The Lord of the Rings influenced The Inheritance Cycle

LOTR influence is evident in:

• A medieval secondary world populated by elves, dwarves, dragons, and ancient languages.
• A young, reluctant hero (Eragon) embarking on a world-changing quest.
• A wise mentor (Brom) who echoes aspects of Gandalf.
• An ancient Dark Lord (Galbatorix) whose shadow looms over the story.
• The use of invented languages and detailed world-building.
• Etc