I don't think Ursula Le Guin has ever written a single word more than she needed. She weaves a narrative from the threads of her existence and it creates such a rich tapestry.

Late career Le Guin has clearly made the conscious decision to examine the small, to focus on the individual, on the interactions between a few, to represent the whole of Earthsea. Somehow she manages to make writing about just a single character feel like the most important story in her Earthsea universe at that time. It's in stark contrast to modern fantasy which tends towards a cast of thousands and fight scenes or court intrigue on every page. Le Guin can imbue meaning into the way the wind blows. Earthsea is so rich and steeped in history but she doesn't feel the need to drub you over the head with it. She uses the characters as a lens through which we see snippets of this wider world.

Many modern fantasy writers and critics talk about world building. Writers like Le Guin and Tolkien are true world builders. They don't think about how to build a world, they just write the story they want to tell and the world is built as a by-product. They don't do info dumps (except in the separate Earthsea information at the back of the book). They also don't stop at a map of a world, or a few magic spells. They use everything; language, song, names, patterns, dreams, to create a fully immersive world. So few writers take on songs or dreams, but both Tolkien and Le Guin recognise their power and importance.

Le Guin also refuses to shy away from the tough questions. She has this to say about modern fantasy in the introduction.

"Commodified fantasy takes no risks: it invents nothing, but imitates and trivializes. It proceeds by depriving the old stories of their intellectual and ethical complexity, turning their truth-telling to sentimental platitude. heroes brandish their swords, lasers, wands, as mechanically as combine harvesters, reaping profits. Profoundly disturbing moral choices are sanitized, made cute, made safe. The passionately conceived ideas of the great story-tellers are copied, stereotyped, reduced to toys, molded in bright-colored plastic, advertised, sold, broken, junked, replaceable, interchangeable. What the commodifiers of fantasy count on and exploit is the insuperable imagination of the reader, child or adult, which gives even these dead things life- of a sort, for a while."

I couldn't agree more. Commodified fantasy relies on the reader's imagination for life. Whereas, when you read Le Guin, the work has a life of its own, it doesn't need you.

There's also a sense that Le Guin is balancing the ledger in these stories. She's bringing women back to equal standing. The decades between The Wizard of Earthsea and the new material have found Le Guin a wiser and more well balanced writer. This balance and the aforementioned focus on the small may not be so palatable to some. But with moments like this:

\\n  “It's a rare gift, to know where you need to be, before you've been to all the places you don't need to be.”\\n

How could you not want to immerse yourself once more in her world?

I often wonder what it is about Le Guin's work that feels so natural, so right. I think she probably captured the feeling quite well herself when she wrote:

“As the virtual world of electronic communication becomes the world many of us inhabit all the time, in turning to imaginative literature we may not be seeking mere reassurance nor be impelled by mere nostalgia. To enter with heart and mind into the world of the imagination may be to head deliberately and directly toward, or back toward, engagement with the real world.”

Le Guin's writing is what the mind wants, it's a connection to the way we should think. The way our brains and bodies have evolved over millennia are not for the use of smartphones and computers all day. We want the Le Guin way of seeing, the real connection between people and the world we live in.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

Silence is not enough, my lord... Silence is the answer to everything, and to nothing.

This is a truly wonderful book. I had become accustomed to the novel-length pacing of the previous four books, but I found that this collection of short stories held my interest and maintained the same high quality of story-telling and character development. Before delving into my review, I want to mention a few preliminary things. Firstly, this is indeed the 5th book of the Earthsea Cycle and is best read after Tehanu and before The Other Wind. I was a bit confused about this at first, so I thought I'd clarify.

In my review of the last book, I made some comments about the trilogy and the fourth book. Anyway, if you care to know, Le Guin wrote these books fairly far apart. In the foreword to this book, she clarifies that at one point she thought the fourth book would be the last, but there was more of a story to tell. I'm glad she continued writing because the ideas she introduced in Tehanu definitely warrant further exploration. The story “Dragonfly” does a little of this, and from what I hear, things really heat up in the 6th book, The Other Wind, which I'll be starting soon. I'm very excited to finish this excellent series.

