Why Is Ged So Dangerous

Thus, almost inadvertently summoning up an evil shadow through the summoning of the spirit, it’s clear that Ged needs to control the reckless/impulsive aspects of his personality and increase his self-control in order to become mature. Ged’s emerging self-control is firstly evident when “These moments of fear and darkness, he said to himself, were shadows merely of his ignorance. The more he learned, the less he would have to fear, until finally in his full power as Wizard he needed fear nothing in the world, nothing at all.” (Le Guin 74). Even though Ged’s previous encounters with magic had not done him well, he believes that learning more skills is essential to becoming a powerful wizard. Although that may be true, Ged does not fully acknowledge
Ged’s maturation is evident based on his selfless response to the Archmage Gensher’s request to protect a dragon-infested village stating “‘I will go,’ Ged replied; not from obedience only. Since the night on Roke Knol his desire had turned as much against fame and display…” (Le Guin 107). Here, Ged accepts great responsibility while foregoing fame and power, which shows his maturation. This demonstrates that he now has no apparent desire or pride. Ged’s evolving maturity, wisdom, and responsibility is evident as Ged agrees to go on the quest not from obedience, but after learning that his pride was what had led to his downfall. Ged’s maturation is also evident when he was fleeing from the shadow, and Ogion the Silent advises him to seek what seeks him and hunt the hunter to which Ged replies “Master, I go hunting.” (Le Guin 177-181). During Ged’s difficult situation, Ogion the Silent advises him to become the hunter rather than the hunted as the shadow is driven forth only by him. Ged gains courage, determination, and finally knowledge during his final encounter with the shadow when he learns that “… a man: who, knowing his true self, cannot be used or possessed by any power other than himself, and whose life therefore is lived for life’s sake and never in the service of ruin, or pain, or hatred, or the dark.” (Le Guin 254). Clearly, despite previous signs of recklessness and lack of self-control, Ged’s evident knowledge of understanding balance and responsibility demonstrates Ged’s overruling maturation, hence a