Cob from The Earthsea Cycle: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction
Cob, a pivotal character in Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Farthest Shore, is a sorcerer whose actions and motivations drive the central plot of the book. He is a complex figure with a rich backstory, defining traits that shape the narrative, and significant connections to broader literary traditions. Cob’s origins and role in the Earthsea universe make him a compelling and relatable character, embodying themes of greed, the rejection of mortality, and the consequences of tampering with the natural balance.
Cob’s character is deeply intertwined with the themes of The Farthest Shore, which explores the perils of greed, the importance of accepting death as part of life, and the delicate balance between the world of the living and the dead. His actions have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the magical community but also the entire world of Earthsea.
Role in the Story
Cob’s storyline in The Farthest Shore begins with his desperate attempt to escape death. Having previously encountered Ged, the Archmage of Roke, Cob has since delved deep into the dark arts of necromancy in his quest for immortality. He opens a breach between the world of the living and the realm of the dead, allowing him to pass back and forth, but this act has catastrophic consequences. The breach sucks out the forces of life, causing magic to lose its power, songs to be forgotten, and widespread madness and sickness to spread across Earthsea[1][5].
Ged, accompanied by Arren, the young Prince of Enlad, embarks on a journey to find the source of this malaise. Their quest leads them to various islands, where they encounter the devastating effects of Cob’s actions. Eventually, they reach the westernmost island of Selidor, where Cob is found in a house of dragon bones. Here, Cob’s true intentions and the extent of his corruption are revealed. Despite his previous defeat by Ged, Cob has become even more powerful in his pursuit of eternal life, but at the cost of his humanity and connection to the natural world[2][5].
The confrontation between Ged and Cob is a climactic moment in the book. Cob, now a shadow of his former self, is trapped by his own greed and the cycle of consumption that has consumed him. Ged, with the help of the dragon Orm Embar, manages to defeat Cob and close the breach, but not before Cob’s actions have drained Ged of his magical powers[1][5].
Character Analysis
Cob’s personality is marked by an insatiable greed for life and a refusal to accept death as a natural part of existence. This mentality is rooted in his belief that he is above nature, superior to the cycle of life and death that governs all living beings. His words, "Let all stupid nature go its stupid course, but I am a man, better than nature, above nature. I will not go that way, I will not cease to be myself!"[2], highlight his arrogance and detachment from the natural world.
Cob’s motivations are driven by a fear of mortality and a desire for eternal power. This fear leads him to make drastic decisions, including opening the breach between the worlds, which ultimately reduces him to a dry husk, devoid of the life and vitality he once sought to preserve. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of accepting one’s place within the natural order.
Despite his flaws, Cob is a compelling character due to the complexity of his motivations and the tragic nature of his downfall. His transformation from a powerful mage to a shadow of his former self is a poignant reminder of the consequences of greed and the rejection of mortality.
Themes and Symbolism
Cob embodies several key themes in The Farthest Shore. The most prominent is the theme of greed and consumption. Cob’s insatiable desire for life and his refusal to accept death illustrate the destructive nature of greed when it becomes the driving force behind one’s actions. This theme is echoed in the broader context of the book, where the cycle of consumption is shown to lead to emptiness and destruction, not only for individuals but also for the environment and society as a whole[2].
Cob also symbolizes the danger of divorcing oneself from nature. His attempt to transcend the natural cycle of life and death results in a breach that threatens the very fabric of existence in Earthsea. This serves as a warning about the importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature, rather than trying to dominate or manipulate it[2].
The character of Cob is also symbolic of the underworld and the realm of the dead. His journey into the Land of the Dead and his attempts to navigate between the worlds highlight the boundaries between life and death and the consequences of tampering with these boundaries. The Dry River and the Mountains of Pain, which Cob and Ged traverse, are symbolic of the desolate and barren nature of a world without life and vitality[1].
Cultural Impact
Cob’s character has had a significant cultural impact, particularly within the fantasy genre. His portrayal as a complex, flawed character who succumbs to greed and ambition resonates with readers and has influenced the development of similar characters in other works of fantasy.
In adaptations and spin-offs, Cob’s character has been interpreted in various ways, but his core traits of ambition and greed remain consistent. His influence can be seen in characters from other fantasy series who grapple with similar themes of mortality, power, and the natural order.
Critical Reception
Critics and audiences have received Cob’s character with a mix of fascination and critique. Many have praised Le Guin’s portrayal of Cob as a nuanced and complex villain, whose motivations are both understandable and terrifying. The way Cob’s character illustrates the dangers of unchecked ambition and the rejection of mortality has been particularly noted for its depth and resonance[2].
However, some critics have argued that Cob’s character, while compelling, serves primarily as a foil to Ged and Arren, rather than being fully fleshed out in his own right. Despite this, Cob remains one of the most memorable and impactful villains in the Earthsea series.
Legacy
Cob’s enduring appeal lies in his complex and tragic character, which continues to resonate with readers today. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accepting mortality and respecting the natural balance of life.
In contemporary discussions, Cob’s character is often cited as an example of the dangers of greed and the consequences of tampering with nature. His influence can be seen in various works of fantasy and literature that explore similar themes of power, ambition, and the human condition.
Cob’s legacy extends beyond the Earthsea series, influencing character archetypes in fantasy literature and serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition.