Secondly, a friend informed me that the rpg Burning Wheel by Luke Crane based its character building system, specifically the beliefs and instincts part, on Le Guin's Earthsea world. Previously, I had heard it compared to lotr, which made sense from a broader world-building perspective. But the character development aspects of the game align really well with Le Guin's approach. Having read 5 of her books now (and currently reading The Left Hand of Darkness), I truly admire the way she constructs characters and how they act on their various motivations and change. Drawing a connection between BW and Earthsea makes me appreciate her work even more.

Now, let's talk about this book. The foreword is excellent. It's a thought-provoking look at what fantasy and fiction are and is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in fiction. Even if you're familiar with the ideas she presents, it's still worth hearing Le Guin's perspective. Overall, “The Finder” and “Dragonfly” are the two strongest stories in the collection. “On the High Marsh” and “The Bones of the Earth” were also very good. “Darkrose and Diamond” was my least favorite, but it still has many redeeming qualities.

“The Finder” is a great story with great characters. Set further back in time, it provides a wealth of new information about the history of the world and magic. The main character, Otter-Medra, is similar to Ged but lacks his youthful ambition. He has to figure things out in difficult circumstances and ultimately becomes part of something truly worthwhile. We also learn about the beginnings of the Roke school of wizardry.

“Darkrose and Diamond” was my least favorite, not because it was bad but because it was less compelling compared to the others. The love story element tugged at my heartstrings, but there was something about the ending that made it less engaging for me. Diamond is a unique mage who lacks ambition and understanding and is driven by forces beyond his control.

“The Bones of the Earth” features Ogion as a young man, Silence. It's a story about Ogion and his mentor stopping an earthquake from destroying Gont Port, but it's so much more than that. The relationship between Ogion and Dulse is great, and the ending really hit me hard.

“On the High Marsh” is a bit different from the other stories. It starts in the middle and slowly reveals the story of a mysterious healer named Irioth. It's a tale of the power of magery, the struggle to control it, and the importance of kindness and forgiveness. Ged makes an appearance as a shining beacon on the hill.

“Dragonfly” is a great sequel to Tehanu. It expands on the idea of dragons and people being the same species and tells the story of Irian, a young woman from Way. She meets a wizard named Ivory and eventually makes her way to Roke to become the first woman to attempt to enter the school as a student. The story explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of magic. One of the 9 wizard badasses of Roke, The Patterner, makes a more prominent appearance in this story, and his character adds an interesting element.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone. The Earthsea Cycle is truly great, and this book is no exception. Read it, read it again, and immerse yourself in Le Guin's wonderful world.

Quotes:

The Foreword

“They way one does research into nonexistent history is to tell the story and find out what happened. I believe this isn't very different from what historians of the so-called real world do. Even if we are present at some historic event, do we comprehend it - can we even remember it - until we can tell it as a story? And for events in times or places outside our own experience, we have nothing to go on but the stories other people tell us. Past events exist, after all, only in memory, which is a form of imagination. The event is real now, but once it's then, its continuing reality is entirely up to us, dependent on our energy and honest. If we let it drop from memory, only imagination can restore the last glimmer of it. If we lie about the past, forcing it to tell a story we want it to tell, to mean what we want it to mean, it loses its reality, becomes a fake. To bring the past along with us through time in the hold-alls of myth and history is a heavy undertaking; but as Lao Tzu says, wise people march along with the baggage wagons.”

“What the commodifiers of fantasy count on and exploit is the insuperable imagination of the reader, child or adult, which gives even these dead things life - of a sort, for a while. Imagination like all living things lives now, and it lives with, from, on true change. Like all we do and have, it can be co-opted and degraded; but it survives commercial and didactic exploitation. The land outlasts the empires. The conquerors may leave desert where there was forest and meadow, but the rain will fall, and the rivers will run to the sea. The unstable, mutable, untruthful realms of Once-upon-a-time are as much a part of human history and thought as the nations in our kaleidoscopic atlases, and some are more enduring. We have inhabited bot the actual and the imaginary realms for a long time. But we don't live in either place the way our parents or ancestors did. Enchantment alters with age, and with the age.”

