A Wizard of Earthsea

by

Ursula K. Le Guin

Vetch / Estarriol Character Analysis

Vetch, whose true name is Estarriol, is Ged’s closest friend and most steadfast companion at the School on Roke and in the years beyond their education. The dark-skinned Vetch comes from the East Reach of the Archipelago. A humble, patient young man who is a true friend to Ged, Vetch is a powerful sorcerer who nonetheless decides, after finishing his studies, to return to his hometown and serve as mage to the island from which he came. Whereas Jasper and Ged yearn (and fight) for power, glory, and renown, Vetch wants to use his skills to help others. While at school with Jasper and Ged, Vetch is constantly trying to de-escalate fights and skirmishes between the two pompous boys—even though his attempts are often unsuccessful. On the isle of Iffish in the East Reach, Vetch makes a name for himself as a powerful yet approachable wizard who is available to anyone who needs his help. He understands that a sense of duty is enough of a destiny for anyone—yet he maintains a sense of adventure and yearning that leads him to accompany Ged, years after they part ways on Roke, across the sea to the ends of the earth in order to confront the shadow that has been haunting Ged for years. Vetch knows that his friend has been burdened with a difficult lot, and he wants to do all he can to support Ged as Ged struggles against his own fate. Supportive, modest, and thoughtful, Vetch is a wizard of immense power, bravery, and heart.

Vetch / Estarriol Quotes in A Wizard of Earthsea

The A Wizard of Earthsea quotes below are all either spoken by Vetch / Estarriol or refer to Vetch / Estarriol. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Coming of Age Theme Icon
).
Chapter 4 Quotes

No one knows a man's true name but himself and his namer. […] If plain men hide their true name from all but a few they love and trust utterly, so much more must wizardly men, being more dangerous, and more endangered. Who knows a man’s name, holds that man's life in his keeping. Thus to Ged, who had lost faith in himself, Vetch had given that gift only a friend can give, the proof of unshaken, unshakable trust.

Related Characters: Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk, Vetch / Estarriol
Related Symbols: True Names
Page Number: 82
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 9 Quotes

"Pride was ever your mind's master," his friend said smiling, as if they talked of a matter of small concern to either. "Now think: it is your quest, assuredly, but if the quest fails, should there not be another there who might bear warning to the Archipelago? For the shadow would be a fearful power then. And if you defeat the thing, should there not be another there who will tell of it in the Archipelago, that the Deed may be known and sung? I know I can be of no use to you; yet I think I should go with you."

Related Characters: Vetch / Estarriol (speaker), Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk, The Shadow
Page Number: 185-186
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 10 Quotes

On the course on which they were embarked, the saying of the least spell might change chance and move the balance of power and of doom: for they went now toward the very center of that balance, toward the place where light and darkness meet. Those who travel thus say no word carelessly.

Related Characters: Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk, Vetch / Estarriol
Page Number: 196-197
Explanation and Analysis:

“The wound is healed,” [Ged] said, “I am whole, I am free.” […]

And [Vetch] began to see the truth, that Ged had neither lost nor won but, naming the shadow of his death with his own name, had made himself whole: a man: who, knowing his whole 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.

Related Characters: Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk (speaker), The Shadow, Vetch / Estarriol
Page Number: 214
Explanation and Analysis:
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Vetch / Estarriol Quotes in A Wizard of Earthsea

The A Wizard of Earthsea quotes below are all either spoken by Vetch / Estarriol or refer to Vetch / Estarriol. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Coming of Age Theme Icon
).
Chapter 4 Quotes

No one knows a man's true name but himself and his namer. […] If plain men hide their true name from all but a few they love and trust utterly, so much more must wizardly men, being more dangerous, and more endangered. Who knows a man’s name, holds that man's life in his keeping. Thus to Ged, who had lost faith in himself, Vetch had given that gift only a friend can give, the proof of unshaken, unshakable trust.

Related Characters: Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk, Vetch / Estarriol
Related Symbols: True Names
Page Number: 82
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 9 Quotes

"Pride was ever your mind's master," his friend said smiling, as if they talked of a matter of small concern to either. "Now think: it is your quest, assuredly, but if the quest fails, should there not be another there who might bear warning to the Archipelago? For the shadow would be a fearful power then. And if you defeat the thing, should there not be another there who will tell of it in the Archipelago, that the Deed may be known and sung? I know I can be of no use to you; yet I think I should go with you."

Related Characters: Vetch / Estarriol (speaker), Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk, The Shadow
Page Number: 185-186
Explanation and Analysis:
Chapter 10 Quotes

On the course on which they were embarked, the saying of the least spell might change chance and move the balance of power and of doom: for they went now toward the very center of that balance, toward the place where light and darkness meet. Those who travel thus say no word carelessly.

Related Characters: Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk, Vetch / Estarriol
Page Number: 196-197
Explanation and Analysis:

“The wound is healed,” [Ged] said, “I am whole, I am free.” […]

And [Vetch] began to see the truth, that Ged had neither lost nor won but, naming the shadow of his death with his own name, had made himself whole: a man: who, knowing his whole 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.

Related Characters: Ged / Duny / Sparrowhawk (speaker), The Shadow, Vetch / Estarriol
Page Number: 214
Explanation and Analysis: