Thorn hatches for him. He is an exceptionally skilled swordsman, and has enhanced strength and magic from Galbatorix, as well as Eldunarí (the source of a dragon's being and life force) to enhance his power. Due to his difficult childhood, he has little empathy for others. He has romantic feelings for Nasuada, but does not pursue a relationship as he feels he can never be accepted by society, even after helping to defeat Galbatorix. His name is entirely the author's invention. Murtagh was played by Garrett Hedlund in the film. Galbatorix – the human king and tyrant of the Empire. When his first dragon, Jarnunvösk was killed by Urgals, Galbatorix began a quest for revenge against the Riders which ultimately resulted in their extinction and his rise to power in the human kingdom. He stole a dragon hatchling named Shruikan and bound their minds in a crude approximation of a Rider's bond. He has derived incredible magical strength from the captured souls of dead dragons, the Eldunarí. He is at least 120 years old. He is killed in the final novel. Galbatorix's name means "Big King" in Celtic. He was played by John Malkovich in the film adaptation of Eragon. Nasuada – the daughter of Ajihad and Nadara, human members of the Wandering Tribes. Upon her father's death at the beginning of Eldest, Nasuada becomes leader of the Varden. She is Eragon's liegelord. She is very cunning and trusted by both her people and Eragon, which leads her to become queen of the Empire in Inheritance. Her later decision to force all magic-users to register and be monitored by the government is what drives Eragon to leave Alagaësia. Nasuada was played by Caroline Chikezie in the film version of Eragon. Roran Garrowsson (Stronghammer) – Eragon's cousin and father of Ismira, who grew up with him in Carvahall with Eragon. Roran has an almost obsession with his eventual-wife, Katrina, which leads him to travel with the whole of Carvahall to join the Varden. He becomes an excellent motivational speaker as a result. Although he at first resents his cousin for inciting war and bringing about Garrow's death, the two make up and become quite close. Roran was played by Chris Egan in the film Eragon. Orik Thrifksson (also known as Grimstborith Orik and King Orik) – a dwarf, a member of the clan Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, and the nephew of King Hrothgar.