Menoas Price: What Eragon Gave in Return in the Inheritance Cycle

Introduction

The Inheritance Cycle, a fantasy series by Christopher Paolini, revolves around the journey of a young boy named Eragon who discovers he is a dragon rider. Central to this journey is a significant event where Eragon interacts with the ancient and powerful Menoa Tree. But the question of what exactly Eragon gave in return to Menoa has sparked considerable debate among fans. This article delves into the nature of this interaction, exploring various theories and drawing conclusions based on the existing information.

What Price Did Eragon Pay?

In the story, Eragon does not directly give anything material to the Menoa Tree. Instead, the tree asked if Eragon would and it was his willingness and his desperation that convinced her to give him his brightsteel. The Menoa Tree is described as thousands of years old, and a mere tree. Given her immense age and power, it is difficult to imagine what Eragon could offer that she might find valuable or necessary.

Moreover, the Menoa Tree still retains the power to ask for anything she needs. No matter how much Eragon may have given her, she still has the ability to request more at any time. This point underscores the possibility that the men’s interaction could involve a more abstract or mystical transaction rather than a tangible one.

Possible Theories

Nevertheless, speculation still exists. Some theories propose that Menoa Tree could have taken something from Eragon:

Energy Transaction: One theory suggests that the Menoa Tree took some kind of energy from within Eragon. This could involve a spiritual or magical energy, which would align with her divinity and age. Reproductive Abilities: Another theory posits that Menoa Tree took away Eragon's ability to have children. This aligns with the tree's subsequent command to Eragon and the feeling of tingle in his lower body that he experienced. This theory is supported by the Tree's final command, "go," which meant for Eragon to leave and not return, and the sensation of losing reproductive capabilities. Changing Fate: The theory that the Menoa Tree altered Eragon's fate is also possible. This could explain his departure from Alagasia, which he did in the last book, and his inability to remain in the land.

Next, we explore why it is unclear what Eragon gave Menoa, and consider the author's silence.

Official Silence and Theories

Officially, there is no known answer to what exactly Eragon gave Menoa Tree. Christopher Paolini himself has stated that revealing it would spoil his next book, which follows the Inheritance Cycle. Therefore, the author has not confirmed what, if anything, Eragon gave to Menoa.

Despite the uncertainty, several theories have emerged. For instance, it is possible that the Menoa Tree removed Eragon's ability to remain in Alagasia by altering his fate. This fits with the subsequent command "go," and the tingle in his lower body, implying a loss of reproductive capabilities.

Another theory suggests that the Menoa Tree took away a form of energy from Eragon, perhaps a benign energy that is significant to a tree of her age and power.

Alternatively, it is also plausible that Paolini is deliberately misdirecting readers and that no transaction occurred. This theory claims that any further speculation is mere fan guesswork.

Further Insights

When the Menoa Tree said "go," it meant for Eragon to leave and never return, which he did. Additionally, Eragon felt a tingle in his lower body, which indicated a loss of his reproductive abilities. This can be seen as a significant sacrifice on Eragon's part, aligning with the themes of sacrifice and growth in the Inheritance Cycle.

Moreover, Christopher Paolini is currently working on some books about Eragon after the series ended. These new books might provide more insight into the Menoa Tree and the events that transpired, possibly revealing whether Eragon gave something to the tree and what it might have been.

As of now, the mystery surrounding Eragon's sacrifice to the Menoa Tree remains a subject of great speculation and interest among fans of the Inheritance Cycle. The true nature of the transaction, if any, may only be revealed by the author in future works.

For now, the Menoa Tree and the sacrifice of Eragon remain a fascinating and enigmatic chapter in the series.