Taran Wanderer

2000s cover by David Wyatt.

1970s cover by Don Maitz.

Taran Wanderer is the fourth book in The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. It is the most introspective of the five books, the lone volume which avoids the label of epic fantasy. Yet it maintains a sense of boundless adventure, and expounds themes of bettering oneself in skill and knowledge, even while learning to deal with failure and loss.

For an overview of the various editions and cover paintings of Taran Wanderer, see Book Editions and Illustrations: Part Two.

This page contains spoilers. If you do not wish to be spoiled, do not read further.

Brief Synopsis

Taran, seeking to find his parentage, set off with Gurgi to the Marshes of Morva to consult Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch. The sense of danger from the enchantresses grew more palpable, for the Assistant Pig-Keeper had nothing to offer them in trade. Yet Orddu hinted that he might find what he sought in the Mirror of Llunet.

In his ensuing travels, Taran took a sojourn in King Smoit's kingdom, had his stallion Melynlas stolen, helped a farmer reclaim what was his, rescued Doli and foiled the scheme of the wizard Morda, traveled through the inhospitable Hill Cantrevs, ran afoul of the despicable bandit Dorath, kept the shepherd Craddoc company, and learned new skills among the master craftsmen of the Free Commots, before coming at last to view himself in the Mirror -- even as he learned the truth about himself.

1990s cover by Jody Lee.

1980s cover by Jean-Leon Huens.

             Chapters

1. Who Am I?
2. Cantrev Cadiffor
3. Goryon and Gast
4. A Matter of Cows
5. A Judgement
6. A Frog
7. Friends in Danger
8. The Wall of Thorns
9. The Hand of Morda
10. The Broken Spell
11. Dorath
12. The Wager
13. The Lost Lamb
14. The End of Summer
15. The Open Cage
16. Taran Wanderer
17. The Weir
18. The Free Commots
19. The Potter's Wheel
20. The Spoilers
21. The Mirror

Characters

Taran of Caer Dallben Gurgi Fflewddur Fflam Kaw Llyan Aeddan Annlaw Clay-Shaper Coll Craddoc Dallben

Doli Dorath Dwyvach Lord Gast Lord Goryon Hevydd Llassar Llonio Morda Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch King Smoit