The Eaten One's Fate

As a child, Tenar is taken from her family to become the Priestess of the Nameless Ones in the Tombs of Atuan. Her identity is stripped away, and she is renamed Arha, "the Eaten One," symbolizing her complete devotion to the dark powers she serves. Her life is one of ritual and isolation, bound to the ancient traditions of the Tombs. Despite her high status, she is trapped in a life of darkness and duty, with little understanding of the world beyond the desert that surrounds her.

Darkness and Discovery

As Tenar grows, she becomes more aware of the limitations and emptiness of her role. Her curiosity about the world outside the Tombs grows, and she begins to question the power and purpose of the Nameless Ones. Her life takes a turn when she discovers a stranger, Ged, in the Undertomb. He is a wizard from the Archipelago, seeking the lost half of the Ring of Erreth-Akbe, a powerful talisman. His presence challenges everything Tenar has been taught to believe.

The Labyrinth's Secrets

Ged is trapped in the Labyrinth, a maze of tunnels beneath the Tombs, and Tenar must decide whether to help him or let him die. As she learns more about Ged's quest and the significance of the Ring, she is torn between her duty to the Nameless Ones and her growing sense of compassion and curiosity. Ged's presence awakens a desire for freedom and knowledge within her, and she begins to see the Nameless Ones as oppressive rather than divine.

A Thief in the Dark

Tenar captures Ged and holds him prisoner, but she is intrigued by his stories of the world beyond the Tombs. Ged tells her of the Archipelago, dragons, and the power of true names. He reveals that the Ring of Erreth-Akbe, once whole, can bring peace to the world. Tenar is faced with a choice: remain the servant of the Nameless Ones or help Ged complete his quest and find her own path to freedom.

The Ring's Reunion

Tenar decides to help Ged, and together they find the missing half of the Ring in the Great Treasury of the Tombs. Ged uses his magic to mend the Ring, restoring its power. This act symbolizes Tenar's break from the Nameless Ones and her embrace of a new identity. The Ring's reunion is a turning point for both Tenar and Ged, as it represents hope and the possibility of a new beginning.

Escape from the Tombs

With the Ring restored, Tenar and Ged must escape the Tombs before the Nameless Ones exact their vengeance. As they navigate the Labyrinth and the Undertomb, the ancient powers awaken, threatening to destroy them. Ged's magic and Tenar's knowledge of the Tombs guide them to safety, but not without loss. The collapse of the Tombs marks the end of Tenar's old life and the beginning of her journey into the unknown.

Journey to Freedom

Tenar and Ged travel through the desert and mountains, heading toward the sea and the Archipelago. Along the way, Tenar grapples with her past and the guilt of her actions as the Priestess. Ged reassures her that she is free to choose her own path and that the darkness of the Tombs no longer holds power over her. Their journey is one of healing and discovery, as Tenar learns to trust herself and embrace her new identity.

A New Beginning

As they reach the sea, Tenar faces the vastness of the world and the uncertainty of her future. Ged promises to take her to Havnor, where she will be welcomed and honored for her role in restoring the Ring. Though she is afraid, Tenar is determined to find her place in the world. The journey across the sea symbolizes her transition from the darkness of the Tombs to the light of a new life, full of possibilities and freedom.

Characters

Tenar

Tenar, initially known as Arha, is the protagonist whose life is dictated by the dark powers she serves. As the Priestess of the Nameless Ones, she is isolated and bound by tradition. Her encounter with Ged awakens her desire for freedom and knowledge, leading her to question her role and ultimately choose a new path. Her journey is one of self-discovery and liberation from the oppressive forces that have controlled her life.

Ged

Ged, also known as Sparrowhawk, is a powerful wizard from the Archipelago. He seeks the lost half of the Ring of Erreth-Akbe to restore peace to the world. His presence in the Tombs challenges Tenar's beliefs and offers her a glimpse of a life beyond servitude. Ged's wisdom and compassion guide Tenar as she navigates her transformation, and his quest for the Ring becomes intertwined with her journey to freedom.

Kossil

Kossil is the High Priestess of the Godking and a figure of authority in the Tombs. She is manipulative and power-hungry, seeking to control Tenar and maintain her own influence. Kossil's disbelief in the Nameless Ones and her desire for dominance make her a threat to Tenar's newfound independence. Her actions ultimately lead to the destruction of the Tombs and the end of her reign.

Manan

Manan is a eunuch and Tenar's faithful servant. He cares for her and provides companionship in the isolated world of the Tombs. Despite his loyalty, Manan is bound by the same traditions that imprison Tenar. His tragic death in the Labyrinth is a turning point for Tenar, highlighting the cost of her freedom and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a new life.

Thar

Thar is the High Priestess of the Twin Gods and a mentor to Tenar. She teaches Tenar the rituals and history of the Tombs, instilling in her a sense of duty and reverence for the Nameless Ones. Thar's death leaves Tenar without guidance, forcing her to rely on her own instincts and make choices that defy the traditions she was taught to uphold.

Plot Devices

The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth beneath the Tombs is a symbol of Tenar's entrapment and the complexity of her journey. It is a place of darkness and danger, where the Nameless Ones hold sway. The Labyrinth represents the choices Tenar must make and the path she must navigate to find freedom. It is both a physical and metaphorical challenge, testing her courage and resolve.

The Ring of Erreth-Akbe

The Ring of Erreth-Akbe is a powerful talisman that, once whole, can bring peace to the world. Its restoration is central to Ged's quest and Tenar's transformation. The Ring symbolizes the possibility of reconciliation and harmony, both within Tenar and between the Kargish Empire and the Archipelago. It is a catalyst for change and a beacon of hope.

The Nameless Ones

The Nameless Ones are the dark forces that Tenar serves as the Priestess of the Tombs. They are mysterious and malevolent, representing the oppressive traditions and beliefs that bind Tenar. Their influence is pervasive, but ultimately, they are revealed to be powerless against the light of knowledge and freedom. Their downfall marks the end of Tenar's captivity and the beginning of her new life.

Analysis

"The Tombs of Atuan" explores themes of power, freedom, and self-discovery. Tenar's journey from the darkness of the Tombs to the light of a new life is a metaphor for breaking free from oppressive traditions and finding one's true self. The novel challenges the notion of power as control over others, instead highlighting the power of choice and the strength found in trust and compassion. Through Tenar's transformation, Le Guin examines the complexities of identity and the courage required to forge a new path. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of redemption and renewal.

Last updated: February 25, 2025