The energy shaft was an extremely powerful magic attack created by Dark magic. It was the spell Murtagh used to kill Hrothgar.
Description
Edit
When they wanted to use this magic, the magician would raise their hand and summon their magic. A crackling shaft of destructive energy would then shoot from their palm. The attack was so strong, it could pierce most wards and wipe out entire groups of spellcasters maintaining those wards.
The energy shaft was described as "crackling", and it is probable that an energy shaft would be a rather narrow beam of energy, maybe half as wide as a mans chest. It is possible that the energy shaft affected the internal organs more than the external flesh of the one who was attacked, because when Hrothgar was hit, there were no marks or holes described, and "Hrothgar clutched his heart and toppled to the ground".
UsesEdit
The energy shaft was one of the most powerful examples of magic in the entire Inheritance Cycle. It probably required great strength to use, but Murtagh, who was drawing on the power of the Eldunarí and possibly Thorn as well, did not seem the least bit fatigued after using it.
The real use of the energy shaft, besides simple destruction, was in piercing wards and shields. Even several dwarf magicians joining powers could not stop an energy shaft directed at its target, and were all killed attempting to block it.
Role in the booksEdit
After the Mission in Du Weldenvarden, Durza shot nine bolts of energy at the Urgals under his command because they failed to capture Saphira's egg. Murtagh, after becoming a Dragon Rider, mastered the use of the energy shaft, probably learning it from Galbatorix. During the Battle of the Burning Plains, Murtagh used this dark power to kill Hrothgar, draining several dwarf spellcasters of their energy and killing them as well, albeit unintentionally. Murtagh did not use the power against Eragon when they fought, presumably because Galbatorix did not want him or Saphira dead.
Users of this magicEdit
Confirmed to use energy shafts:
Probably used energy shafts:
