THE CHRONICLES OF PRYDAIN
The tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, has been entertaining young readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales), Lloyd Alexander's book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his hero, Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over, he has met his hero and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the Horned King.
The Black Cauldron is the darkest of the Prydain Chronicles, and it tells the story of Taran and his companions as they head to Arawn Death-Lord's domain to recover the Black Cochran, which creates soldiers out of the dead. The book explores the price and sacrifice that true heroism demands. The memorable cast of characters include Adaon, a unique bard, and three interchangeable witches.
In this book, Dallben decides that Eilonwy must leave Caer Dallben because it is time for her to learn how to be a young lady. He sends her to the Isle of Mona, and allows Taran to go with her, at least for the journey. On the way Taran struggles with his feelings for Eilonwy and his annoyance at Rhun, Prince of Mona, who is a bumbling fool, at least on the outside. Through an interesting chain of events, Eilonwy is kidnapped, and Taran learns that she is betrothed to Rhun without even her knowledge. They all go on yet another epic adventure to save her, as Taran must come to terms with his conflicting emotions.
This book is about Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his quest for himself. His quest is to find his parents and to gain the hand of the Princess Eilonwy. When he goes to see the Witches in the Marches of Morva they send him on a wild goose chase to seek the Mirror of Llunet. On the way he gets himself into crazy situations and he finds creative solutions for complicated problems.
(A Newbery Award Recipient)
This book, The High King, by Lloyd Alexander, the 5th and last book of the "Prydain" series, is filled with action and suspense. The first four books lead up to this one with Taran, Assistant Pig Keeper, gaining friends, courage and manhood. Now Taran and his friends put everything at risk to save Prydain, the mystical kingdom they live in. Arawn, Death Lord, steals the most powerful weapon in Prydain, "Dyrnwyn", a flaming sword. Now the valiant men in Prydain must fight to get it back. The High King is an excellent book because of the action and suspense. There are 4 major battles in the book. It also shows the hardships away from the battlefield Taran and his friends encounter. Love, personal deaths, and other things are twirled in with the main action theme.