The Chronicles of Prydain

Superb children's fantasy that I am delighted to discover stands up perfectly well. This series was one of the cornerstones of my childhood reading - well, early to mid-teens at any rate. The tale of Taran, Assistant Pig Keeper and his heroic companions is thrilling, classic, warm, funny, scary stuff. There is brilliant use of Welsh mythology and fantastic writing and wonderful characters who grow and change through the series, though none more so than Taran himself, who starts out with dreams of adventure and glory, only to find actual adventuring difficult and muddled and full of mistakes and terrors. I identified absolutely with Taran, which made his growth to maturity in later volumes all the more powerful.

One of the true classics of children's fantasy, alongside Cooper's Dark is Rising pentology, the Chronicles of Prydain weave the Welsh Mabinogi into what is not merely a children's fantasy story, but one that grows with the reader and imparts important life lessons.

The fourth and fifth books are perhaps the most poignant coming-of-age stories I have encountered; I still (thirty plus years on) tear on reading Taran's final conversation with Dallben.

These books tell a wonderful story that any who enjoy mythology can savor; but these books tell a story to inform the life of any serious or sober child about how our lives are what we make of them.

Finally, books I remember enjoying as a kid that still stand up to re-reading as an adult!

They are sometimes described as coming-of-age stories, and that is true in the best sense of the term. Alexander is deeply concerned with growing up, and he examines many of its central, deepest, and most profound aspects, such as discovering one's personal identity, and responsibility. Each book in the series looks at these themes in different ways and builds on them a little more. My favorite in the series, Taran Wanderer (which I had expected to enjoy the least), deals with these issues so simply and directly that it acquires an almost allegorical quality. He teaches many important life lessons that are every bit as relevant to us grown-ups as show more to young adolescents just beginning to struggle with these issues. And he does so through engaging stories and a memorable cast of characters. From now on, whenever I find myself in a situation that tests my courage or integrity, all I have to do is think to myself, "A Fflam never falters!"

Some people like to complain about the supposed similarities between these books and those of Tolkein, but apart from some basic structural features stemming from their common mythological roots, there really isn't a lot of similarity in the details. Even in the most obviously similar part---the ending---what is really interesting is how it differs. I can't say much without giving it away, but let's just say that Alexander, to his credit, ultimately says almost the exact opposite of Tolkein. No, Alexander's fantasy world isn't as complex and well-developed as Tolkein's, but these books were written for a younger audience, and let's face it, nobody can stand up to a comparison with Tolkein as far as that goes. I think if people, of whatever age, take these books on their own terms, they will find them to be a rewarding experience. show less

If there is a list of "must-read juvenile fantasy novels", this series should be near the top, right up with Tolkein's "The Hobbit", LeGuin's Earthsea Trilogy, and Rowling's Harry Potter books. Based on Welsh mythology, the books have a rich background to work with, and the author takes full advantage of that. Characters may be whimsical, grotesque, comic, or sympathetic, but they are all vivid and original.

The plots follow familiar fairy-tale paths, but in unique directions. The young hero is indeed an orphan raised on a pig farm, but in his adventures, rather than see him gain a collection of magical items, we seem him gaining lessons in responsibility, difficult choices, and coming to terms with oneself. The hero's journey IS the show more coming of age story, each reflecting the other (in one case, literally). The author doesn't go for easy feel-good magical solutions; if anything, magic appears to make everyone's life more difficult, because of those who would use it irresponsibly.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this series to parents of any children old enough to understand a few long words... and I wouldn't mind re-reading the series myself, though long past my own childhood. show less

Ci si affeziona, è un fantasy atipico, dolce, avvincente, mi è piaciuto davvero tanto, e non credo dimenticherò tanto presto alcuni protagonisti di questa saga. Bello!

This is another wonderful series from my childhood that I never tired of re-reading. I no longer have copies of these books, but will probably buy them again soon to re-read again.

So I tried to give it a shot and skimmed some.
Am I the only one who cannot imagine a kid talking in high medieval prose ?
I feel like this way of talking is something you work up to, not start out with.