The Spine was a mountain range that ran down the west coast of Alagaësia. It had only one major pass, along the Toark River, which isolated the coast. Most people in the Broddring Empire feared the Spine and the danger it represented, especially since Galbatorix lost nearly half his army in it against the Urgals, during his campaign against the Dragon Riders. After this incident, hardly anyone dared to venture near to this dangerous mountain range.