Eldest

Isidar Mithrim is a “great star sapphire […] sixty feet across and carved in the shape of a rose” (3) and although it does not appear directly in Eldest, its mention introduces significant symbolism into Christopher Paolini’s series as a whole. The ancient gem was originally placed in the ceiling of the main hall in Tronjheim, the Dwarven city where the novel begins, and the gem also has strong ties to the city’s history and cultural legacy. At the end of Eragon, Arya is forced to destroy it so that Eragon can defeat Durza. Although this act enables the Varden to win the battle, the Dwarves are angered by Arya’s decision to destroy such a treasure. Throughout the events of Eldest, the shattered sapphire therefore symbolizes the end of an era of relative peace and the beginning of open conflict against Galbatorix. The memory of its destruction also hints at the sacrifices that must be made in order to win the war. However, Saphira later promises King Hrothgar that she will restore the gem to its former glory, and her words emphasize Saphira and Eragon’s unifying role in the upcoming war as they set out to restore peace in the empire.