The Chronicles of Prydain are a series of epic fantasy novels written by Philadelphia native Lloyd Alexander. The books were written in the 1960s; Henry Holt published one annually from 1964 to 1968. Originally intended for children and young adults, the series remains popular among people of all ages.
The five novels and eight short stories in the Prydain series were inspired by the medieval Welsh legends and folk-tales gathered in the so-called Mabinogion. Mr. Alexander drew names and atmosphere from Welsh legend, then went on to create wholly unique and original characters, stories, places and concepts, independent of the medieval literature.
The second book earned a 1966 Newbery Honor and the last won the 1969 Newbery Medal. The Internet Speculative Fiction Database catalogs all Prydain publications, Alexander's fiction and one reference companion, as the "Prydain series". A nearly complete omnibus edition of the fiction was published in 1991 as The Prydain Chronicles.
Summary
The setting of the series is the Land of Prydain, an ancient country of many small kingdoms, in which enchantment is rife and "evil is never far". The main character is Taran of Caer Dallben, a sometimes rash boy who dreams of being a hero, and who strives to be honorable through his many adventures. Taran's Companions include the lovely and outspoken Princess Eilonwy, the impetuous bard Fflewddur Fflam, the shaggy creature Gurgi, and the noble warrior Prince Gwydion Son of Don. Other essential protagonists include Dallben the Enchanter, Doli of the Fair Folk, and the oracular pig Hen Wen. The series narrates their several quests and conflicts, including the struggle to defeat Arawn Death-Lord and his many allies, servants and creatures, among these the evil enchantress Achren and the deathless Cauldron-Born warriors.
Books
There are five books in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain series, plus a sixth book of short stories:
1. The Book of Three – Taran and companions race to report news of an army raised by the Horned King, an evil war leader of Arawn Death-Lord.
2. The Black Cauldron – Taran and companions struggle to capture a magical cauldron that generates Arawn's deathless army.
3. The Castle of Llyr – Taran escorts Eilonwy to a royal island court for her education, where she is kidnapped; he leads a band to rescue her.
4. Taran Wanderer – Taran searches for his identity, parentage and wisdom.
5. The High King – Taran and companions join Prydain's great effort finally to defeat Arawn Death-Lord.
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain is a collection of eight short stories, companion tales to the series.