The Loosing of the Shadow and Its Consequences

The immediate aftermath of the shadow's release, Nemmerle's death, and Ged's long recovery and shame.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Nemmerle's Sacrifice

The Dying Archmage The Cost of Rescue Nemmerle, using all his power, drove the shadow from Ged and sealed the breach. But the effort exhausted him, and he lay dying in the Fountain Court. The raven of Osskil flew away, as if preceding him into death. The Tolling Bells The next day, the iron bells tolled. The Nine Masters gathered to choose a new Archmage, selecting Gensher of Way. Ged, unconscious and wounded, knew nothing of this.

Ged's Long Illness

Blinded and Mute The Black Wounds Ged lay in the healing chambers, blind, deaf, and mute. The wounds from the shadow's claws would not heal, and black blood welled out. The Master Herbal tended him with charms and herbs, but the evil was deep. The Return of Sight Slowly, the wounds closed and fever left him. When he first saw daylight again, he wept, hiding his scarred face. His speech was stammering, and his confidence shattered.

Gensher's Judgment

The New Archmage Rejection Gensher, the new Archmage, refused Ged's fealty at first, saying he knew what Ged had done but not what he was. He told Ged that the shadow awaited him, and he must stay on Roke for protection. The Shadow's Nature Gensher explained that the shadow had no name, that it was the shadow of Ged's own arrogance and ignorance. Ged was humbled, and he began to study with the Masters, but his power was diminished, and he feared his own abilities.

Vetch's Farewell Gift

The True Name Estarriol's Trust Vetch, now a wizard, came to say goodbye. He returned the otak Hoeg to Ged and, in a gesture of profound trust, told Ged his own true name: Estarriol. In return, Ged told Vetch his true name. Renewed Hope This act of friendship restored some of Ged's faith in himself. He realized that he was still connected to the world and to others. Vetch's belief in him gave him the strength to continue.

Years of Study and Healing

The Slow Path Learning the High Arts Ged spent the next two years studying with the Masters, including the Master Summoner and the Master Patterner in the Immanent Grove. He learned the Great Spells of Making and Shaping, but always with caution and fear. The Doorkeeper's Final Test When he was ready to leave, the Doorkeeper asked him to guess his name. Ged failed with force and cunning, but eventually asked the question directly. The Doorkeeper told him his name, and Ged, now a wizard, left Roke with a staff of yew-wood.

the night of the summoning

four weeks of summer after the summoning

spring after the summoning, when Ged recovered enough to offer fealty

autumn of the same year, before Ged went to the Isolate Tower

between ages seventeen and nineteen