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A Wizard of Earthsea

A Wizard of Earthsea is a fantasy novel by American author Ursula K.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A Wizard of Earthsea is a fantasy novel by American author Ursula K. Le Guin, first published in 1968. Set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea, it follows the coming-of-age of the mage Ged and is widely regarded as a classic of fantasy and children's literature.

Plot

The novel follows Ged from his early magical talent on Gont to his education at the school on Roke, where a reckless act unleashes a shadow creature that pursues him. His journey becomes a struggle toward self-knowledge, balance, and mastery over the shadow.

Publication and series context

A Wizard of Earthsea was published in 1968 and became the first book in Le Guin's Earthsea cycle. Later Earthsea books expanded the setting and continued or revisited related characters and themes.

Themes and style

The novel is noted for themes of balance, language, names, power, and responsibility. It is also frequently discussed as an influential example of fantasy and young adult literature.

Key facts

  • It is the first novel in Le Guin's Earthsea series.
  • The story centers on Ged, a young mage from the island of Gont.
  • The novel is often described as a coming-of-age story, or bildungsroman.
  • It was first published by the small press Parnassus in 1968.
  • The book is widely considered influential within modern fantasy literature.
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Canadian context

The novel has been widely read in English-language literary studies and fantasy circles in Canada, where Le Guin is commonly taught and discussed as a major 20th-century speculative fiction writer.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote A Wizard of Earthsea?
It was written by Ursula K. Le Guin.
When was A Wizard of Earthsea published?
It was first published in 1968.
What is A Wizard of Earthsea about?
It follows Ged, a young mage from Gont, as he learns wizardry and confronts a shadow he unleashes.
Is A Wizard of Earthsea part of a series?
Yes. It is the first novel in the Earthsea Cycle.
What genre is A Wizard of Earthsea?
It is generally classified as fantasy, children's literature, and a bildungsroman.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Wizard_of_Earthsea
    Supports: Author, first publication year, setting, main character, and general significance.
  2. LitCharts — https://www.litcharts.com/lit/a-wizard-of-earthsea
    Supports: Genre, setting, plot outline, and bildungsroman classification.
  3. Literary Encyclopedia — https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=11786
    Supports: Publication context and series position as the first Earthsea novel.
  4. Ursula K. Le Guin official site — https://www.ursulakleguin.com/on-earthsea-mahy
    Supports: Ged as the central character and the novel's role in the Earthsea stories.
  5. Folio Society — https://www.foliosociety.com/row/a-wizard-of-earthsea
    Supports: Title, publication year, and status as the first Earthsea book.