A Wizard of Earthsea: A Man and His Shadow

Ah, classic fantasy. Feels like it’s been a while since I’ve read one of these. Like visiting your grandparents after a long time.

I knew absolutely nothing about the Wizard of Earthsea series going into this. Nothing beyond the fact that it was classic fantasy. Having grown up on the genre, that was all I needed to hear. I’ve got a massive soft spot in my heart for the classics.

Question was: is there room in that spot for this one?

Before earning his true name, Ged always had a strong affinity for magic. After saving his village from a raiding party, he is taken in by Ogion, the Mage of Re Albi, to further hone his knowledge of the arcane. This apprenticeship quickly falls through, and the impatient, power-hungry Ged embarks for the Island of Roke to learn more powerful spells. Here, he earns the name Sparrowhawk, and a reputation to go along with it. But when he tries to prove himself to his peers, Ged casts a spell too powerful for his own good, unleashing a nameless shadow upon the world. Now the young Mage must find a way to overcome this darkness, lest it consume him.

This book is classic fantasy through and through. For better and for worse. Much of the story is told via telling rather than showing, which can make the narrative somewhat dull to follow at times. However, Ursula K. Le Guin’s incredible pros more than make up for it, at least for me. It feels very much like a classic fairy tale, and it gives me a warm nostalgic feeling.

I can offer the same praise for the world. Earthsea is a simple but beautiful setting, an archipelago full of mages, dragons, witches, magic artifacts, and adventure. Brief as my time in it was, I enjoyed it quite a bit! I’m looking forward to seeing more of it in the books to come.

Of course, a good story needs a good main character. Luckily, Ged makes for a solid leading man. At the beginning, he’s an arrogant, impatient brat. But when he serves himself an unhealthy serving of humble pie, he becomes a significantly more likable and intriguing protagonist. Rather than overcoming his problems with magical might, he takes to using his cunning and intellect. He defeats dragons not by shooting magic, but by striking a bargain.

After shooting magic at the babies. Man’s not above clubbing baby seals when said babies are trying to burn him to death.

If I have one major complaint, it’s the ending. It felt very abrupt and jarring. No climax, no falling action, it just kinda ends. I spaced out for a bit while listening to the audio book, then the next thing I knew, Audible was telling me it hoped I enjoyed the program!

Rob Inglis did a fantastic job as the narrator, in case you’re curious.

‘A Wizard of Earthsea‘ is like fantasy comfort food. It isn’t especially complex or impressive. But god damn, if it doesn’t taste good and make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Not to mention it’s a fairly short read; I got through the whole audio book in one shift at work. If you want some cozy fantasy to spend a day with, this is a great choice!

Before we go, I must ask: was the Ghibli adaptation any good? I only just remembered that it existed. That, and people really don’t like it. But surely it can’t be that bad, right? Or is it, like, animated Lord of the Rings bad?

Honestly, I’m not sure which would have me more curious…