Eragon And Back Again

The Raz'ac are basically mosquitoes, right?Darien and Lucy discuss just one chapter with Eldest chapter 41, "The Nature of Evil.”  Talking points include this jerk Vanir,  Saphira having Eragon’s back, interrogating what is acceptable in war, never justifying one's own actions based off what someone else might do, magic lessons, evidence that the Twins were definitely traitors, and a very upsetting round of 20 Questions about the Raz'ac. Sparks of Inspiration Lucy was inspired to strive for immersive world building while visiting Disneyland!Darien loves all the characters in Love Through a Prism. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to our bonus episode about The Legend of Zelda and When Women Were Dragons by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Eragon, you're so sixteen…Lucy and Darien would like Eragon to chill out, please, in chapter 38, "Resurgence," chapter 39, “Why Do You Fight?” and chapter 40, “Black Morning Glory.” Talking points include placement of dragon scales, lessons in meditation, Eragon getting knocked down a peg, and Saphira taking a turn on the Embarrass Yourself Ride before Eragon hopes right back on. Content Warning: This episode contains description of excessive alcohol consumption.Sparks of Inspiration Darien reminds everyone they should read Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Lucy started reading Circe by Madeline Miller and she's having a great time!Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to our bonus episode about Quest for Camelot and When Women Were Dragons by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

It's all about lace.Darien and Lucy are so excited to spend time with Nasuada in chapter 35, “A Maze of Opposition,” chapter 36, “Hanging by a Thread,” and chapter 37, “Elva.”Talking points include Darien struggling to remember which British male fantasy writer to credit for a piece of writing advice, how to actually address crime in a community, Nasuada’s fear of magic, a brilliant solution to a complicated problem, and catching up with that baby Eragon accidentally cursed.Sparks of Inspiration Lucy is inspired by an incredibly vivid dreamDarien plugs The Dragons' Keep again and praises Kelly Barnhill’s When Women Were Dragons.Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to our bonus episode about Quest for Camelot and When Women Were Dragons by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Saphira has a crush.Lucy and Darien have SEEN TOO MUCH in chapter 34, “The Secret Lives of Ants,” and chapter 35, “Under the Menoa Tree.”Talking points include Saphira being so basic by having a crush on her teacher, speculating on dragon genes and scale color genetics, reading way too much into Eragon having no one to teach him how to shave, Eragon being weirdly voyeuristic, Arya having destinations in mind, and an extensive lecture on why AI is bad, for real. Sparks of Inspiration Darien has FINALLY read This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. It's as good as everyone says…Lucy appreciates the large cast and vibrant settings of Hades 2. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to our dragon bonus episodes by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