”The Finder”

“Otter shrugged.

It was hard for him to lie. He thought he was awkward at it because he had no practice. Hound knew better. He knew that magic itself resists untruth. Conjuring, sleight of hand, and false commerce with the dead are counterfeits of magic, glass to diamond, brass to the gold. They are fraud, and lies flourish in that soil. But the art of magic, though it may be used for false ends, deals with what is real, and the words it works with are the true words. So true wizards find it hard to lie about their art. In their heart they know that their lie, spoken, may change the world.”

*

“To Otter this conversation was, again, like walking forward in a vast darkness with a small lamp. Anieb's understanding was that lamp. Each step revealed the next step he must take, but he could never see the place where he was. He did not know what was coming next, and did not understand what he saw. But he saw it, and went forward, word by word.”

*

“Whatever I am, whatever I can do, it's not enough,” he said.

“It's never enough,” Mead said. “And what can anyone do alone?”

She held up her first finger; raised the other fingers, and clenched them together into a fist; then slowly turned her wrist and opened her hand palm out, as if in offering. He had seen Anieb make that gesture. It was not a spell, he thought, watching intently, but a sign. Ayo was watching him.

“It is a secret,” she said.

“Can I know the secret?” he asked after a while.

“You already know it. You gave it to Flag. She gave it to you. Trust.”

“Trust,” the young man said. “Yes. But against - Against them? - Gelluk's gone. Maybe Losen will fall now. Will it make any difference? Will the slaves go free? Will beggars eat? Will justice be done? I think there's an evil in us, in humankind. Trust denies it. Leaps across it. Leaps the chasm. But it's there. And everything we do finally serves evil, because that's what we are. Greed and cruelty. I look at the world, at the forests and the mountain here, the sky, and it's all right, as it should be. But we aren't. People aren't. We're wrong. We do wrong. No animal does wrong. How could they? But we can, and we do. And we never stop.”

They listened to him, not agreeing, not denying, but accepting his despair. His words went into their listening silences, and rested there for days, and came back to him changed.

“We can't do anything without each other,” he said. “But it's the greedy ones, the cruel ones who hold together and strengthen each other. And those who won't join them stand each along.” The image of Anieb as he had first seen her, a dying woman standing alone in the tower room, was always with him. “Real power goes to waste. Every wizard uses his arts against the others, serving the men of greed. What good can any are be used that way? It's wasted. It goes wrong, or it's thrown away. Like slaves' lives. Nobody can be free alone. Not even a mage. All of them working their magic in prison cells, to gain nothing. There's no way to use power for good.”

”The Bones of the Earth”

“Was he your friend?”

Dulse paused. “He was my master. Would have been my friend, perhaps, if I'd stayed on Roke. Have wizards friends? No more than they have wives, or sons, some would say....Once he said to me that it our trade it's a lucky man who finds someone to talk to. Keep that in mind. If you're lucky one day you'll have to open your mouth.”

Silence bowed his rough, thoughtful head.

“If it hasn't rusted shut,” Dulse added.

“If you ask me to, I'll talk,” the young man said, so earnest, so willing to deny his whole nature at Dulse's request that the wizard had to laugh.

“I asked you not to,” he said, “and it's not my need I spoke of. I talk enough for two. Never mind. You'll know what to say when the time comes. That's the art, eh? What to say, and when to say it. And the rest is silence.”

”Dragonfly”

“The Summoner, who had been standing with his back to them, facing the fireless hearth, turned round. “The names witches give each other are not our concern here,” he said. “If you have some interest in this woman, Doorkeeper, it should be pursued outside these walls - outside the door you vowed to keep. She has no place here nor ever will. She can bring only confusion, dissension, and further weakness among us. I will speak no longer and say nothing else in her presence. The only answer to conscious error is silence.”

