Readers tend to idolize the protagonists of stories. Atticus Finch, Huckleberry Finn, Harry Potter – these are all characters that possess a positive tone from the author. However, in writings associated with fantasy, it would only be more appropriate to call these characters heroes. Particularly in high fantasy, the hero ventures on a “hero’s journey” which lives up to its name. However, the hero will always discover the "call to adventure" at the beginning of the story. At this point, the protagonist realizes that he possesses a unique ability. In high fantasy, this ability usually involves magic. The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin is an excellent example of this notion. The protagonist, Ged, goes on a journey to quench his thirst for a better understanding of witchcraft. Another example of fantasy would be L. Frank Baum's "The Model Who Lived," in which the mischievous actions of a fairy lead to a chain of problems for the victim. Both Le Guin and Baum use magic in high fantasy literature to symbolize the need for maturity in a protagonist, or in the creature casting the spell, and thus promote the importance of responsibility towards those who wield great power . Ged had realized his potential with magic after he saved his village by summoning a thick fog surrounding the land. This mist blocked the view of the Karg barbarian invaders, and news of his heroism would spread throughout Gont. Very quickly, the news reached the great mage, Ogion the Silent. He arrived at the village of Ten Alders from Ged. Ogion states that the boy will not be "an ordinary man...I have come here to give him his name, if, as they say, he has not yet made his passage to adulthood" (Guin 14). Le Guin summons Ogion to assist Ged for two reasons. On the one hand, Ged is still a wizard with... middle of paper..., however, he has his limits. No character should have unlimited power, because the only way they can be like a human is if they have flaws. And these defects come from errors. Obviously, in A Wizard of Earthsea, Ged was portrayed as this individual with little control over his magical skills. As he grew during his hero's journey, he became an experienced, more intelligent wizard. “The Model Who Lived” also criticized those who abuse their power without understanding the costs of such actions. For characters of high fantasy, magic or use, you absolutely have to be responsible. Works Cited Baum, L. Frank. “The Model Who Lived.” Classic reader. Np, and Web. December 9, 2009. .Guin, Ursula K. Le. A Wizard of Earthsea (The Earthsea Cycle, Volume 1). 1968. Reprint. New York: Spectra, 2004. Print.