The Other Wind: A Culmination of the Earthsea Cycle
Introduction
The Other Wind, published in 2001, is the fifth and final novel in Ursula K. Le Guin’s esteemed Earthsea Cycle. This fantasy novel, released by Harcourt, marks the conclusion of a series that has captivated readers with its richly detailed world, complex characters, and profound themes. Unlike other notable fantasy authors such as C.S. Lewis, Philip Pullman, or Rick Riordan, Le Guin’s work is distinguished by its deep exploration of balance, morality, and the human condition.
Ursula K. Le Guin, a prolific and influential author, is the sole creative force behind The Other Wind. Her Earthsea Cycle, which began with A Wizard of Earthsea in 1968, has been praised for its unique blend of mythology, anthropology, and philosophical inquiry. The Other Wind is particularly noteworthy for its resolution of the series’ overarching narrative threads and its exploration of themes that have been subtly woven throughout the cycle.
Plot Summary
The Other Wind is set in the fictional archipelago of Earthsea, a world where magic is an integral part of life. The story centers around Alder, a minor village sorcerer who is haunted by dreams since the death of his wife, Lily. These dreams transport him to the wall of stones, the boundary between the world of the living and the Dry Land of the dead, where the dead, including Lily, plead for their freedom.
Seeking guidance, Alder consults the masters of the school of wizardry on Roke Island, who advise him to seek out Ged, the ex-Archmage, now living on the island of Gont. Ged, though powerless as a wizard, possesses deep knowledge of the world of the dead and recommends that Alder travel to Havnor to speak with King Lebannen and his family.
Upon arriving in Havnor, Alder finds the kingdom in turmoil. The king of the Kargs, a warlike people from the East who despise sorcery, has demanded that his daughter marry King Lebannen as a condition for peace. Additionally, dragons have been attacking the islands, and their encroachment has reached Havnor itself. Tehanu, who has a special connection with dragons, accompanies the king to negotiate with them. This encounter reveals that dragons and men were once a single people but parted ways, with dragons choosing immortality and freedom in the Furthest West, while men opted for mastery, power, and rebirth, but failed to keep their promise to give up magic.
The narrative unfolds as the characters discover that ancient mages stole part of the dragons’ Western Lands to create an eternal afterlife, resulting in the desolate Dry Land where souls are trapped. To restore balance, the party decides to sail to Roke and then magically travel to the Dry Lands to dismantle the wall of stones. Alder, joined by Tehanu and others, uses magic to unmake the wall, freeing the trapped dead and restoring the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This act also allows Tehanu to transform into a dragon, freeing her from her human form’s limitations[1][4].
Themes and Symbolism
The Other Wind is rich in themes and symbolism that are central to the Earthsea Cycle. One of the primary themes is reconciliation, both on a personal and a cosmic level. Alder’s journey to free his wife and the other dead from the Dry Land symbolizes the reconciliation between the living and the dead. Similarly, Tehanu’s transformation into a dragon represents her reconciliation with her own nature and destiny[1][4].
The theme of balance is another crucial element. The novel explains that the imbalance in the world was caused by ancient mages who reneged on their promise to give up magic, leading to the creation of the Dry Land. The restoration of this balance through the dismantling of the wall of stones is a metaphor for the need to maintain harmony between different aspects of life and the natural world[1][4].
Death and the afterlife are also significant themes. The Dry Land, a bleak and desolate place, serves as a symbol of the consequences of attempting to cheat death and the natural cycle of life. The novel underscores the importance of accepting death as a part of life and the necessity of maintaining the cycle of rebirth[2][4].
The relationship between humans and dragons is another symbolic element. The revelation that humans and dragons were once one people highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings and the consequences of their separation. This theme is closely tied to the idea of freedom and the choice between mastery and immortality[1][2].
Cultural Impact
The Other Wind has had a significant cultural impact since its release. It won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 2002 and was a runner-up for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, among other nominations. The novel’s exploration of complex themes and its resolution of the Earthsea Cycle’s narrative have made it a beloved conclusion to the series[1].
The Earthsea Cycle, including The Other Wind, has influenced many authors and works in the fantasy genre. Le Guin’s unique approach to world-building, her emphasis on balance and morality, and her exploration of deep philosophical themes have set a high standard for fantasy literature. The series has also been praised for its diverse characters and its subversion of traditional fantasy tropes[3].
Critical Reception
The Other Wind received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the novel for its thoughtful and satisfying conclusion to the Earthsea Cycle. The novel’s themes of reconciliation, balance, and the acceptance of death were particularly highlighted as strengths[1][4].
Some critics noted that the novel’s focus on the older characters, such as Ged and Tenar, added a poignant layer to the story, exploring themes of aging, loss, and the passage of time. The character of Tehanu, who undergoes significant development in the novel, was also praised for her complexity and depth[4].
However, not all reviews were uniformly positive. Some readers felt that the novel’s pace was slower than the earlier books in the series, and that the resolution of certain plot threads was not as satisfying as they had hoped. Despite these criticisms, The Other Wind is generally regarded as a fitting and powerful conclusion to the Earthsea Cycle[4].
Legacy
The Other Wind and the Earthsea Cycle as a whole continue to have a lasting impact on the fantasy genre. Ursula K. Le Guin’s work has inspired countless authors, including notable figures such as Neil Gaiman and Patrick Rothfuss. The series’ emphasis on balance, morality, and the interconnectedness of all living beings has set a high standard for fantasy literature[3].
The novel’s exploration of complex themes and its thoughtful conclusion to the series have made it a beloved work among readers. The Other Wind remains a significant part of fantasy literature, continuing to inspire new generations of writers, publishers, and readers.