We need to stop describing disabled characters as “useless.”Darien and Lucy are joined by Cache the Dog in chapter 33, “On the Crags of Tel'nae'r.”Talking points include the relief of no longer being alone, the EABA commitment to disagree with canon we don't like, manifesting the Disney+ show, Orik being totally responsible actually, examining the reoccurring ableism in the text, a little bit of Brom backstory, and a very indignant Pomeranian Yorkie making his displeasure known in the background (we're sorry). Sparks of Inspiration Lucy enjoys the energy to dedicate to creative pursuits and crafting an improved character backstory.Darien loves Devin Elle Kurtz’s The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake.Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to our bonus episode about The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Peak Folk HeroLucy and Darien are ready to answer the call in chapter 29, “Conviction,” chapter 30, “Repercussions,” and chapter 31, “Exodus.”Talking points include the cousins having different days, Roran’s growing resentment of Eragon, a study in character conviction, an incredible call to action, and a casual reminder of the political and moral stance of the hosts (with an invitation to find free entertainment elsewhere if needed).Sparks of InspirationDarien recommends all makers read Every Tool's a Hammer: Life is What You Make It by Adam Savage Lucy shouts out the interesting dragon lore in Emma Hamm’s Fire HeartShare your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to bonus episodes about The Legend of Zelda and Spirited Away by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Arya’s secret is out! Darien and Lucy discover some secrets of the elves Eldest chapter 27, “Queen Islanzadí,” and chapter 28, “Out of the Past.”Talking points include the big reveal, Arya being manipulated into forgiveness, Eragon’s ever-present crush, a new werecat friend, the weight of inheritance, Orik being a Grade-A friend, and ANOTHER DRAGON?!Sparks of InspirationLucy acknowledges the value of unwavering pettiness. Darien sings the praises of Milicent Patrick and The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O'MearaShare your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to bonus episodes about The Legend of Zelda and Spirited Away by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Arya has a secret. Darien and Lucy go deeper into the woods in Eldest chapter 24, “Arrow to the Heart,” chapter 25, “The Dagshelgr Invocation,” and chapter 26, “The Pinewood City.”Talking points include the best strategy for world building/info dumping, hammering out the timeline, examining metaphor in the death of the gyrfalcon, a good use of Eragon waking up, a hood not being enough of a disguise, forest orgy, and elven architecture.Sparks of InspirationDarien wants everyone to know that Hades 2 is good. Lucy finds inspiration with Moonlight Cottage ASMR https://youtube.com/@moonlightcottageasmr?si=5RdXW9nZefarcWDlShare your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to bonus episodes about The Legend of Zelda and Spirited Away by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Six days, Roran?!Lucy and Darien are helpless as everything goes wrong in Eldest chapter 23, “His Enemy's Face.” Talking points include reflecting on the first real series impact of inheritance, you, who is holding onto hope, some idle speculation about what Roran and Katrina do off page, the clever chapter title, and Sloane being the worst for real. Sparks of InspirationLucy is creatively inspired by this book! Darien is creatively inspired by listening to “Your Idol” from the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack on repeat. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to bonus episodes about The Legend of Zelda by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Roran becomes the center of attention.Darien and Lucy witness some small town drama in Eldest chapter 21, “Wounds of the Past,” and chapter 22, “Wounds of the Present.” Talking points include the masterfully crafted tension, Sloan being completely out of line, Roran's Big Announcement, Katrina making a choice, taking a sip of tea every time the word “Inheritance” is mentioned, and Darien’s plea to brew your tea properly.Content Warning: This episode includes mentions of cannibalism and domestic violence. Sparks of InspirationDarien raves about Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle.Lucy rekindles her joy of Lord of the Rings with Tales of the Shire. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless at Universal Epic Universe AND listen to bonus episodes about NIMONA and SPIRITED AWAY by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Is there anything more embarrassing than a crush? Darien and Lucy enjoy a river cruise in Eldest chapter 17, “Down the Rushing Mere-Wash” and 18, “Drifting.” Talking points include interpreting Eragon’s definition of a Dragon Rider, interrogating why all magic seems to come from the elves, pondering the name origin of Morzan’s sword, some Misty Mountain vibes, an analysis of a chronic illness and physical disability narrative, and Darien and Lucy laying all the cards on the table about their feelings for the Eragon/Arya ship.Sparks of InspirationDarien found a very cute picture book for her niece and nephew, The Monstore by Tara Lazar and illustrated by James Burk.Lucy sings her love of character creation in TTRPG. Content warning: This episode contains mention of and conversations about violence, bloodshed, child death, and real world wars. Check out Listener Kayla's Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/22mtyom6qve33nsamdjjrpr5y?si=d139a44f43c4450bhttps://open.spotify.com/user/22mtyom6qve33nsamdjjrpr5y?si=d139a44f43c4450bShare your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Snag your own ⁠EABA merch!⁠Help Lucy meet Toothless in Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Roran gets emotionally drunk and pops the question.Diego from Tears of Fire joins Lucy and Darien to watch things get rough for Carvahall in Eldest chapter 15, “Diamonds in the Night,” and 16, “Under a Darkling Sky.” Talking points include shouting out Paolini for his varied female characters, a good, cathartic cry session, analyzing the distinct violence of Sloan, a stark reminder about the importance of vaccines, and Roran having no guidance as he steps into his role as leader. Sparks of InspirationDiego shouts out his friend https://twitch.tv/kaleisblue and the importance of shooting your shot!Lucy has probably celebrated storms before, and she certainly will again. Darien got sucked into Worlds Beyond Number! Explore The Last Dragon Chronicles with Diego at https://open.spotify.com/show/1s4lvy8Qdoz9ZK70YWYKX1?si=4oLlR7OkTJSK2cZJNC8mTwContent warning: This episode contains mention of and conversations about violence, bloodshed, child death, and real world wars. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Help Lucy meet Toothless in Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana Pastor

The unfortunate truth of coral. Darien and Lucy get a crash course in dwarven lore in Eldest chapter 14, “Celbedeil.”Talking points include Eragon needing to broaden his language horizons, Pride being all year long, some very juicy dwarven lore, the struggle to explain what coral is, Darien bringing up Discworld two episodes in a row, further examination of how Paolini frames religious beliefs through the series, and when it’s okay to smack talk someone’s religious beliefs in their our religious temple. Content Warning for conversations about dietary changes and religious intolerance.Sparks of InspirationDarien had a lovely time as a Pride Puzzle Night Competition!Lucy’s been working out with The Fitness Marshall https://www.youtube.com/@TheFitnessMarshallShare your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Help Lucy meet Toothless in Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt.

Eragon can’t even walk into town without causing a riot.Darien and Lucy get a crash course in dwarven lore in Eldest chapter 13, “Az Sweldn rak Anhûin.” Talking points include the co-hosts not being sure if they like Arya, Saphira being so dragon, speculating Eragon’s height, theorizing which fantasy science fiction series Christopher Paloni didn’t read, killer food descriptions, and all kinds of dwarven drama. Sparks of InspirationLucy created a Geode and entered a short story competition! Darien wants everyone to watch K-Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Help Lucy meet Toothless in Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt.

