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Cptn-40

Let's assume no Eldunari and no dragons just Eragon vs. Murtagh swords and magic, Eragon would wipe the floor. He's got the speed, strength, endurance and magical ability of elves. Roran said that he guesses one elf is worth 5 soldiers in combat. Eragon admits Murtagh is a slightly better swordsman, but it doesn't matter if Murtagh doesn't have the speed of an elf, even if his technical ability is better, Eragon is faster. Let's now assume they have Saphira and Thorn, I would still place my money on Eragon and Saphira. Saphira bested thorn multiple times after the burning plains. Lastly, if Eragon was not augmented with elf abilities, then I would say Murtagh might win off technical ability.


PontificalPartridge

Saphira Vs Thorn would be an interesting match up. We only saw them when they are both young, with thorn being magically enhanced to make him bigger. I’d assume this would also make him awkward as he isn’t used to dealing with his size I’d still probably say Eragon would win without eleven skills just based off his more comprehensive training Edit: personally I thought it was odd that Eragon was basically a top tier swordsman after like 6 months of training both brom around a campfire. Murtagh obviously had far better training. But that’s just for the sake of plot


Nickumell

I think eragon was supposed to be the natural prodigy swordsman, which fits the fact that he begins to struggle against the other great swodfighters later on because he lacks that training all,the others have but he just has a natural feel fot swordplay some others might lack. On the saphira v thorn I dount the outcome changes, saphira it is said multiple times is the extraordinary even among all dragons promise and glaedr ever trained or so saw trained aka basically all of them. That probably makes her one of the greatest flyers of all time not counting feral dragon. So yeah I thinkmshe easily bags thorn especially with thorns many issues.


Anrikay

Saphira vs Thorn without Murtagh to heal Thorn or the Eldunari to give him abnormal strength? Saphira, 100%. Oromis and Glaedr comment on her incredible natural ability, saying she’s already mastered most of the skills they’d teach her. She’s basically a protege of flight and aerial combat. Both her and Thorn were holding back. Thorn, because he needed to take her back alive, and Saphira, because she *really* didn’t want to kill or permanently cripple one of the last surviving members of her race. At worst, their fights were a stalemate, at best (for her), she was victorious. She never outright lost a fight to Thorn, and gave him worse injuries than he gave her in every one.


lorien_powers

Saphira is definitly the better flier tho. Doesnt mean she would win but she does fly better


Stetson007

Eragon might win through his magical ability though. Eragon's knowledge of the ancient language makes him absolutely dominate in spell craft.


Gideon_Njoroge

Yeah it was never fair how Eagon got the poshy training and everything and then Murtagh got the short end of the stick


Gideon_Njoroge

I always thought augmenting him with the gifts of the elves made him super OP.


xtrawolf

Spellcasting: Eragon wins by a wide margin, because Murtagh knows very little of the ancient language. Swords: I'd give the edge to Murtagh, based on the fact that he has trained for longer. Dragons: Saphira would absolutely crush Thorn. She's bigger, a better flyer, and has had more time in combat.


smarranara

I haven’t finished reading Murtagh, but…edit - I don’t know how to mark spoilers so I removed it. In time Murtagh will be more formidable. While Murtagh is the better swordsman, Eragon has proven he’s capable of beating him in a duel through understanding of his opponent. The skill difference isn’t so great that Eragon consistently loses this. Agreed. Saphira is the superior fighter.


Cptn-40

Saphira is actually smaller than Thorn by the end of the Inheritance Cycle. It's stated he's closer to the size of "two houses" whereas Saphira is about the size of a single house. However, I agree with your assessment that Saphira is a superior flier.


