A Wizard of Earthsea

by

Ursula K. Le Guin

Yarrow Character Analysis

Vetch’s younger sister Yarrow is a girl of 14. Though she is young, she is brave, precocious, and whip-smart. She has faith in Ged and Vetch’s ability to conquer anything together, and she wholeheartedly supports their journey together to the ends of the earth. Yarrow’s true name, Vetch reveals to Ged, is Kest—the word, in the Old Speech, for “minnow.” Like a wily minnow, Yarrow is quick, darting, and capable.
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Yarrow Character Timeline in A Wizard of Earthsea

The timeline below shows where the character Yarrow appears in A Wizard of Earthsea. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 9
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Duty and Destiny Theme Icon
Vetch introduces Ged to the young woman beside him: she is his sister, Yarrow, a girl of 14 who wears a miniature but live dragon as a bracelet. Together... (full context)
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
Cosmic Balance Theme Icon
...goes out to attend to some errands before he leaves with Ged. Ged stays with Yarrow and Vetch’s younger brother, Murre, and delights in their company. Yarrow prepares food for Vetch... (full context)
Duty and Destiny Theme Icon
...he is, as a wizard, a servant, he is not their servant. Vetch, Ged, and Yarrow head down to the port. Yarrow stands watching from the docks as Ged and Vetch,... (full context)
Chapter 10
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Knowledge and Patience vs. Power and Pride Theme Icon
Identity and the Shadow Self Theme Icon
...world “for a shadow.” The only thing that brings Ged comfort is his thoughts of Yarrow. He tells Vetch how much he admires his whip-smart sister, who is like an uncatchable... (full context)
Coming of Age Theme Icon
Identity and the Shadow Self Theme Icon
...After docking their boat, they wind through the streets of town toward Vetch’s house, where Yarrow, joyful, is waiting to meet them. (full context)