Video from PBS
"Explore the remarkable life and legacy of late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin whose groundbreaking work, including “The Left Hand of Darkness,” transformed American literature by bringing science fiction into the literary mainstream. American Masters – Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin premieres nationwide Friday, August 2 at 9/8c on PBS." from video introduction.
Video from Simon & Schuster
"We join famed fantasy and science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin in her home to talk about the Earthsea series and all things Earthsea, including her initial hesitation to write YA novels. After considering writing YA fantasy books, Ursula K. Le Guin realized how rabid and invested readers of YA novels truly are, and how all she needed to start was a young protagonist. As she describes, she had already written in the YA Novels format with short stories similar in concept to "A Wizard of Earthsea", and all that was missing was a full map of the Earthsea World (which she has since used for all six books). The interview goes on to reference conversations Ursuala had with fans who at a young age read her works like "A Wizard of Earthsea", and expressed the help it offered them, connecting with her characters." from video introduction.
I like many of you grew up with The Earthsea Trilogy in addition to The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Le Guin began with short stories published in 1964 that introduced the world of Earthsea and the concepts in it, such as her treatment of magic. "The Rule of Names" also introduced Yevaud, a dragon who appears briefly in A Wizard of Earthsea. Le Guin's depiction of Earthsea was also influenced by her familiarity with Native American legends and Norse mythology. She also had extensive knowledge of myths and legends, as well as an interest in anthropology,
Le Guin was also influenced by Taoist thought which is visible in the idea of a cosmic "balance" in the universe of Earthsea.
Le Guin was an Atheist and she thought Christianity was destructive.
Yet in my opinion her God given gift to write was ripe with God. Earthsea was a wonderful journey in imagination. As Christians we must realize that sometimes no matter how hard people try they cannot exclude God from their life or what they do.