Ged is but a young goatherd on the island of Gont when he comes by his strange powers over nature. Sent to the School of Wizards on Roke, he learns the true way of magic and proves himself a powerful magician.

Over the years and distances, he hones his craft and helps the High Priestess Tenar escape the labyrinth of darkness. But it is as Archmage Sparrowhawk that Ged witnesses true magic and the ancient ways submit to the forces of evil and death. Will he too succumb, or can he hold them back?