A Wizard of Earthsea

by

Ursula K. Le Guin

Ged’s aunt is a witch from the isle of Gont. She mostly performs herbal cures and healings and simple spells meant to herd animals. However, when she recognizes potential in the young Ged (known in his childhood days as Duny), she begins instructing him in the art of binding spells and the use of true names to control other beings. Ged’s aunt is a formative figure in his younger years—though he hungers for power and knowledge far greater than what she can give him.
Get the entire A Wizard of Earthsea LitChart as a printable PDF.
A Wizard of Earthsea PDF

Ged’s Aunt Character Timeline in A Wizard of Earthsea

The timeline below shows where the character Ged’s Aunt appears in A Wizard of Earthsea. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
One day, when Duny is a boy of seven, he hears his mother’s sister —a local witch and herbalist—command a herd of goats by crying out a rhyme to... (full context)
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
...away from the herd, but they follow him through the village. Hearing the commotion, Duny’s aunt emerges from her hut and speaks a single word to the goats. They are released... (full context)
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
Cosmic Balance Theme Icon
To make sure Duny follows her directive, Duny’s aunt creates a spell that will bind his tongue until she permits him to speak, and... (full context)
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
Cosmic Balance Theme Icon
...birds out of the sky with ease. He is so hungry for the knowledge his aunt possesses that he does anything she asks of him. Duny has reverence for what his... (full context)
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
Cosmic Balance Theme Icon
...in the wake of the battle, and he seems unable to hear or speak. His aunt assesses him and tells the others that he has overspent his power—she can do nothing... (full context)
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Identity and the Shadow Self Theme Icon
...dip in the cold river Ar just outside the village. On the near bank, his aunt takes his name from him. On the far bank, as the boy emerges from the... (full context)