheen come from.)
** In ''Inheritance'' There are lots of ''Doctor Who'' and other references. Including Solembum mentioning a box that was bigger on the inside.
** Morn (who is himself a ShoutOut/parody).
** Some people and places are named after people he knows, for example, Angela (his sister), and Palancar Valley (named after the artist who does the cover art).

** Morzan.

* FallenHero: The Forsworn are a group of 13 Dragon Riders who turned traitor and joined Galbatorix; chief among them was Morzan, Brom's EvilFormerFriend and father of Murtaugh.

** Murtaugh's swordmaster Tornac was killed helping him escape from Galbatorix sometime before Murtaugh met Eragon.
** It also happens doubly late in the third book when [[spoiler:Eragon's second mentor Oromis and Saphira's dragon mentor Glaedr]] are killed in battle by [[spoiler:Murtaugh and Thorn.]]

Five years later, Paolini announced a new entry in the series, a full sequel rather than a collection of short stories. ''Murtagh'', set to release in 2023, looks set to explore the immediate aftermath of the original Cycle and Murtagh's coming to terms with his role in things.

* AsskickingEqualsAuthority: The Urgals' entire society is based on this trope.