A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, #1)

by Ursula K. Le Guin

“You thought, as a boy, that a mage is one who can do anything. So I thought, once. So did we all. And the truth is that as a man’s real power grows and his knowledge widens, ever the way he can follow grows narrower: until at last he chooses nothing, but does only and wholly what he must do . . .”

“Master,” said Ged, “I cannot take your name from you, not being strong enough, and I cannot trick your name from you, not being wise enough. So I am content to stay here, and learn or serve, whatever you will: unless by chance you will answer a question I have.” “Ask it.” “What is your name?” The Doorkeeper smiled, and said his name: and Ged, repeating it, entered for the last time into that House.

He had almost yielded, but not quite. He had not consented. It is very hard for evil to take hold of the unconsenting soul.