The Farthest Shore

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The final and, quite possibly, most exciting adventure in Ursula Le Guin’s Easrthsea trilogy, The Farthest Shore can best be described as a tale of absolute finality as well as the very picture of classic fantasy literature. We’ve got dragons, we’ve got ghosts, we’ve got a spreading sickness, and the land of death, who could ask for anything more?

Archmage Sparrowhawk has accomplished many great deeds in his life; he has wrestled with shadows, retrieved the lost Ring of Erreth-Akbe, and brought peace to the realms of Earthsea. But when young prince Arren from Enlad comes seeking his advice about recurring cases of mages losing their wizardry, Sparrowhawk is set on his most awesome and dangerous adventure yet. Travelling, with the prince, to the farthest reaches of the world, Ged ventures into the land of death itself to mend a great rift in the Balance of the world.

I have noticed that in many fantasy trilogies, a course into the land of the dead seems to be the source of central conflict. Of course, the major one that springs immediately to mind is Pullman’s The Amber Spyglass; a most macabre and exciting climax. I believe that many fantasy trilogies venture this way because who doesn’t love to see their beloved heroes become so awesome as to conquer one of the most integral fears in human existence?

It’s the ultimate showdown, bigger than any David and Goliath story, and there is such an emotional payoff at then end when the hero emerges victorious –though not always in the way we expect.

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The Farthest Shore is no different. Beginning as a classic quest narrative where a young person seeks the help of the wizened and wise, it then morphs into a captivating travelogue –because the journey is just as important as the destination- and then, finally, becomes a great magical standoff where power and destiny and fate and whatever other grand scheme come to collide under a blanket of unmoving stars. Le Guin’s prose continues to recount the events with drama and nonchalance, as well as hold the vibe of the oral bedtime or fireside story; a lovely return to the way stories used to be told. If you want a visual on my perceptions of this trilogy, think of a nice whiskey: it begins clear and transparent, you can see everything that’s happening and it still packs a heated punch, but then as you allow Le Guin’s unique tone to settle and seep throughout, it develops this wonderful, rich, oaky colour that enhances the flavour and sets it aside from other clear spirits like vodka or gin. It’s still guaranteed to get you buzzing!

This final adventure in Ged’s story delivers a lovely sense of emotional payoff and closure, and leaves readers with a warm message of not really having anything to fear. There is adventure, drama, suspense, and humour to be found in its pages and it’s a wonderful end to an engaging and unique series.

The Farthest Shore is the final instalment in Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea trilogy, published by Victor Gollancz in 1973.