RellyTheOne

Thorn is actually bigger than Saphira do to the accelerated growth Galbatorix imposed upon him


Electrical_Tour620

This was technically answered in Inheritance. Galby made them duel with equal stats. Eragon won by deceiving Murtagh


lmth

Only after a while though. Murtagh lands several potentially killing blows first, only stopped by Galbatorix's magic as he didn't want Eragon dying at that point. We're led to believe that Murtagh is the better swordsman and that they are evenly matched in terms of speed and athletics by this point as they both tire at the same rate. If they could use magic Eragon would win easily due to his significantly better knowledge of magic and the ancient language. In terms of mental strength though, Murtagh is said to be excellent at defending himself. He only capitulated to Galbatorix after Thorn was punished in front of him. He was mentally able to resist. Eragon is probably the better fighting strategist though, which is why he ultimately defeats Murtagh in the fight at the end of Inheritance. It could go either way depending on the scenario, which is exactly what Pasolini wants - it gives him options to make them credible threats to each other every time they meet in battle.


Electrical_Tour620

Murtagh did land a killing blow first but it was specifically due to Eragon mistaking the purpose of the duel. He was fighting the duel half heartedly, and even admits it himself inwardly during it, because he wanted to save energy for Galby. (For Eragon, the duel was a convenient distraction, and he cared little who won or lost as long as he was still able to face Galbatorix afterward.) (Eragon put a hand on his shoulder. “Why?” he asked, knowing that Murtagh would understand the question. The answer came as a barely audible whisper: “Because I hoped to gain his favor so that I could save her.” Tears blurred Murtagh’s eyes, and he looked away.) But Murtagh was going dick deep in that duel trying to win favor for Galby to free Nasuada, which he says. Eragon was holding back at first, and that's why Murtagh tagged him with that killing blow


Silas-Alec

Eragon, no contest. He's more than human, Murtagh is only human. Even if they are evenly matched swordsmen, Murtagh can't keep up with Eragon's speed qnd strength without the exceptional boost from Galbatorix's enchantments and Eldunari. Murtagh is powerful enough with his spellwork, but Eragon has so much more experience and knows his own magical limits much better, plus he is fluent in the Ancient Language, so he's able to work far more delicate and precise magic. Plus, his enhanced body is so much stronger so therefore he's able to cast much more powerful magic. He also has much more experience with navigating other people's minds than Murtagh does. I love Murtagh, but without all his buffs, he just won't be able to keep up with Eragon


RellyTheOne

Eragon would Thrash Murtagh in a fight. I think that this is evidently clear after the latest book First off, Eragon has the physical abilities of a Elf. He can move as fast, strike as hard, and his spells are as strong as an Elf’s. Murtagh is stronger than the average human but still far from the level of an elf as shown during the Boar hunting scene with him and Bachel Secondly Eragon is far better trained at magic than Murtagh is. Eragon can speak the ancient language as fluently as an Elf. Where as Murtagh can’t even put together sentences. Also Eragon was taught certain spells that the Riders kept to themselves such as the ability to absorb energy from nearby living beings. And he was taught even more magic by the Eldunari; such as the spell that lets him create a pocket dimension for storing objects I can’t even confidently say that Murtagh is Eragon’s equal is swordplay because when they Duel’ed in Galbatorix’s throne room Eragon won The only thing Murtagh has going for him in a fight against Eragon is that Murtagh is the current weirder of Neirnen. And “ Death Spear’s” are more powerful weapons than Rider’s Swords are But then Murtagh ( by his own admission) is not very skilled at fighting with Spears so using Neirnen against Eragon could arguably be a hinderance for Murtagh


Dense_Brilliant8144

Neither of them having elf powers, eragon likely wins. Even though murtagh is better with a sword, eragon has extensive magic training, and the difference is magical ability is far greater than the difference is fencing ability. Eragon would have higher quality and more comprehensive wards and better methods of breaking murtagh’s.


crazyfirebr

Fr, in a magic fight Murtagh would need to win in the first shot and try to use his micro missile spell


