The Tombs of Atuan (The Earthsea Cycle Series Book 2)

In 'The Tombs of Atuan,' the second book of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle series, we follow the story of Tenar, a young girl taken from her family to become the high priestess known as Arha, the Eaten One, at the desolate tombs of Atuan. These tombs are dedicated to ancient and nameless Powers, and Arha's life is one of ritual and servitude, bound by age-old traditions. Her existence is lonely and stark until she encounters Ged, the wizard protagonist from the first book, 'A Wizard of Earthsea.' Ged has come to the tombs in search of the long-lost half of the Ring of Erreth-Akbe, which is hidden within the labyrinthine passages beneath the tombs. Despite her initial hostility towards Ged, who is considered a thief and a sacrilege to her gods, Tenar is intrigued by his presence and his different perspective on the world. As they interact, Tenar begins to question the beliefs and customs that have defined her life. Eventually, she chooses to help Ged, leading to her own spiritual awakening and a break from the darkness that has enveloped her existence. Together, they escape the tombs, and Tenar embarks on a journey of self-discovery, leaving behind her role as Arha to embrace a new life with the name that Ged gives back to her: Tenar.