Millions of young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his lively companions as they journey through the magical land of Prydain. First published more than thirty years ago and translated into twenty different languages, Lloyd Alexander’s beloved series has become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children. Among their many accolades, the award-winning Chronicles of Prydain count a Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor, and more than two million copies in print.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"An exciting, highly imaginative, and sometimes profound fantasy of humor and heroism."
--The New York Times on The Castle of Llyr
--The New York Times on The Castle of Llyr
"Once-in-a-lifetime reading that will assure Prydain a permanent place in geographies of fictional territories."
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on The Black Cauldron
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on The Black Cauldron
"A very funny adventure tale ... The writing is sophisticated."
--Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books on The Book of Three
--Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books on The Book of Three
"The author ... leavens with high good humor the high fantasy."
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on The Book of Three
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on The Book of Three
"A wise and wondrous tale."
--Booklist on The Black Cauldron
--Booklist on The Black Cauldron
"Character and dialogue is handled humorously and dextrously, which sets this classic-in-the-making apart from other folklore-based fantasies."
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on The Castle of Llyr
--Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on The Castle of Llyr
"All of the color and adventure one expects in the land of fantasy."
--Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books on Taran Wanderer
--Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books on Taran Wanderer
"The book has the philosophical depth and overtones of great fantasy." --The Horn Book on The High King
About the Author
Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the author of more than forty books for children and adults, including the beloved children’s fantasy series, the Chronicles of Prydain, one of the most widely read series in the history of fantasy and the inspiration for the animated Disney film, The Black Cauldron. His books have won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Newbery Honor, and the National Book Award for Juvenile Literature.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"The Chronicles of Prydain" is one of those fantasy series that is not only a classic, but really timeless -- it's a mishmash of heroic fantasy and Welsh folklore, a few rungs below "Lord of the Rings" and a few inches down from "Chronicles of Narnia." And Lloyd Alexander's writing is absolutely sublime, melding sorrow and humor even as the heroes fight to save the world.
"The Book of Three" opens with Assistant Pig-Keeper Taran yearning for adventure -- and getting more than he bargains for when he chases the pig into the woods, and is nearly run down by a sinister horned rider. Soon he teams up with a wandering king-minstrel, a sharp-tongued princess and a furry creature called Gurgi to save Prydain from the power of the Horned King.
"The Black Cauldron" has Taran and the others setting out to destroy Arawn Deathlord's evil cauldron, which turns dead men into unkillable zombies. But other forces are after the cauldron, including three peculiar witches who insist on trading something for the cauldron. What is worse, the company faces treachery from someone in their own camp...
"The Castle of Llyr" ties up some loose ends from the first book, as Princess Eilonwy is sent to the isle of Mona to become a fine lady. But she has barely arrived when she is kidnapped by a minion of the evil enchantress Achren, her "aunt." Taran sets out to save her, but must team up with the young man who wishes to marry Eilonwy -- even though Taran is rapidly falling in love with her.
"Taran Wanderer" has Taran setting out to discover his past, since he feels he can't ask Eilonwy to marry him if he is lowborn. With only Gurgi at his side, he encounters evil wizards, malevolent bandits, and finally learns that his father just might be a shepherd... until a new revelation leads him to learn of his true worth.
"The High King" wraps up the saga, with Taran returning home. But no sooner has he arrived than he learns that noble Prince Gwydion has been half-killed -- and the magical sword Dyrnwyn has been stolen by Arawn Deathlord. Now the heroes set out one and for all to attack Arawn's stronghold and get back the sword -- but how can they defeat a deathless army and a shapeshifting enemy?
Take two parts "Lord of the Rings," add a bit more humor and comedy, and stir in bits and pieces of Welsh mythology. That pretty much sums up the Prydain Chronicles, which is one of the rare series that is meant for kids, but is as rich an experience for adults. Even better, if they know the origins of the old legends and myths that make up the edges of these stories. Alexander populates this little world with evil enchantresses, deathless warriors, eager teenagers and talking crows, all the while coming up with an original storyline that doesn't smack of lifted legends.
In a sense, the whole series is a coming-of-age story, where Taran learns wisdom, maturity, loss and love. Oh yeah, and that that Chinese curse about interesting times is quite correct. Princess Eilonwy and the bard-king Fflewddur Fflam add a bit of comic relief, but they are also strong characters in their own right, as is the fuzzy sidekick Gurgi, who goes from being an annoyance to a loyal and lovable friend.
The one downside? Apparently this collection does not include "The Foundling," which is part of the Prydain Chronicles, even if it's not strictly necessary to the narrative.
"The Chronicles of Prydain" are fantasy at its best, mingling myth and legend with a fast-paced plot and endearingly quirky characters. Definitely not something to miss.
"The Book of Three" opens with Assistant Pig-Keeper Taran yearning for adventure -- and getting more than he bargains for when he chases the pig into the woods, and is nearly run down by a sinister horned rider. Soon he teams up with a wandering king-minstrel, a sharp-tongued princess and a furry creature called Gurgi to save Prydain from the power of the Horned King.
"The Black Cauldron" has Taran and the others setting out to destroy Arawn Deathlord's evil cauldron, which turns dead men into unkillable zombies. But other forces are after the cauldron, including three peculiar witches who insist on trading something for the cauldron. What is worse, the company faces treachery from someone in their own camp...
"The Castle of Llyr" ties up some loose ends from the first book, as Princess Eilonwy is sent to the isle of Mona to become a fine lady. But she has barely arrived when she is kidnapped by a minion of the evil enchantress Achren, her "aunt." Taran sets out to save her, but must team up with the young man who wishes to marry Eilonwy -- even though Taran is rapidly falling in love with her.
