I know they're kid's books, but when I was young I read Lloyd Alexander's books about the Black Cauldron, Gwydion, and Taran, the assistant pig-keeper. My wife teaches 5th grade reading, and a few months ago, I found them in her classroom and reread them. It was pretty cool.
Found a description of them on Google
here
Quote:
The Book of Three (1964)
The Book of Three (1964)
'Taran dreams of adventure, but nothing exciting eve happens to an Assistant Pig-Keeper - until his pig runs away. A chase through the woods leads Taran far from home and into great danger, for evil prowls the land of Prydain. With a collection of strange and wonderful friends whom he meets on his journey, Taran finds himself fighting so that good may triumph over evil - and so that his beloved home will not fall to a diabolical fiend.' From the books back cover.
This is the first book in the five part "Chronicles of Prydain". It is here we first meet Taran - Assistant Pig Keeper - and all his friends. The landscape of Prydain is lavious and the action gripping. It is a pitty that the Prydain Chronicles are classified as childrens books. While children enjoy the books on one level, the books also have things to say for young adults and above.
The Black Cauldron (1965)
'Peace reigns in Caer Dallben, where Taran works as Assistant Pig-Keeper, but evil threatens the rest of Prydain. The diabolical Arawn's army grows every day, and his terrible warriors never die. They are born in the Black Cauldron from stolen bodies of slain soldiers. If evil is to be defeated, the cauldron must be destroyed, Taran volunteers to travel to Arawn's stronghold and assist in the destruction of the dreaded cauldron. With his faithful friends reassembled, Taran marches off to face great danger with a courageous heart.' From the books back cover.
The pace of the action never lets up, you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Interwoven with the action is Taran's journey into manhood. Taran learns that the choices you make can lead to both joy and sadness. This story is deeper and darker than the proceeding.
The Castle of Llyr (1966)
'Princess Eilonwy has accompanied Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, on all his adventures. But a princess needs special skills that can only be learned in a royal household, so she travels to the Island of Mona to begin her proper education. As it turns out, court life isn't as boring as it weems to the unwilling princess - friends and enemies appear in many guises, and danger hides in every corner. When Eilonwy disappears and disturbing rumors about the evil enchantress Achren surface, Taran and his companions undertake an exciting and terrifying mission to rescue their princess. But will Taran battle to save Eilonwy's life only to lose her in the end?' From the books back cover.
As Taran leaves his home, Dallben warns him: "For each of us comes a time when we must be more than what we are". Taran journey to manhood is a difficult path. Taran becomes aware of how deep his feelings for Eilonwy run. But it is the destiny of a princesses to be with a prince, not an Assistant Pig-Keeper.
Taran Wanderer (1967)
'Taran has been both Assistant Pig-Keeper and warrior, but his heart is troubles. Who are his parents? Where does he come from? In a quest to learn who he truly is, Taran travels Prydain seeking secrets long buried by time and silence.
Accompanied by his loyal friends, Taran begins he search. Maybe, if his parents are as noble as he hopes, Princess Eilonwy with the red-gold hair will think as often and as fondly of Taran as he finds himself thinking of her.' From the books back cover.
This is a coming of age story. Taran sets out on a quest hoping to find he is of noble birth, but his journey may do more to help him find himself. While there is still action in this quest the pace is a little different from the rest of the series. Many things happen that become quite significant in the final book.
The High King (1968)
'The sword of Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom of Prydain, has fallen into the hands of Arawn-Death-Lord. Now Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and Prince Gwydion lead an army against the powerful lord. After a winter expedition filled with danger, Taran's forces arrive at Mount Dragon, evil's stronghold. There Taran is forced to make the most crucial decision of his life as he confronts the evil enchantress Achren and the diabolical Arawn.' From the books back cover.
This is a nail biting adventure. Our faithful compainions are constantly in the thick of action. All of the questions left by the previous stories are answered. I miss the compainons now that the chronicles are over. This is one series I'll definately read again and again.
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain (1968)
This is a collection of stories from Prydain. They all occur before the time of Taran. We learn a little of the history of Dallben and of the sword of Dyrnwyn. While they could be read at any time they are probably best read after reading the complete "Chronicles of Prydain".
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I know, they was alot of LOTR imitation, (can't tell you how without spoiling it, ) but it was still pretty neat, and the inspiration was from Welsh legends, which kind of form a backdrop to the story, and predate Tolkien.