83 pages • 2 hours read
Ursula K. Le GuinA Wizard of Earthsea
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1968A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
First published in 1968, Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea follows Ged, a young man in training to be a wizard, as he embarks on a necessary journey of self-discovery and self-mastery. It is the first in a series of six novels aimed at young-adult readers. Throughout the novel, Ged receives magical training, attends a wizard school, and embarks on a quest to mitigate an evil shadow he accidentally unleashes into the world. The novel explores themes of power, responsibility, agency, and the uncanny double, using symbols such as light, dark, names, and the ocean to bring the fantastical world of Earthsea to life. The narrative touches on complexities including family dynamics, mentorship, rivalry, and the struggle for self-acceptance.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea is lauded for its rich world-building, thoughtful prose, and deep philosophical undertones. Readers appreciate the character development of Ged and the exploration of identity and balance. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative less action-driven than typical fantasy novels. Overall, it's a beloved classic of the genre.
Who Should Read A Wizard of Earthsea?
Readers who enjoy A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin often appreciate intricate world-building, coming-of-age tales, and rich mythological elements. Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia will find similar enchantment and depth in Le Guin’s storytelling.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
1150L