Eragon And Back Again

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 dream

• Darien 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 [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 Hero

Lucy 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 Inspiration

• Darien 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 Heart

Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 Inspiration

• Lucy acknowledges the value of unwavering pettiness. 

• Darien sings the praises of Milicent Patrick and The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O'Meara

Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 Inspiration

• Darien wants everyone to know that Hades 2 is good. 

• Lucy finds inspiration with Moonlight Cottage ASMR https://youtube.com/@moonlightcottageasmr?si=5RdXW9nZefarcWDl

Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 Inspiration

• Lucy 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 [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 Inspiration

• Darien 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 [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 is not okay right now.

Lucy and Darien get a crash course in elven etiquette in Eldest chapter 19, “Arya Svit-kona” and 20, “Ceris.” 

Talking points include Arya crashing out, learning new words, exploring alternatives to avoiding long-held grudges, Eragon's “new” feelings, theorizing about the emotional regulation skills of elves, the evolutionary implications of dwarves having 14 toes, and a darker interpretation of Arya rushing the dwarves companions away. 

Sparks of Inspiration

• Lucy reflects on her recent experience entering a writing contest.

• Darien discusses accidentally cosplaying Katniss Everdeen when making an Ares lip sync video.

Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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 Inspiration

• Darien 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=d139a44f43c4450b

Share your Sparks of Inspiration or your thoughts about Eragon with us on Instagram ⁠⁠@EragonPod⁠⁠ or send an email to [email protected] (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/EABA

Cover art by Luana Pastor

No 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.