Bones?!Lucy and Darien witness the origin of a local legend in Eldest chapter 11, “Hammer and Tongs,” and chapter 12, “Retaliation.”Talking points include Roran and Eragon having very different days, why Darien will never order bone marrow tacos, the Empire's complete disregard for its people, accepting that the characters are not also the narrators, and how folk heroes are born.Sparks of InspirationDarien sings the praise of Witchings: House of Elephants by Claribel A. Ortega.Lucy had a lot of fun at Gem State Comic Con.Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Help Lucy meet Toothless in Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt.

Hey, where’s Tornac?Darien and Lucy refuse to let the episode change POVs by sticking to delight in the events of Eldest chapter 10, “Hrothgar’s Gift.”Talking points include once again wishing Dragon Riders grew to look that their dragons over time, Eragon belonging to all the races of Alagaësia, trying to figure out where Murtagh’s beloved horse went, Eragon’s relationship to his trauma, and Eragon once again facing an uncertain future. Sparks of InspirationLucy gets to play her favorite GameCube games! Listen to the whole of “Pyrite Town” from the Pokemon Coliseum Soundtrack: https://youtu.be/FxQxXpRDLDU?si=MKtsRzx6eDyrgIGPDarien had a lot of fun at Gem State Comic Con.Towards the end of the episode, Cache the dog got very cross about some folks walking past the house. We’ve attempted to remove the barking from the background to the best of our abilities. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Help Lucy meet Toothless in Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe by supporting the show on Patreon:  ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt.

We're all doomed!!Lucy and Darien delight in the events of Eldest chapter 8, “Fealty” and chapter 9, “A Sorceress, a Snake, and a Scroll.”Talking points include Lucy being a Pisces, acknowledging how long ten minutes really feels like when cheering, speculating on Jörmundur's true motives and nature, just a hot lady shooting her shot, road trip plans, the return of the best character in the series, and the definition of “an appropriate pause.” Sparks of InspirationDarien has a Spark of Inspi-Geode.Lucy crafted another short narrative piece!Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Feel like crying? Here are those cowboy funeral poems recommended by listener, Curtis Moore: https://youtu.be/_OOz3zzYVeM?si=bxCRCouZADAaYZZkhttps://youtu.be/FKThG9IjDwg?si=f-0z-pWaUar0rfzUGet more Eragon and Back Again on Patreon! Enjoy recent episode about D-War at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt.

This podcast has guests?!Darien (she/they) and Lucy (she/her) are joined by a special guest Francesca McMahon (any) for Eldest chapter 6, “Saphira’s Promise,” and chapter 7, “Requiem.” Talking points include making a guest do the chapter summaries, Saphira’s unexpected remorse, the dwarves’ deepening respect for Saphira, speculation on the symbolism behind death rituals, giving Paolini props for knowing how to end a chapter strong, how Nasuada song provides insight into her backstory, and a very unhappy Cache dog barking indignantly in the background cause he had to be in his kennel during recording (sorry). Sparks of InspirationLucy has a Geode this week, breaking out of her writer’s block and creating a new short story about The Deep. Fran sings the praises of Power Rangers (2017) (It’s actually great, y’all.)Darien is inspired by all of her amazing friends, for real. Get More Fran!!Check out their books at https://francescamcmahon.com/publicationListen to their podcast at https://www.instagram.com/bestdamcamppod/Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/adoseoffran/Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Get more Eragon and Back Again on Patreon! Enjoy recent episode about D-War at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

A new point of view character?!Lucy and Darien practice some political intrigue in Eldest chapter 3, “Roran,” and chapter 4, “The Hunted Hunters.”Talking points include a sincere wondering if anyone “gets” the name of the podcast, analyzing why these chapters are seemingly “boring” compared to others, the value of social norms in a fantasy narrative, Katrina being great, how people deserve to worry about normal, everyday kerfuffles, an imbalanced loneliness between cousins, and Roran busting out the SAT words.Sparks of InspirationLucy and Darien are thrilled to discuss Sara Raach’s Go Luck Yourself.Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Get more Eragon and Back Again on Patreon! Enjoy recent episode about D-War at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt. 

Never underestimate Nasuada.Lucy and Darien practice some political intrigue in Eldest chapter 2, “The Council of Elders,” and chapter 3, “Truth Among Friends.” Talking points include how, even though Murtagh dies at the start of Eldest, Paolini wrote a whole prequel book about him and a red dragon, Lucy’s feelings about Eragon attempting to scry Murtagh using a tear, the worst time to deal with chronic pain, the best(?) place to store a dagger, Nasuada being incredible, and Arya subtle strategies to keep Eragon at a distance. Sparks of Inspiration Darien reflects on the value of being comfortable in your creative space. Lucy enjoys rereading John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series. Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to eragonpod@gmail.com (Here it is, Owen!!)Get more Eragon and Back Again on Patreon! Enjoy recent episodes about The Reluctant Dragon (1941) and Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons⁠https://www.patreon.com/EABACover art by Luana PastorNo portion of this episode may be used for AI training purposes or to create derivative works without express written permission from the creators and co-hosts Lucy Hart and Darien Smartt.