Like A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA and THE TOMBS OF ATUAN, the third book of the Earthsea tetralogy examines the delicate balance between life and death. With the exception of TEHANU, Ged's most important quests involve facing and usually embracing the hidden realms of the dead and undead. From the moment Ged unleashes an undead spirit into the world to his fateful journey into the Dry Land, he is forced to truly understand the nature of evil and how it develops in men --- feeding on fear, pride, lust and greed.