Tehanu by Ursula K. Le Guin
"Tehanu" is the fourth installment in Ursula K. Le Guin's acclaimed Earthsea series, continuing the narrative beyond the earlier books that center around the character Ged, also known as Sparrowhawk. In this novel, Ged returns from a harrowing confrontation with an evil wizard, significantly weakened and stripped of his magical abilities. The story delves into profound themes, including child abuse and the complexities of identity, particularly from a feminist perspective. The central character, Tenar, previously introduced in "The Tombs of Atuan," transitions from her life as a farmer's wife to a caretaker for a severely injured and traumatized girl named Therru, whom she adopts.
As Tenar navigates her relationship with Ged and comes to terms with his diminished powers, she discovers a previously overlooked form of magic rooted in feminine strength. Therru, who harbors her own unique and potent abilities, becomes pivotal to the narrative, suggesting a renewal of balance in their world. "Tehanu" not only explores the challenges faced by its characters but also highlights their journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. This rich tapestry of personal and magical evolution invites readers to reflect on themes of resilience and healing in the face of adversity.
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Tehanu by Ursula K. Le Guin
Excerpted from an article in Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition
First published: 1990
Type of work: Novel
The Work
Tehanu: The Last Book of Earthsea, the fourth book of Le Guin’s Earthsea series, takes up the story of the Earthsea characters after Ged/Sparrowhawk, the protagonist in two of the first three books, has nearly died, struggling with an evil wizard, who attempted to achieve immortality by breaking down the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead. Tehanu deals with dark themes of child molestation and abuse and death. The book can be seen as a feminist coming-of-age novel, as the main female characters both discover more fully who they are.
Tenar, the main character, first appeared as the protagonist of The Tombs of Atuan, where she was rescued from a destructive religious cult and brought to the island of Gont by Ged, who has become the most accomplished wizard in the world of Earthsea. There she has lived a rich and mainly happy life as a farmer’s wife. Now widowed and using her Gontish name, Goha, she is called to assist in the treatment of a badly burned and sexually abused young girl, whom she adopts and names Therru. Later called to see the dying Ogion, Ged’s first teacher and their mutual friend, she learns that there is a powerful and dangerous presence in Therru. Another emergency then takes up her attention, the dramatic return of Ged. The dragon, Kalessin, brings him home to Gont, broken in body and having lost his vast magical powers. She and Therru undertake his care, nursing him back to health.
As Tenar gradually adjusts to the idea of Ged having lost his magical power, she begins to learn about a kind of magic that has been suppressed in Earthsea, the kind of magic that belongs to the feminine side of humanity. This leads to a startling discovery of great power in Therru, and the beginning of a restoration of balance and order in their world.
Sources for Further Study
Booklist. LXXXVI, March 1, 1990, p. 1277.
Chicago Thibune. July 8, 1990, XIV, p.6.
The Horn Book Magazine. LXVI, May, 1990, p.338
The New York Times Book Review. XCV, May 20, 1990, p.38.
The New Yorker. LXVI, July 23, 1990, p.88.
Publishers Weekly. CCXXXVII, January 19, 1990, p.110.
School Library Journal. XXXVI, April, 1990, p.142.
The Washington Post Book World. XX, February 25, 1990, p.1.
Wilson Library Bulletin. LXIV, June, 1990, p.124.
Women’s Review of Books. VII, July, 1990, p.40.