A Wizard of Earthsea

There once lived a boy named Duny on the island of Gont. He grew up without a mother, like a weed in a garden; his father, a blacksmith by trade, had no time to raise him. Duny would have just grazed goats in the mountains, but the kindness of an aunt—his mother’s sister—took him in and taught him the wisdom of everyday life. From her, the village witch, the boy learns the basics of magical knowledge. He studies quickly, and soon not a single spell remains in stock that his pupil doesn’t know.

When the island is attacked by the militant carrion-bats, a young mage uses his charms, saving the village residents from certain death. Soon, the mage Ogion passes through the village. Learning of the boy’s abilities, he invites him to become his student. From there, Duny’s path leads to the island of Roke, to the highest school of magicians of Earthsea.