The Tombs of Atuan

Earthsea Cycle, #2

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Mass market paperback, 146 pages

English language

Published Nov. 10, 1975 by Bantam Books.

ISBN:: 978-0-553-11600-7
OCLC Number:: 29059632

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(201 reviews)

When young Tenar is chosen as high priestess to the ancient and nameless Powers of the Earth, everything is taken away - home, family, possessions, even her name. For she is now Arha, the Eaten One, guardian of the ominous Tombs of Atuan.

While she is learning her way through the dark labyrinth, a young wizard, Ged, comes to steal the Tombs' greatest hidden treasure, the Ring of Erreth-Akbe. But Ged also brings with him the light of magic, and together, he and Tenar escape from the darkness that has become her domain.

61 editions

Sharyl reviewed The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin (Earthsea Cycle, #2)

Review of 'The Tombs of Atuan' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This engaging story follows Arha, a child who is tragically taken from her loving mother to act as a high priestess in what was essentially a religous cult. She is separated from everyone else from an early age, and forced to lead a very narrow life that she has been indoctrinated to value. Then, just as she is coming of age, an intruder enters her domain. Fortunately, she is still young and curious (and, perhaps, lonely) enough to question him--and keep him alive instead of having him killed, as she is expected to do.

During this enlightenment, this intruder reminds Arha of her real name (her birth name), and explains his mission, helping her to see her life and surroundings more objectively. In the end, she makes her own decision. I don't think it's spoiling anything to say that this former priestess does escape her old life, but I'll leave it at that. And yes, we do meet the main character from the first book (somewhat older and definitely wiser).

The Tombs of Atuan is written in a pleasing style that is paced well with a nice amount of description and detail. I have a high tolerance for detail in realistic novels, but the same amount of detail in science fiction and fantasy is sometimes hard for me to follow. This is no doubt due to a lack of imagination on my part--but anyway, this novel was quite enjoyable, and I look forward to reading the next book of this series.

Steen Christiansen reviewed The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin (Earthsea Cycle, #2)

Review of 'The Tombs of Atuan' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

A deliberate contrast to A Wizard of Earthsea, this story is less successful because the plotting is less clear. Of course, this produces an almost claustrophobic sensation that mirrors Arha's experience of being First Princess. One other thing is the slight miss of characterization with Ged, who comes off as greedy and brusque.

Yashima reviewed The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin (Earthsea Cycle, #2)

Review of 'The Tombs of Atuan' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

This is the story of the events that made Ged into the famed Archmage that is alluded to in [b: Wizard of Earthsea|13642|A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, #1)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1353424536s/13642.jpg|113603]. He travels to the tombs to recover a piece of an artifact only to be made into a prisoner of the high priestess of the temple, the girl without a name who worships the Nameless Ones. A fascinating character exploration of the girl, who is later known as Tenar.

What she had begun to learn was the weight of liberty. Freedom is a heavy load, a great and strange burden for the spirit to undertake. It is not easy. It is not a gift given, but a choice made, and the choice may be a hard one. The road goes upward towards the light; but the laden traveller may never reach the end of it.

And a few …