All great fighting is the same, Eragon, even as all great warriors are the same. Past a certain point, it does not matter whether you wield a sword, a claw, a tooth or a tail. It is true, you must be capable with your weapon, but anyone with the time, and the inclination can acquire technical proficiency. To achieve greatness, though, that requires artistry. That requires imagination and thoughtfulness, and it is those qualities that the best warriors share, even if, on the surface, they appear completely different.

I am the victor. In the end nothing else matters.

She gave him a wan smile. "And then you came, Eragon. You and Saphira. After hope had deserted me and I was about to be taken to Galbatorix in Uru'baen, a Rider appeared to rescue me. A rider and a dragon!" "And Morzan's son," he said. "Both of Morzan's sons." "Describe it how you will, it was such an improbable rescue, I occasionally think that I did go mad and that I've imagined everything since.

A person must earn enlightenment, Eragon. It is not handed down to you by others, regardless of how revered they be.

A man rarely knows the day and hour when he will die. I could be killed any moment and there's not a blasted thing I can do about it.

I built two forges when I was in my teens. I was just really, really into metalworking and making stuff.

The greatest enemy is one that has nothing to lose.