Marie
Marie asked Christopher Paolini:

What makes people able to wield magic in Eragon? I know that the dragon riders could, but there were also some characters in the story that used magic without being tied to a dragon. Is is something anyone can learn, or is it genetic somehow?

Christopher Paolini Thanks for your question, Marie! I suppose most people could learn some degree of magic, but for many it’s extremely difficult. Not only does it take energy to use, but one must find a sort of mental key to unlock the realm of magic. For beginners, that takes tremendous focus and energy. What's more, of the people who could potentially wield magic, only a handful ever realize they have the ability because they receive no training.
Christopher Paolini
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