The Prydain Chronicles

The Book of Three - I originally read this series when I was about 9. I remember because I was reading one them while walking in my great grandmother's backyard and stumbled over a chain link fence laying on the ground and broke my arm in 2 places. The grass had grown up through it, so I didn't notice, didn't help that I had my nose buried in a book (I obviously should have given up reading at that point).

The series has always held a magical place in my heart. I barely ever remember character names, even of my favorite books, but always remembered Taran, Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam (it's been almost 40 years!). When I saw the books were available on audio, I started thinking that I would re-read them, I was just worried that I would show more think they were too childish, but after finishing this one I can see why I loved them so much.

Highly recommended, especially if you're a kid just getting into fantasy. Just don't read them while walking.

Black Cauldron - Read this when I was around 8 and now at 49. I still liked it a lot, although there was some "faulty" logic things that distracted me. Still great, standard fantasy that you should be reading to your kids. I plan on reading the next 3 books, though I was surprised that this one didn't end with a cliffhanger, I thought I remembered it being one overarching story with the cauldron at it's center. I was surprised this one ended so well, that it could be read on it's own. After I'm done with the series I'm going to watch the Disney "Black Cauldron" movie, I'm curious how close it will be to the book.

Castle of Llyr - This one was a little less "epic" than the first two, but still fun didn't ruin my childhood memories of loving this series. It's amazing how lovable these characters are. After only a few minutes of listening to this I immediately wanted to make D&D characters with the personalities of Fflewddur and Eilonwy.

Taran Wanderer - More great memories, though I can't say I remembered a whole bunch of this one. I definitely remember the lich guy with his life force in his finger bone. It's only been about 42 years since I read it the first time, so if I remember anything that's good right?

I can see how Taran's quest to "find himself" could connect with many younger readers (and probably some older ones), but I'm only giving this one 4 stars because it didn't include Eilonwy and didn't really seem as epic as some of the others. It's strange because I always thought the entire series had the heroes fighting again Arawn and the "cauldron born", but really that just happened in book 2. So now I'm really curious what happens in the final book and then I guess after that I have to grow up and read adult books (I am turning 50 in a couple weeks so maybe it's time).

The High King: So this is it. I finished this series for the 2nd time. The first time would have been about 40 years ago. I've always had fond memories of them, but other than names and and few ideas, I didn't remember anything. What an amazing story, these are the heroes you want your kids growing up aspiring to be. Mr. Alexander definitely gets extra points for strong female characters at a time when there wasn't a lot of that happening.

If you've got kids who are into reading at all, you owe it to them to read this series, and if you're an adult who has never read them I also recommend them. show less

There are fantasy books and there are fantasy books, but the Prydain books by Lloyd Alexander are some of the best of the best.

The series which includes The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King, tell the story of the assistant pig-keeper Taran and his adventures after meeting an overly talkative princess named Eilonwy. The plot might not be anything new to the hardened fantasy fanatic, but the telling of the tale is what weaves the magic.

Try to come away from this without being happy and I guarantee that you will fail.

Must-read.

I read this series originally in 6th and 7th grade. I loved every minute of it. I am now 22 and picked up this collection of all 5 Prydain Chronicles as well as 6, of the 8, short stories about the world of Prydain (excludes Coll and His White Pig and The Truthful Harp). These are now very easy reads for me, each being about 120 pages, but they are wonderfully written.

The Prydain Chronicles tells the story of Taran who holds the rank of Assistant Pig Keeper in a small village. From this lowly position he is thrust into a war between good and evil which takes him and molds him into much more than an assistant pig keeper. There will be fighting, there will be magic, there will be love, but more than these there will be honor found, show more though not always in the way you'd expect.

This is book for any age, young and old. Though I must admit that though I enjoyed the books a great deal when I was younger I now have a deeper understanding for a lot of the emotions the characters have and the decisions based on these. That, and my bad memory, have made this re-reading a brand new experience for me. show less

Consisting of The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Lyr, Taran Wanderer & High King, these novels are a good first step into the fantastic. Starts with an assistant Pigkeeper and ends with him as High King of Prydain. Much about character and friendship, but interwoven thru the stories so as not to be pablum or sacchirin. Well done.

This is an omnibus volume containing the five Pyrdain novels and some related other stories. I did prefer the Evangeline Walton redaction of the Mabinogion. Alexander has few characters in common with the original Welsh tales and tries to maintain the flavour of the medieval Welsh world. I don't think he succeeds, but when he began these novels the Walton redaction was incomplete. So, read them, especially if you are a voung adult or precocious child.

This book is the basis for the Disney movie, The Black Cauldron. I enjoyed the book, but I don't think it is quite as much of a classic as some people do. Its a good book to read and enjoy, particularly for younger readers. It is sort of a kIng arthur style book, sort of a Disney fairy tale type book.