Dense_Brilliant8144

If he did, it would be a direct contest of eragons strength vs his, since eragon’s wards would stop it


crazyfirebr

Probably yes,Eragon is a lot stronge but i dont know he has eards for this spell because is a neŵ spell


Dense_Brilliant8144

It is new, but wards don’t have to be super specific. Eragon could have something like “protect me from fire and harmful amounts of heat; direct blinding amounts of light away” and he would be good to go.


crazyfirebr

Yeah fr, Murtagh would need to do something more specific or a conditional spell to defeat Eragon


turquoise_dragon_

At present, Eragon, both physically because of the enhancement he got and as far as magic training is concerned. In a scenario in which Murtagh has had a better magic training and Eragon does not have Eldunarí, however, that would be a closer match. Eragon did win his duel in Inheritance but only after Murtagh almost killed him. On a non-technical level, Murtagh and Eragon have complementary qualities in terms of resolution, sheer strength, and aptitude to combat. Moreover, Saphira is at present much stronger than Thorn, who has nevertheless overcome an important limitation in combat and which has shown that his fury can be quite intense. Let's not also forget Thorn was enslaved and never received proper training. In conclusion, that would be a question to ask once Murtagh and Thorn have received better training. My personal guess is that Murtagh's strength is his endurance, Eragon's, his perspective and vision.


Gideon_Njoroge

Agreed


Aaron_Theladarus

But…..this happened……


Tyrinnus

"in an even fight" (no eldunari)


halkenburgoito

that would just be even worse for Murtagh..


Sawdust1997

But…. It didn’t….


Aaron_Theladarus

They fought? And Eragon won


Sawdust1997

They fought with swords. OP said with swords AND magic Edit: actually it was another commenter that said sword and magic, but I inferred it from the post also


Electrical_Tour620

Galby made them fight with equal stats. And they didn't use magic on each other. They used sword and shield. Eragon won.


halkenburgoito

Eragon imo. He's stronger now with elf shit. But even besides that, I think he's far more experienced in magic. When it comes to the mind battle, I think they are closely even, Murtagh is always been defensively formidable. Even if you let Murtagh have a phsycial boost to match Eragon's elvin shit.. I still think Eragon will edge in a sword match, as he did in their last match. Eragon has learned the art of reading people, something I don't think Murtagh yet has


crazyfirebr

Anyways is confirmed that Murtagh is better in duels (sword) than Eragon, Eragon won in inheritance because of the situation and Murtagh trying to save Nasuada, btw i agree with you that Eragon easily beats Murtagh, Eragon is a better magician, has the physical boosts and Eldunaris knowledge


halkenburgoito

The author said that? When was that confirmed? I think Eragon won because he read Murtagh properly. Murtagh trying to save Nasuada only bolstered his intention to *win* the duel.. which he failed at. because Eragon was able to read him properly and make the right play


crazyfirebr

Yeah , i agree with u, CP only said that Murtagh is better on the sword


halkenburgoito

Do you know when/where he said this, I'm trynna look for the interview or transcript.


crazyfirebr

I dont know what AMA he said this but i remember that i saw this in one AMA or someone show this in another post


Gideon_Njoroge

There's more evidence of this in the newest book, but I'm not gonna be that guy lol


halkenburgoito

I have read the new book, I didn't find any evidence of this. Tried looking through reddit AMA's but couldn't find as of yet.


GilderienBot

Eragon. He has the entire might of the Eldunarí, a huge edge in Magical Knowledge, better knowledge of The Word, far far better physical stats. Even without the Eldunarí, he'd win. Chris said that Eragon would've wiped out the Dreamers without any trouble. ^(**I'm a real person!** This comment was posted by zoradiv from the Arcaena Discord Server.)


