The Elvish Way: An Antispeciesist Reading of Eldest

Abstract

This article considers that the novel Eldest (2008) by Christopher Paolini functions as an ideological product that criticises the existence of speciesism. Moreover, it is a pedagogical tool that promotes a more respectful relationship with non-human animals. This fact lies on the promotion of antispeciesist values without ignoring the complexities and contradictions that emerge in diverse realities. Following the concept of speciesism as proposed by Peter Singer, the article explores three issues. First, the condition of dwarves, humans and dragons as representations of the speciesist majority. Second, the community of elves as the representation of an alternative antispeciesist minority. Finally, Eragon’s process of education and change as a pedagogical instrument that promotes antispeciesism.