The Real Hero

[Erin]

When I finished this book, all I could think about was Murtagh.

Eragon took all the credit for killing Galbatorix, but I believe that Murtagh was the real hero.

Who saved Eragon multiple times? Murtagh. Who uttered the word that tore away Galbatorix's wards? Murtagh.

Murtagh even had a better reason to kill Galbatorix than Eragon did. Eragon wanted revenge. Murtagh wanted to make a name for himself, and free Nasuada.

Murtagh is the true hero. Anyone else agree?

[Cynthia]

Eragon didn't take all the credit, he just got the credit and Murtagh didn't wanted it.

In my opinion both Eragon and Murtagh deserve the glory and Arya. I mean they all did so much and saved each other multiple times.

Mrewwh I want another Eragon book T_T

[Sic Transit Gloria]

I'm not entirely sure about "true hero", but he is a hero. Even though he did lop off the head of the dwarf king...of his own free will.

Mostly, though, he is a good guy, just under the wrong control. I expect we'll see him again in the next book of the series...if it ever gets here.

[Ruby]

I think Eragon was still the hero. (view spoiler)[ what with Murtagh going evil, I don't feel that pressed to say that he was the hero who saved the day (hide spoiler)]. The series is about Eragon and his transformation into the hero. Maybe a little cliche, but he did lead and in the end be the one to actually save the kingdom from Galbatorix. But I still like Murtagh.

[Amanda-I dream of a gallant southern gentleman watching the sunset]

Yes!!!!!! Finally, someone who understands! I always tell my friends that, but they always say, no, the hero is eragon. After all, he was the one who killed Galbatorix. But it wouldn't have been possible without Murtagh. If you think about it, Galbatorix's defeat would have been possible, even with just Murtagh and Nasuada. And Arya, to kill shruikan.

[Anna]

I think Ruby is right about Eragon being "the" hero, as he is the protagonist.
But, I also agree that Murtagh is a hero. I think it actually took more for him to fight Galbatorix than it took Eragon to do so.
(view spoiler)[ Eragon had all the Eldunari behind him, and only had to struggle against Galbatorix's magic in the final fight, while Murtagh was enslaved by the king and forced to swear fealty. Therefore, even the smallest acts of defiance from Murtagh actually cost more for him than "bigger" acts from Eragon, in my opinion. (hide spoiler)] Echo, I do agree with what you're saying.
(view spoiler)[However, as much as it upset me that Murtagh couldn't be with Nasuada in the end, I think he NEEDED to go off with Thorn. All his life, Murtagh has been controlled by someone or other. He needs time away, to regroup. (hide spoiler)]

[Hot Chocolate Confessions]

I think this is the only book where the main character is not my favorite person in the book. Murtagh is AWESOME! I cannot express how excited I am to read more about him in the next book.

[Katherine]

Eragon is the protagonist, but that does not necessarily mean the "hero." Although in the book Eragon did do much to defeat the empire, he still did horrible things. He killed many people and in the process hurt the people the victims loved. Yet, Murtagh did the same, and he is still considered the "villain." Though, unlike Eragon, Murtagh did it out of care for his loved ones. He tried to prevent as many deaths as he could, as with Nausuada and Thorn, but that still led to many other people to die. And as stated earlier in the discussion, Murtagh did increase Eragon's chances of defeating Galbatorix. Overall, Murtagh deserves more credit for what he did and deserves to be more of a hero than Eragon.
As for shipping views...
MURTAGH x NAUSUADA (MURSUADA) ALL THE WAY. Not really Eragon x Arya... ever...
Let's also express our views on this. And I love both Murtagh and Nasuada as characters. They are so well written and they have driven much of the plot forward through out the series. And also (sorry about how this is really long), I can't wait for book 5!!!!!!