Galbatorix: Difference between revisions
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==Portrayal in film== |
==Portrayal in film== |
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[[John Malkovich]] plays Galbatorix in the [[Eragon (film)|film adaptation of ''Eragon'']]. Although the character does not appear in the book, ''[[Eragon]]'', he is placed in the movie so as to expand the character for the film's own purposes. Some reviewers, such as azcentral.com, criticized Malkovich's portrayal of Galbatorix |
[[John Malkovich]] plays Galbatorix in the [[Eragon (film)|film adaptation of ''Eragon'']]. Although the character does not appear in the book, ''[[Eragon]]'', he is placed in the movie so as to expand the character for the film's own purposes. Some reviewers, such as azcentral.com, criticized Malkovich's portrayal of Galbatorix <ref>http://www.azcentral.com/ent/movies/articles/1215eragon1215.html.</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 12:58, 25 December 2008
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Template:Inheritance Character box
Galbatorix is the primary antagonist of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance cycle. He is an immensely powerful Dragon Rider and the King of The Empire, which rules over a large portion of Alagaësia. Galbatorix has yet to appear in person in the series, but he is integral to the plot. His status is almost legendary due to his age and title as a Dragon Rider.
Description
Abilities
Galbatorix is possibly the most powerful being in all of Alagaësia. His power is feared by all races, and no single being in existence has proven itself his equal. Galbatorix's power has expanded boundlessly since he rebelled against the Dragon Riders, a phenomenon that puzzles many inhabitants of Alagaësia. It is revealed in Brisingr that Galbatorix's strength comes from Eldunari; an organ within dragons that holds a dragon's mind and strength (although only if they choose to expel it from their body). It is speculated by Oromis that Galbotrix has seized several hundred Eldunari and broken the will of each mind within, forcing them to lend their power to him. During the battle of Gil'ead, Galbatorix shows the ability to possess others, demonstrated by his possession of Murtagh.[1]
Appearances in the books
History
Galbatorix was born in the now defunct province Inzilbêth. He was physically tested at the age of ten (it is uncertain, but this must have been the time a Dragon's egg hatched for him), and was found to have great strength. With training, Galbatorix rapidly grew more powerful, and soon surpassed all other Dragon Riders in skill.
Because of his gifts, the Riders soon allowed Galbatorix into their ranks. The foolhardy young Rider journeyed into the lands of Urgals with two fellow dragon riders, believing that they were strong enough to defend themselves. The group was ambushed in their sleep, and his friends were killed, along with their dragons. Galbatorix, however, survived and retaliated against the Urgals. During his retaliation an arrow pierced and killed his dragon, Jarnunvosk.
Alone and driven mad by his grief, Galbatorix traveled by foot through the desolate land, praying that he would die and join his lost partner. He became so ghastly that the Urgals and other beings fled from him upon sight. He traveled through The Spine; a deadly mountain range where even the fiercest dare not go. A farmer found him collapsed near the edge of the mountains and summoned the Dragon Riders, who took him back to their stronghold and revived him.
Once healed, Galbatorix demanded another Dragon from the council at Doru Areaba, the Riders' capital. The council, however, saw the madness and desperation of his plea, and Galbatorix was firmly denied another Dragon egg. In his vulnerable and twisted state, Galbatorix blamed the Riders' for his dragon's death.
He convinced another Dragon Rider to join his cause, and, using dark secrets he had learned from a Shade, he and his new cohort slew an Elder. Galbatorix then turned on his ally and killed him as well. After this, Galbatorix fled into the wastelands. Many years passed and the searches eventually ceased. Eventually, Morzan, a Rider highly accomplished in combat yet morally weak, came across Galbatorix. Galbatorix convinced Morzan to help him sneak into Ilirea (now Urû'baen). Morzan complied, and Galbatorix was able to steal a dragon hatchling from the fort city by killing its Rider and twisting the young dragon's mind with dark magic, therefore ensuring that it would not die after the deceased - but true - Rider.
Galbatorix and Morzan waited until their powers were strong enough and Galbatorix's new dragon, named Shruikan and black in color, was fully grown before they began their all-out attack on the Dragon Riders. During the war, twelve corrupt Dragon Riders joined Galbatorix, out of promises of power or the desire for glory. These twelve riders and Morzan became the Thirteen Forsworn. With the help of these maniacal disciples, Galbatorix began the slaughter of all other Dragon Riders.
The Dwarves and Elves fought bitterly, but were defeated. The Dwarves realized Galbatorix's imminent victory and retreated to their caves, sealing themselves away from the rest of the world. They completely blocked off all entrances to their tunnels. The Elves kept on fighting, but they eventually went into hiding as well.
Vrael, leader of the Dragon Riders, was the only rider with the strength to resist Galbatorix. In a duel in front of the gates of Doru Areaba, Vrael defeated Galbatorix, but hesitated to kill him. Galbatorix took advantage of this and wounded Vrael. Vrael fled to the Utgard Mountains to regain his strength, but Galbatorix found him and beheaded him. Following this, Galbatorix and the Forsworn assaulted Urû'baen and murdered the rightful King. Galbatorix then appointed himself King of Alagaësia and established The Empire.
By the time of Eragon, a century after Galbatorix's rise to power, Galbatorix's rule encompasses most of the western portion of Alagaësia. He watches over this vast territory from Urû'baen, his capital, and his reign is marked by injustice, slavery, poverty, and corruption.
In Eldest, Galbatorix sends his army out to destroy Surda and the Varden. Along with this army, he sends his new Dragon Rider and Dragon, both of whom he controls through knowledge of their true names (see the Ancient Language). This captive Rider is Murtagh, son of Morzan, and Murtagh's ruby-red dragon Thorn. In a duel with Eragon and Saphira, Murtagh reveals Galbatorix's plans: he wants Saphira, the last female dragon in existence, to mate with either of the two last young males - Thorn, or the emerald-green Dragon who has not yet hatched - and rebuild the race. In this way, Galbatorix hopes to re-establish the Riders, under his own control. Through the Riders, Galbatorix could dominate all parts of Alagaësia and rule for centuries more.
In Brisingr, Galbatorix still does not make a physical appearance. However, during The Battle of Feinster Galbatorix's presence is witnessed (albeit through the mind of Glaedr, whose Eldunari Eragon and Saphira possess) in person for the first time when he possesses Murtagh. Galbatorix attempts to convince Oromis and Glaedr to join him, taking on a benevolent demeanor and admitting his mistakes. However, this new found repentance is shown to be a farce, for after Oromis rejects his offer he reverts to his true malicious self. Through Murtagh's body, Galbatorix kills Oromis, and Thorn subsequently kills Glaedr.
Portrayal in film
John Malkovich plays Galbatorix in the film adaptation of Eragon. Although the character does not appear in the book, Eragon, he is placed in the movie so as to expand the character for the film's own purposes. Some reviewers, such as azcentral.com, criticized Malkovich's portrayal of Galbatorix [2]