Eragon

• Genre: Fiction; young adult fantasy
• Originally Published: 2002
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 710L; grades 5-8
• Structure/Length: 59 chapters; approx. 528 pages; approx. 16 hours, 22 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: At fifteen, Eragon finds a dragon egg and becomes the young dragon’s guardian. Together, they avoid an evil man seeking to control them, rescue an elf named Arya, fight against an army, and learn about their destinies.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: War violence            

Christopher Paolini, Author

• Bio: Born in Los Angeles in 1983; was homeschooled throughout his education and graduated at 15; began writing Eragon at 15; became a published author at age 19; books have topped multiple bestselling lists; influenced by Tolkien and Beowulf; Eragon adapted for film
• Other Works: Eldest (2005); Brisingr (2008); Inheritance (2011)
• Awards: Nene Award (2006); Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award (2006); Young Reader’s Choice Award (2006)                     

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Hero’s Journey
• The Pursuit of Power
• Self-Determination

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the high fantasy genre and the steps of The Hero’s Journey as they relate to Eragon’s quest.
• Study paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Self-Determination, The Pursuit of Power, and The Hero’s Journey.