Ged's Internal Struggle with Pride and Fear

Ged's battle against his own arrogance and the fear that follows his disastrous summoning.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Pride of the Young Wizard

The Arrogant Apprentice The Quick Learner Ged was the fastest student at Roke, and he knew it. He looked down on simple illusions and boasted of his power. His pride was a major flaw. The Rivalry with Jasper His pride made him vulnerable to Jasper's taunts. He could not let Jasper's mockery go unanswered, leading to the fatal challenge.

The Shame of the Shadow

The Fallen Hero The Loss of Confidence Ged was consumed by shame. He could not speak spells properly, and he avoided others. He believed he was cursed and powerless. The Fear of the Shadow He was terrified of the shadow, which haunted his dreams. He felt that it would eventually possess him. His internal struggle was as intense as any external battle.

The Turning Point

The Decision to Face Fear The Resolution Ogion's words gave Ged a new perspective: he must turn around and hunt the hunter. This was a shift from fear to action. He accepted his responsibility. The Journey of Self-Discovery Ged's quest became a journey to understand himself. He realized that the shadow was part of him, and that he could not defeat it by running. This internal conflict was the core of his growth.

The Integration

The Union of Self The Acceptance Ged faced the shadow and spoke its name, which was his own. He accepted the dark part of himself, and they merged, making him whole. This was the resolution of his internal struggle. The Freedom from Fear After the integration, Ged was free. He had conquered his own shadow, and therefore no external evil could possess him. His internal conflict was resolved.

during Ged's early years at Roke

after the summoning, during his recovery

after Ogion's advice, when Ged decides to hunt the shadow

the final confrontation on the Dry Land