Ged's Apprenticeship with Ogion

The year Ged spent learning from Ogion the Silent, learning patience, silence, and the foundations of true wizardry.

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Wandering the Mountain

A Slow Beginning Disappointment Ged expected to learn powerful spells immediately, but Ogion simply walked with him through the forests, teaching him the names of plants and the virtue of silence. Ged grew impatient and resentful. The Lesson of the Fourfoil Ogion made Ged examine a fourfoil plant, saying he must know it in all its seasons before learning its true name. He taught that mastery is nine times patience, and that to hear, one must be silent. Ged struggled to accept this.

Winter in Re Albi

The Runebook Learning the Runes Ogion's home in Re Albi was a simple house overlooking the sea. All winter, Ged studied the Six Hundred Runes of Hardic, the foundation of the Old Speech. He found the work tedious but necessary. The Master's Silence Ogion remained quiet, often going out into the snow. Ged felt isolated, but he began to absorb the calm discipline of his master. The long silence prepared him for deeper learning, though he did not yet appreciate it.

Meeting the Girl in the Meadow

The Lord's Daughter Serret's Challenge While gathering white hallows, Ged met a girl, the daughter of the Lord of Re Albi. She mocked him and dared him to work a Changing spell. To prove himself, Ged opened Ogion's Lore-Books and read a spell of summoning the dead. The Shadow Appears As he read, a horror came over him, and a shapeless shadow crouched by the door. Ogion returned, banished the darkness with his radiant staff, and warned Ged about the dangers of pride and the girl's mother, a sorceress. This was the first encounter with the shadow that would later haunt him.

Choosing Roke

The Offer Ogion's Advice Ogion gave Ged the choice to stay with him or go to Roke Island to learn the high arts. Ged loved Ogion but yearned for glory and quick power. He chose Roke. The Parting Ogion sent him with a letter to the Archmage Nemmerle, saying he would be the greatest wizard of Gont if the wind blew true. Ged boarded the ship called Shadow, unaware of the omen in its name, and set sail for the Isle of the Wise.

autumn after Ged's Naming

winter of the same year

spring of the following year

after the shadow incident