The final passage of the novel proves that Ged’s journey throughout the story was never about pride, glory, or fame. This journey has been an intensely personal one, necessary even though in the scope of things it brings no additional pride or glory upon Ged’s name. This final passage hints that though Ged will ultimately achieve the greatness he once imagined for himself in his youth, this early, private adventure is perhaps the most important part of his entire story. The thankless, personal, quiet parts of a person’s life, Le Guin suggests, are the most important.