Tales From Earthsea

Tales From Earthsea is the fifth book in the Earthsea series. This is an interesting addition to the series for those who have been following the characters round the archepelago of Earthsea for the last four books. It offers insight, further stories and a historical background for the events of Earthsea. It is not essential to read the other books but you will appreciate it more if you have.

The first tale is called The Finder. It gives a background to how the school of magic on the Isle of Roke was started. It is the story of Otter during a dark period in the history of Earthsea. Otter has the gift of magic but is captured and forced to work in a mine. He is made to use his magic as a seeker for quicksilver. Tormented and bound by the Pirate King’s chief wizard, Otto is powerless to escape until someone reaches out to him.

The next story is Darkrose and Diamond. This is a romance. A young wizard turns his back on magic and follows music insead.

The following story is called The Bones of the Earth. This is set on the island of Gont. It tells the story of the wizard Dulse and his apprentice Ogion. This links in with the other books as Ogion was Ged’s teacher. It tells of Dulce’s sacrifice to save Gont and who taught him the magic for his to perform the necessary magic.

Next up is On the High Marsh. This tells the story of a once powerful wizard who has found himself having to lead a simpler life as an animal healer. A story of humility.

We then have Dragonfly. This brings us back into the period of the previous books. Roke is still without an Archmage. Dragonfly is a girl who has been told she has a gift. No one can say what the gift is though. Such is the power she has that when she comes to Roke she is not challenged by the Doorkeeper when entering the school of magic. A realm that has been the preserve of men. In some way this is the most intriguing tale as it impacts on the world as we have come to know it. It brings in the concept of power and its manipulation to bring about change.

The book finishes with A Description of Earthsea. This gives a background and culture of the islands of Earthsea. It shed light on the early history, back to a time when there was a shared origon between humans and dragons and how they subsequently chose different paths.

This is for those who like that Tolkienesque concept of expanding and explaining the universe they have lovingly created. A world that has no boundaries save our imagination.