The Witch

Lore & Background

Tales from Earthsea attempts to redress the balance of power. The source discloses that the Roke school was originally established by women who were later excluded. It also reveals that Ogion, Ged's mentor, learned magic from a master who had in turn learned from an 'unauthorised' woman mage. Stories in the collection feature strong women challenging male dominance.

In Their Own Story

The source describes 'Dragonfly', a story set on the estate of Iria where a woman realizes she has power more than that of a witch. In this tale, a 'wise witch' tells the naive young Dragonfly that power is about control over other people. The wizards at Roke deny women can be wizards even though they founded the school.

Reader's Guide

According to the source, female magic was historically despised and limited by gender roles. However, later stories in Tales from Earthsea reveal a different history: women founded Roke but were excluded. Characters like Dragonfly challenge the old order, where wizards demanded abstinence from sex and denied women's power, while figures like Anieb in 'The Finder' work secretly to destroy evil forces.

Did You Know?

• The Earthsea proverb states: 'Weak as women's magic, wicked as women's magic'.
• The Roke school was originally established by women who were later excluded from it.
• Ogion, Ged's tutor, learned his magic from a master who had in turn learned from an 'unauthorised' woman mage.
• In the story 'Dragonfly', a wise witch explains to the protagonist that power is about control over other people.