is Ged is known by the use-name Sparrowhawk. One vital aspect of magic is that it is impossible for people to lie in the old language, so that magic works by forcing the universe to conform to the words spoken by the magician. For example, to say "I am an eagle" in the old language means that the speaker becomes an eagle, so that the statement is no longer false. Only the magically gifted are able to do this. The School of Magic Roke Island is the magical heart of Earthsea and is protected by potent spells and a magical wind and fog that ward off evil. It contains several places of power, such as Roke Knoll and the Immanent Grove. The school of Roke was founded by Elehal and Yahan of Roke, and Medra of Havnor, as a center of learning, a refuge for magicians fleeing feuding warlords who used them to do harm. The school gradually grew in authority and influence, until eventually its leader, the Archmage, was considered second only to the king. However, through the long centuries, the wizards of Roke remained always loyal, though no king could have stood against their magic. Even in the long interregnum when the Archipelago was without a king, the Archmage did not try to usurp authority, but sought only to maintain the balance. With the advent of the new king, Lebannen, the school's role had to change. When the last Archmage, Ged, loses his magical abilities, no one is appointed to replace him. Teaching in the school is carried out by the nine Masters of Roke, each with a specialty: Master Windkey, whose skill lies in weather control Master Hand, who deals with illusions Master Herbal, versed in healing Master Changer, who knows the arts of transformation Master Summoner, skilled in calling or summoning Master Namer, who teaches the students the rudiments of True Speech Master Chanter, teacher of music and chanted spells Master Patterner, seeker of meaning and intent Master Doorkeeper, the guardian of the gates of the school. Their leader is the Archmage, chosen by the nine Masters, often from outside the school. The position of the Master Finder was abolished by the first Archmage, Halkel, and replaced with that of Chanter. Halkel also banned women from the school. Evolution of magic Over the span of the novels and stories, there is an evolution of certain themes,