His robe flapping around his spindly legs, Dallben made his way to a huge chest, unlocked it with an ancient key, and raised the lid. He bent and rummaged inside. "I confess to a certain number of regrets and misgivings," he said, "which could not possibly interest you, so I shall not burden you with them. On the other hand, here is something I am sure will interest you. And burden you, too, for the matter of that."
Dallben straightened and turned. In his hands he held a sword.
Taran's heart leaped. He grasped the weapon eagerly, his hands trembling so that he nearly dropped it. Scabbard and hilt bore no ornament; the craftsmanship lay in its proportion and balance. Though of great age, its metal shone clear and untarnished, and its very show more plainness had the beauty of true nobility. Taran bowed low before Dallben and stammered thanks.
Dallben shook his head. "Whether you should thank me or not," he said, "remains to be seen. Use it wisely," he added. "I only hope you will have cause to use it not at all."
"What are its powers?" Taran asked, his eyes sparkling. "Tell me now, so that . . ."
"It's powers?" Dallben answered with a sad smile. "My dear boy, this is a bit of metal hammered into a rather unattractive shape; it could better have been a pruning hook or a plow iron. Its powers? Like all weapons, only those held by him who wields it. What yours may be, I can in no wise say.
This 'review' is more of by way of being a tribute to the late Lloyd Alexander, author of the beloved Prydain Chronicles!"My pulse!" cried Smoit. "My body and bones! Give us a tune to make us merry, you butter-headed harp-scraper!"
HIs birthday was actually yesterday, January 30th. He deserves a double-decker chocolate cake with all the trimmings for the many hours of delight he has given his readers with these books. Yes, yes!" Gurgi cried gleefully, "crunchings and munchings for all! Thanks to generous, kindhearted Gurgi! He will not let brave warriors suffer bellies filled only with howlings and growlings!" His are tales of heroism and hope, with generous helpings of wit, nobility, and humour.

He will not succeed in this," Taran said. "Somehow, we must find a way to escape. We dare not lose hope."
"I agree absolutely," Fflewddur answered. "Your general idea is excellent; it's only the details that are lacking...
Lloyd Alexander has written too many books to list, but our favorite would have to be the delightful Prydain Chronicles. The source of all the quotes in this post, these books are dashing tales of heroes and villains, and the villains are sinister, indeed, although some only seem foul. "How would you like it," asked a cheerful voice behind Taran, "if you were turned into a toad? And stepped on?"
... "How many twigs in a bird's nest?" asked the enchantress suddenly. "Answer quickly. There, you see," she added. "Poor chicks, you don't even know that. How could you be expected to know what you really want out of life?"
"One thing I want," retorted Eilonwy, "is not to be a toad."

The Prydain stories are diverting, amusing, imaginative, exciting, uplifting, and eminently quotable.

"It's silly," Eilonwy added, "to worry because you can't do something you simply can't do. That's worse than trying to make yourself taller by standing on your head."
If you do not like stories of fantasy, myth, and fairy tale, you will not want to read these.
"I've never met a person," whispered Eilonwy, while Gurgi snuffled in fright, "who could talk about such dreadful things and smile at the same time. It's like ants walking up and down your back."Alexander has written others without the magic, but we don't think the characters in them are nearly as delightful as those who people the Prydain Chronicles.

On the little farm, while Taran and Coll saw to the plowing, sowing, weeding, reaping, and all the other tasks of husbandry, Dallben undertook the meditating, an occupation so exhausting he could accomplish it only by lying down and closing his eyes.
The mythical land of Prydain bears an interesting resemblance to Wales, which is an added attraction for us. The tales themselves are similar in many ways to The Lord of the Rings, but these are more suitable for children ages 9-12 (roughly). Boys who may have hither to been reluctant readers may well be coaxed into reading through these books.
And Gurgi will help!" shouted Gurgi, springing to his feet. "Yes, yes, with seekings and peekings!" They are full of heroes and ordinary assistant pig keepers, brave deeds and quiet wisdom.

"I am a Prince of Pen-Llarcau!" cried Ellidyr.
"Yes, yes, yes," Dallben interrupted with a wave of his brittle hand. "I am quite aware of all that and too busy to be concerned with it. Go, water your horse and your temper at the same time. You shall be called when you are wanted."
To read the story of:
Taran the assistant pig-keeper (Taran straightened and threw back his head. "I am Taran," he said, "Assistant Pig-Keeper of Caer Dallben." )
the pig Hen-Wen
the Princess Eilonwy ("I'm not speaking to you!" she cried to Taran. "The way you acted. That's like asking someone to a feast, then making them wash the dishes! But-farewell, anyway. That," she added, "doesn't count as speaking."),
Bard Fflewddur Ffllam and his tell-tale harp (A Fflam is always valiant! I've slashed my way through thousands"- he glanced uneasily at the harp-"well, ah, shall we say numerous enemies." )
and Gurgi ("Yes, yes!" Gurgi cried. "Crunchings and munchings for brave, hungry Gurgi!") you'll want to read the following titles in the order listed:

The Book of Three

The Black Cauldron (NOT the Disney atrocity, please)

The Castle of Llyr

Taran Wanderer

The High King

We have also enjoyed the picture book The Truthful Harp. We have enjoyed, in fact, almost every minute spent reading the Prydain Chronicles, even when they are violent.

"Woe and sadness!" the creature wailed, loping anxiously to Taran. "Gurgi sees smackings and whackings by strengthful lord! Poor, kindly master! Gurgi is sorry for him.

You can read more about these books here.

"Goodbye, goodbye," muttered Gwystyl. "I hate to see you waste your time, not to mention your lives. But that's the way of it, I suppose. Here today, gone tomorrow, and what's anyone to do about it? Goodbye. I hope we meet again. But not soon. Goodbye."
But we hope you will read the books themselves if you haven't already. They are a treat, and we're none of us getting any younger, so you probably shouldn't delay.
"Go swiftly," Gwydion said, reaching out, his hand. "Your comrades wait for you; and Coll, I know, is eager to ready his vegetable garden for winter. Farewell, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper-and friend."
Gwydion waved once and rode northward. Taran watched until he was out of sight. He turned Melynlas, then, and saw the faces of the companions smiling at him.
"Hurry along," Eilonwy called. "Hen Wen will be wanting her bath. And I'm afraid Gurgi and I left in such a hurry I didn't take time to straighten up the scullery. That's worse than starting a journey and forgetting to put on your shoes!"
Taran galloped toward them. show less