Vanir the Swordsman is an elf who practiced swordplay with Eragon Shadeslayer. Before Eragon's transformation, Vanir easily bested him. Vanir often spoke against Eragon, saying there would be others who were better suited for being a rider. After Eragon's transformation, Vanir lost to Eragon and broke his wrist. He insisted Eragon not heal his wrist, saying that it would be a reminder that he fought Eragon Shadeslayer.