Symbol for liberty
Ged learn how to summon different animals early in his life as a wizard and he becomes known for his capability to summon hawks. The birds he summons are not random as hawks are often used to symbolize freedom. What the author wanted to suggest through this is that magic offered Ged the freedom he wanted and the possibility to escape from a life already decided for him.
Everything has a name
One of the common motifs in the novel is the idea that everything has a name. Knowing the exact name of a place or person gives someone power over them and because of this many wizards refuse to reveal their true names. Ged learns this as well early in his training and the idea that knowing a place’s name is power remains a common motif in the novel.
Trusting one another
When one of Ged’s friends departs from the Island where they were taught magic, the two boys reveal their true names to one another as a parting gift. The action is extremely important because it has a symbolic value. Keeping in mind that knowing the true name of a person or thing meant possessing the said person, the fact that the two children willingly gave their true names to one another symbolizes the fact that they trusted each other and that their relationship was a close one.
In a coma
Another common motif in the novel is the idea that using magic takes a tool on someone’s body. Ged falls into a coma twice after using his powers and one of his teachers even dies after he uses magic to save Ged from a shadow monster. This shows that a person was connected with its magical powers and that their bodies were also affected when they used too much magic.
No one shall mingle with death
Another motif found in the novel is the idea that no one should try and stop death. The wizards that appear in the novel all agree with this principle and they all stop themselves from interfering with the natural course of things. Even though many people came to them asking to bring back to life someone who died, the wizards all refuse to help the person in question and to let nature run its course.