“Silence is not enough, my lord,” said one who had not spoken before. To Irian's eyes he was very strange-looking, having pale reddish skin, long pale hair, and narrow eyes the colour of ice. His speech was also strange, stiff and somehow deformed. “Silence is the answer to everything, and to nothing,” he said.

A thrilling ending. A book that fills the gaps in an extremely good way. I'm impatient to read the other Wind!

This book truly captivates the reader with its exciting conclusion. The way it fills in the various gaps and ties up loose ends is remarkable. It leaves the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next installment, which is the other Wind. The anticipation is palpable, as readers can't wait to see what adventures and surprises lie ahead in the continuation of this engaging story. It's safe to say that this book has set a high standard and has left readers hungry for more.

I loved all the stories in the collection that revolve around the magical Irish world.

The Irish world is filled with enchanting tales of fairies, leprechauns, and other mythical creatures. These stories have been passed down through generations, captivating the hearts and imaginations of people young and old.

Each story in the collection offers a unique perspective on this magical realm. Some are filled with adventure and excitement, while others are more heartwarming and touching. The characters are vividly drawn, and the settings are described in such detail that you can almost picture yourself there.

Whether you're a fan of Irish folklore or simply looking for a good read, this collection of stories is sure to delight. So sit back, relax, and let yourself be transported to the magical world of Irish mythology.

A great deep dive into some of the lore of Earthsea with delightful stories.

This book offers a captivating exploration of the rich and enchanting lore of Earthsea. It is filled with a collection of enticing novellas and novelettes that draw readers in from the very beginning.

The author provides a nice description of the history and culture of Earthsea at both the beginning and end of the book. This helps to set the stage and gives readers a better understanding of the world in which the stories take place.

Throughout this collection of tales, there are awesome themes and lessons that are both thought-provoking and inspiring. However, it should be noted that one or maybe two of the stories weren't quite as good as the others.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and anyone interested in exploring the lore and mythology of Earthsea.

Tales from Earth Sea (The Earthsea Cycle, #5) by Ursula K. Le Guin is a captivating collection of fantasy stories and essays. Published by Harcourt in 2001, it complements the five novels set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea, which were written between 1968 and 2001.

The collection includes several engaging tales. "The Finder" tells the story of the establishment of the school of magic on Roke island. "The Bones of the Earth" focuses on Ogion the Silent dealing with an earthquake. "Darkrose and Diamond (1999)" features a romance between the daughter of a witch and the son of a rich merchant. "On the High Marsh" presents a mysterious healer arriving in a remote village during a livestock epidemic. "Dragonfly (1998)" serves as a postscript to the novel Tehanu.

This collection offers readers a diverse range of stories that explore different aspects of the Earthsea world. With Le Guin's masterful storytelling, readers are transported to a magical and enchanting realm. Whether it's the adventures of the characters, the exploration of themes such as magic, love, and nature, or the vivid descriptions of the settings, Tales from Earth Sea has something to offer for every fantasy lover.

The book was first read on January 30, 2008. It was translated by Peyman Esmaeelian Khamneh and edited by Niloufar Khan Mohammad. Published in Tehran by Qadiani in 2007, it consists of 528 pages and is the fifth volume of a six-volume set. The ISBN for the series is 9789645365835, and the ISBN for this volume is 9789645362810. The subject matter of the book is fantasy stories by American authors in the 20th century.

The five tales from the magical pen of Earthsea are: "The Finder", "The Bones of the Earth", "Darkrose and Diamond", "On the High Marsh", and "Dragonfly".

The date of publication was April 31, 2020 (Iranian calendar). A. Sharbiani.

It's like the 5th extended part of a series that has ended in the book. Do the concepts, methods, and expressions start to come the same or is it a blind book? I think we'll understand this in the last book as well. I really had a hard time finishing it.

The story seems to have reached a certain point where there is a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. The comparison to the extended part of a series implies that there is some sort of continuation or development that is yet to be fully understood. The question about whether the concepts, methods, and expressions remain the same or change adds an element of mystery.

The author's admission of having a hard time finishing it gives a sense of the complexity or difficulty of the material. It makes the reader wonder what lies ahead in the final book and how all the loose ends will be tied up. Overall, this passage creates an atmosphere of curiosity and anticipation for what is to come.

The first story and the last story broke my heart and then mended it and then broke it again. Mrs. Le Guin, take the gold because you don't just write about the evil of the main protagonist, but in this way, you add a charm to the world with that beauty.

It's truly remarkable how her stories have such a profound impact. They are not just simple tales but rather complex explorations of human nature and the world around us.

The way she weaves the narrative, creating characters that are both flawed and endearing, makes it impossible not to become emotionally invested.

Each story is like a journey, taking the reader through a range of emotions and experiences.

Whether it's the heartbreak of a failed relationship or the hope of a new beginning, Mrs. Le Guin's writing captures it all with such authenticity and grace.

Her work is a testament to the power of literature to touch our hearts and make us see the world in a different light.

Fleshing out Earthsea.

Rules are made to be broken. Injustices makes the rules, and courage breaks them. I have the courage, if you do!

This is the penultimate installment in Le Guin’s Earthsea cycle and it is truly superb. It offers several short stories that span across space and time within this captivating world. Many origins are detailed, along with necessary back stories. The last story serves as a bridge from the prior book Tehanu to the final one. You simply cannot afford to skip this collection. As always, the prose is simple, inviting, and beautiful. The themes of power, acceptance, and resistance are both timely and thought-provoking.

The first story delves into the origins of Roke and the school of wizardry there, likely set a hundred or so years before Ged's arrival. The main character, Otter, possesses a natural skill for magic and is quickly exploited by another wizard working for a pirate king. This is before the days of the King of Havnor. Otter manages to escape with the help of a young girl who also has magic, but unfortunately, she dies in the process. He then discovers the hidden island of Roke, where only magic women reside. They have secluded themselves from the power of men. Despite their initial instincts, they allow Otter onto the island, and he proceeds to recruit students and found the school of magic there. However, what follows is that men are drawn to the power of the island and pose a threat to its very existence. This is narrowly averted, but it is clear that sometime after this story, Roke is taken over and becomes a patriarchy. By Ged's time, women are not even permitted in the school of Roke, and any woman with magic is simply labeled a witch.

Darkrose and Diamond is a charming love story between the daughter of a witch and the son of a rich merchant. I truly enjoyed this tale.

My favorite story was On the High Marsh, which features a mysterious healer named Irioth. He heals livestock and suffers from memory loss. It becomes evident that he is a wizard and he forms a relationship with a woman with whom he lives. The twist is that this wizard was banished from Roke by Ged himself and fled. Ged discovers him here but decides to let him be and in the care of the woman.

Dragonfly directly bridges Tehanu and the final novel. It features the young woman Iria, who goes to Roke hoping to be accepted as the first woman mage. Azver accepts her as an apprentice, but she is swiftly challenged by the higher mages. Thorian has assembled an army of students to banish her. At the climax, Iria transforms into a dragon and leaves. There must be a connection between Iria and Tehanu from the prior book, as they are both associated with the dragons.

This was a bit of a hit and miss affair.

There were a couple of stories that were truly interesting, captivating my attention from start to finish. However, on the other hand, three of them were rather mediocre and forgettable in my opinion.

Nevertheless, overall, Le Guin's prose is beautiful and clear. It has a certain charm and elegance that makes it a pleasure to read or listen to.

I've really enjoyed listening to her words being narrated by Jenny Sterlin while going through the Earthsea books. Sterlin's narration adds another layer of depth and emotion to the stories, making the whole experience even more engaging.

Despite the few mediocre stories, the overall quality of Le Guin's writing and the excellent narration by Sterlin have made my journey through the Earthsea books a memorable one.

It is Le Guin. What more can we say?

Well, that the translation, as always, is precious, and that both the prologue and the epilogue are wonderful. It is also a great choice to have added a description of Terramar to give us a better idea of the History.

Eagerly waiting for "The Other Wind", where I hope to meet again with Ged and Tenar, now accompanied by Iria ❤️