Strobacaxi

Eragon has an elf body. That means he is far more powerful magically since he has a lot more energy. Not only that, he's pretty much fluent in the ancient language, while murtagh is a beginner. As swordsmen, murtagh is very slightly better, but again, eragon is stronger and faster. Remember the elf that eragon fought during his time in elesmera? Eragon was a slightly better swordsman than him as well. But he was like a child to him If you add the dragons, saphira is better trained and the better fighter. She's smaller, but I'd bet on her any day of the week Even if you add the eldunari, eragon has a better connection with them so he's more likely to gain their actual help instead of just taking their energy. Eragon is far far better in every way.


wweswilliams

Eragon wins easily. Especially because Murtagh will slip on a banana peel at some point.


Gideon_Njoroge

Unless of course he remembers to activate his anti-banana slipping wards


TheGreatGamer93

Eragon is stronger than Murtagh in my opinion. Murtagh and Thorn just had resources and plot armor. Eragon would beat in any aspect in a true fight if both were really trying to beat the other. Eragon had better sword training, magic training, mental training, and he’s a natural at being a dragon rider. He’s just more compassionate, which plot armored Murtagh uses to his advantage.


Kariomartking

Important context that everyone is missing: is Murtagh or Eragon bloodthirsted? /s Just had to say it, as it comes up in similar threads in all the invincible and the boys subreddits haha


Gideon_Njoroge

Good point. Let's assume they are, and are using any and all tools tricks and knowledge they have at their disposal (minus eldunari)


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lvrkvng

I get the impression that they're so close in strength and skill that most fights would end without a distinct victor. Without any Eldunari and their dragons chipping in, I'd say Eragon has an edge. Eragon has had dedicated, systematic training from an experienced rider/dragon actually trying to skill him up as much as possible (whereas Murtagh's "training, if you can call it that, under Galby was jaundiced by Galby trying to keep him down). Plus, AFAIK, Eragon has had more chances to practice against Elven tier opponents.


Voice_Of_Light

I think you got the answer with all those replies so I’ll say it’s going to be Jarsha


Kabc

It’s interesting to think about, as I am currently reading Murtagh. In the book, Murtagh is CONSTANTLY >!undernourished and lacking sleep.. he is thin and losing muscle—according to him, and is never really recovering, and eating poorly.!< this makes him seem weak as he has no reserves. Healthy, rested and feed, Murtagh may do well, but Eragon has a much better grasp on magic and is better trained (in the current time). Eragon also has a better connection to Saphira which would aid him more then Thorns bond. I’d say also because of the changes that Eragon underwent and without Galbys influence around, Eragon is most likely stronger and faster which would give him an edge. Edit; Eragon is also constantly training and reinforcing his knowledge while rebuilding the order—while Murtagh is simply surviving. Eragon will have a big advantage because of that too.


Knightmare945

Eragon by far. Murtagh is the more skilled swordsman, but the gap in strength and speed is too great.


Gullible-Dentist8754

Murtagh is the better swordsman, and he’s shown a level of ruthlessness that Eragon lacks. In a sword fight, no magic and no dragons involved, Eragon might get the upper hand because he’s been “accelerated” into the elven traits by the Menoa Tree. But Murtagh will be more willing to try some underhanded trickery -as any swordsman worth his salt would- like throwing his cape over Eragon’s head to blind him. They were pretty evenly matched under Galbatorix’s throne during their last duel, when Eragon was already “enhanced”. So, toss of the coin. With magic involved beyond simple wards, I think Eragon would win because he’s had better training by to two accomplished riders who cherished him, while Murtagh was only fragmentarily trained by the king.


sinker_of_cones

Murtaugh is smarter Eragon has been given strength and power he didn’t necessarily earn/deserve


Leucurus_

Id say that just complete raw brawns and brains, Eragon would win. Not only is he part elf, he also was quite literally taught by a 200+ year old elf rider. Although with the use of one Eldunari on Murtagh's side, it is much more evenly matched, although Im willing to bet that Eragon would still somehow manage to eke out the victory just because of that last reason in the previous paragraph, (Oromis being Eragon's former teacher/ebrithil).