True Names

To know a true name is to hold power over that being or thing.

In Earthsea, magic is primarily verbal. Everything has a true name in the Old Speech (also called True Speech), the language of dragons and the original language of magic used by Segoy to create the world. One who knows the true name of an object or person has power over it. A use-name, which has no magical property, suffices for everyday purposes.

Quick Facts

Language: Old Speech (also called True Speech)
Practitioners: Wizards, Dragons

Lore & Background

The True Name exists in the Old Speech, a language where words and things were once identical. Dragons and humans were once one race but separated due to differing temperaments: dragons chose air and fire, while humans chose earth and water. In modern Earthsea, wizards must study extensively at Roke to learn these names; speaking them correctly forces the universe to conform to the words spoken. It is impossible to lie in this language. If another knows your True Name, they can harm or control you. Dragons possess their own True Names and speak Old Speech, but the Kargish people do not use true names, generally reject the practice of naming, and are not known to speak Old Speech.

Reader's Guide

In the world of Earthsea, magic operates through the Old Speech, the language Segoy used to name the islands into existence. Every living creature and stone possesses a True Name that defines its existence. Wizards spend years at the School of Roke learning to speak these names correctly, for power lies in correct pronunciation. To wield magic is to manipulate reality through knowledge. If a wizard knows the True Name of an object, they have power over it. However, this power demands responsibility; misusing a name disrupts the Balance. The greatest secret a wizard keeps is their own True Name, as revealing it grants others dominion over them.

Did You Know?

Use-names are not unique; for instance, the witch in 'A Wizard of Earthsea' is unnamed or referred to simply as a witch.
The School of Roke was founded by Elehal, Yahan, and Medra as a refuge for magicians fleeing warlords who used them for harm.

Origins and Early Magic

The source states that up to puberty (about age thirteen), a person among the Hardic people is known by their child-name; at the rite of passage, they are given their true name by a witch, sorcerer, or wizard. The true name is a single word of True Speech. One's true name is closely guarded because it grants great power to the knower. A use-name is adopted for everyday dealings and may be an animal (like Sparrowhawk), a plant, a substance, or something else; these are not unique.

The Shadow and Self-Discovery

It states that in The Farthest Shore, Cob seeks immortality regardless of consequences and opens a breach between life and death, endangering the living.

The Ring and Liberation at Atuan

It states that Kargs hate and fear magic, do not use the system of child-names, use-names, and true names found among Hardic peoples, and have single names only (examples: Azver, Seserakh, Tenar).

Archmage Legacy and Final Sacrifice

The source states that when the last Archmage, Ged, loses his magical abilities, no one is appointed to replace him. It also notes that Halkel, the first Archmage, banned women from the school.