Abstract
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin, regarded as one of the most successful Western fantasy novels worldwide, constructs for the readers a fantasy Earthsea world where the harmonious combination of Oriental philosophy and Western literature lays the pillar. Drawing upon the philosophy of Taoism and Tao Te Ching, and resorting to the analysis of the three most significant elements in the book, true name, this essay conducts a profound and comprehensive exploration of the Taoist wonders in The Earthsea Cycle. This essay illustrates the connections among true name, language creation view and Tao to reveal how true name reflects the nature of life and existence. At last, the essay concludes that The Earthsea Cycle is a literary work of Western fantasy entwined with Oriental Taoist philosophy. True name is the essence of existence in the Earthsea world, while magic originates from the need to develop while following the course of nature. All things in The Earthsea Cycle rely on nature and inaction, and grow within the circle of life.
Highlights
Based on the above analysis, it is explained that true name is the essence of Taoism and The Earthsea Cycle
Naming lays the first stone for the construction of the palace of order and regulations, while true name, which carries the indication of true nature, acts as the essence of the Earthsea world, where the protagonists, under its influence, go on the adventures both outwardly and inwardly
In The Earthsea Cycle, true names are the most distinctive feature of the world functioning by magic and fantasy
Summary
With Le Guin’s vivid depiction, the Eathsea world in all six books can be tasted and digested while the reader experiences the unique history, ethnicity, custom, language, geographical features, and even functioning laws in a fantasy and magical land Beside her own statements in the interviews, Le Guin’s family and childhood insert paramount significance in adding Taoist elements to her future works including The Earthsea Cycle. Dai pictions of the common Fantasy elements in an uncommon way inspired by Taoism play an indispensable role In both Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia, the dichotomy of Good and Evil serves as a prevailing theme throughout the whole story.
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