The Tombs of Atuan facts for kids

The Tombs of Atuan is an exciting fantasy novel by Ursula K. Le Guin. It's the second book in her famous Earthsea series. This book first came out in 1971. It continues the story from A Wizard of Earthsea and leads into The Farthest Shore. In 1972, The Tombs of Atuan received a special award called the Newbery Honor. This award recognizes excellent books for children.

Story Overview

This book tells the story of a young girl named Tenar. She is chosen at a very young age to serve ancient, dark powers. Her life is spent in a lonely, underground temple. She becomes the High Priestess of the Nameless Ones. These are mysterious, old gods of the Earthsea world.

Tenar's Life in the Tombs

Tenar lives a strict life in the Tombs of Atuan. She is known as Arha, which means "the Eaten One." Her days are filled with rituals and duties. She guards the vast, dark mazes beneath the temple. These mazes hold many secrets and treasures. Arha believes her purpose is to serve the Nameless Ones. She has never known life outside the Tombs.

Ged's Arrival and Their Meeting

One day, a powerful wizard named Ged enters the Tombs. He is searching for a lost magical item. This item is half of a powerful amulet. Ged's arrival changes everything for Arha. She is torn between her duty to the Nameless Ones and her curiosity about Ged. He represents the outside world she has never seen.

Themes in the Story

The Tombs of Atuan explores many important ideas. It talks about freedom versus being trapped. It also looks at light versus darkness. Arha must decide if she will stay in her old life or choose a new path. The book is also a type of story called a Bildungsroman. This means it's about a character's journey of growing up. It shows how Tenar learns about herself and the world.

Main Characters

The story focuses on two main characters. Their journey together is central to the book.

Tenar (Arha)

Tenar is the main character. She is a young girl who becomes the High Priestess of the Tombs. She is brave and curious. Arha has lived a lonely life. She has been taught to fear the outside world. Her journey is about finding her true self. She learns to make her own choices.

Ged

Ged is a powerful wizard. He is also the main character from the first Earthsea book. Ged is wise and kind. He enters the Tombs to find a special artifact. He helps Tenar see a different way of life. Ged shows her that there is more to the world than the darkness she knows.

Setting: The Tombs of Atuan

The story takes place mostly in the Tombs of Atuan. This is a vast, ancient underground complex. It includes temples, living quarters, and dark mazes. The Tombs are a place of mystery and old magic. They are filled with shadows and secrets. The setting plays a big part in the story's mood.

Images for kids

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  Le Guin giving a reading in 2008

See also

In Spanish: Las tumbas de Atuan para niños