"Taran Wanderer" has Taran setting out to discover his past, since he feels he can't ask Eilonwy to marry him if he is lowborn. With only Gurgi at his side, he encounters evil wizards, malevolent bandits, and finally learns that his father just might be a shepherd... until a new revelation leads him to learn of his true worth.
"The High King" wraps up the saga, with Taran returning home. But no sooner has he arrived than he learns that noble Prince Gwydion has been half-killed -- and the magical sword Dyrnwyn has been stolen by Arawn Deathlord. Now the heroes set out one and for all to attack Arawn's stronghold and get back the sword -- but how can they defeat a deathless army and a shapeshifting enemy?
Take two parts "Lord of the Rings," add a bit more humor and comedy, and stir in bits and pieces of Welsh mythology. That pretty much sums up the Prydain Chronicles, which is one of the rare series that is meant for kids, but is as rich an experience for adults. Even better, if they know the origins of the old legends and myths that make up the edges of these stories. Alexander populates this little world with evil enchantresses, deathless warriors, eager teenagers and talking crows, all the while coming up with an original storyline that doesn't smack of lifted legends.
In a sense, the whole series is a coming-of-age story, where Taran learns wisdom, maturity, loss and love. Oh yeah, and that that Chinese curse about interesting times is quite correct. Princess Eilonwy and the bard-king Fflewddur Fflam add a bit of comic relief, but they are also strong characters in their own right, as is the fuzzy sidekick Gurgi, who goes from being an annoyance to a loyal and lovable friend.
The one downside? Apparently this collection does not include "The Foundling," which is part of the Prydain Chronicles, even if it's not strictly necessary to the narrative.
"The Chronicles of Prydain" are fantasy at its best, mingling myth and legend with a fast-paced plot and endearingly quirky characters. Definitely not something to miss.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I fell in love with these books when they were first read aloud to me as a child, and they remain just as wonderful now that I'm an adult. The tale is of adventure and daring, of finding oneself and coming-of-age. But the best thing about these books are their truly unforgettable characters.
The story unfolds in the fantasy realm of Prydain, a world steeped in Welsh mythology. Taran, a young Assistant Pig Keeper (to a very special pig) longs to be a hero, but finds heroism to be quite different than he expected when he is caught up in the strange deeds of his time. He is joined in his adventures by Eilonwy (a loquacious princess), Fflewddur Fflam (a bard whose harp strings break when his tales stray out of the realms of truth), and Gurgi (a loyal though scruffy creature who takes delight in his "crunchings and munchings"). One comes to expect the unexpected: deathless warriors, talking crows, invisible dwarves, melancholy giants, evil enchantresses, giant cats, and prophetic pigs.
Full of adventure and charm, this series will captivate young and old alike. They're wonderful books to read aloud as a family. I'm delighted to see them re-issued in a beautiful boxed set.
The story unfolds in the fantasy realm of Prydain, a world steeped in Welsh mythology. Taran, a young Assistant Pig Keeper (to a very special pig) longs to be a hero, but finds heroism to be quite different than he expected when he is caught up in the strange deeds of his time. He is joined in his adventures by Eilonwy (a loquacious princess), Fflewddur Fflam (a bard whose harp strings break when his tales stray out of the realms of truth), and Gurgi (a loyal though scruffy creature who takes delight in his "crunchings and munchings"). One comes to expect the unexpected: deathless warriors, talking crows, invisible dwarves, melancholy giants, evil enchantresses, giant cats, and prophetic pigs.
Full of adventure and charm, this series will captivate young and old alike. They're wonderful books to read aloud as a family. I'm delighted to see them re-issued in a beautiful boxed set.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Lyne Frost
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this for my 9 year old to read, and have found myself entranced once again with a series that is both exciting, dark, and heroic. My son has taken to reading it aloud to me while i cook so we can share the adventure together.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Epic Fantasy Masterpiece!
This was one of the only pure fantasy books I read in high school, but it was captivating and very enjoyable. I couldn't put this series down. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Owen Sage
5.0 out of 5 stars
Long lasting
As entertaining for my grandsons as it was for my sons and also for me a number of years ago.
Published 29 days ago by Linda R. James
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this series
I read an re-read this series throughout my youth. I'm now reading them to my son (who is not named Taran since my wife was not familiar with the books). Read more
Published 1 month ago by R. E. VanderKlok
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorites
I've probably read these books a hundred times. I discovered them when I was in high school and even though they're meant for a younger audience, they can be enjoyed by people of... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kylie MIller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful series
I enjoyed this series as a child. It's fun now to see my 8 year old get hooked by the stories -- "just one more chapter, please?"
Published 2 months ago by BJM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing series
This is one of the best fantasy series I have read. Especially in the children's/young adult category. But even of all fantasies I would rate this one very high. Read more
Published 3 months ago by haley larson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet
I first read these books in elementary school so it was nice to find a set. I plan to read them again then give them to my younger cousins so they can become fans too. Read more
Published 3 months ago by K.GoGorilla
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome...
read these as a kid and loved them then. My daughter tried the first one and then requested the whole series. She devoured them quickly. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Remjin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Glad to see this series as a boxed set again
I got this series as a boxed set when I was a kid in the 80s. I still have it. It is one of my favorite possessions. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Patrick H
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent choice for all 5 books
This is a fantastic deal for Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain Boxed Set! The box is sturdy and the package comes wrapped in plastic. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mike Jones
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