Durza

Durza is a Shade, one of the antagonists of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy. He is the chief antagonist in Eragon. He is described as having maroon-coloured hair and eyes.

Background

Durza was born Carsaib (pronounced car-say; the "b" is silent). Early in his life, he was member of a nomadic tribe. Carsaib and his parents were abandoned by the tribe when Carsaib's father was accused of being an "oathbreaker". Following his parents' deaths, Carsaib found his way into the desert and was discovered by Haeg, a sorcerer, who taught Carsaib how to use spirits and spells.

Haeg was murdered by bandits, and, in his rage over his mentor's death, Carsaib summoned up avenging spirits too powerful to control. The spirits took possession of his mind and body, transforming him into the Shade named Durza.

He is described in the book as having maroon-coloured hair and eyes, pointed teeth, and skin as thin as parchment, "stretched over a skull to give the imitation of life" (citation needed).

Abilities

Durza, being a Shade, has incredible powers of magic. He is able to wield control over the Urgals through linking spirits. He is also powerful enough to defeat Arya and quite possibly Saphira, yet he is weaker than Galbatorix.

Role in Eragon

Template:Spoiler Durza is first introduced in the prelude of Eragon, Shade of Fear, when he attacks Arya, an Elf, in an attempt to steal the dragon egg she guards. He is able to capture her, but not before Arya teleports the egg to the Spine, where it is found by Eragon. Eragon later encounters Durza in Gil'ead. They have a brief physical battle, and Eragon realizes that he does not have nearly enough strength to defeat the Shade. Fortunately, Durza is disembodied when Murtagh shoots him between the eyes, but he does not die. Later, during the battle of Farthen Dûr, Eragon is forced to duel with Durza once again, and this time the two of them use magic and mental powers. As they fight, Eragon breaks into Durza's mind and, unwillingly, sees visions and flashes of Durza's life. As he absorbs these images, Durza charges and wounds Eragon heavily before Arya and Saphira are able to distract Durza. Eragon seizes the opportunity and strikes Durza in the heart, killing him once and for all. As Durza dies, three dark spirits leave his body, releasing the Urgals from his controlling link.

Eragon does not escape unscathed from his deed; Durza's memories continue to plague Eragon's mind until Oromis, or "The Cripple Who Is Whole", intervenes. In addition, Eragon bears a long, agonising scar on his back, similar to that borne by Murtagh, which pains him for many months. In Eldest, the scar is finally removed by magical means.

Other

Durza's sword is marred by a long scratch upon the blade, a reminder of the time Ajihad, leader of the Varden, tried to kill him. Durza is depicted as the antagonist in a poem Eragon writes for the Blood-Oath Celebration; the poem receives much acclaim from the Elves and an honored place in one of their institutions.