Taran Wanderer

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Taran Wanderer
First edition cover
AuthorLloyd Alexander
Cover artistEvaline Ness
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SeriesThe Chronicles of Prydain
GenreFantasy
PublishedAugust 24, 1967 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Media typePrint (hardcover & paperback)
Pages222 (first edition)
ISBN0-8050-1113-7 (first edition, hard)
OCLC244128642
LC ClassPZ7.A3774 Tar
Preceded byThe Castle of Llyr 
Followed byThe High King 

Taran Wanderer (1967) is a high fantasy novel by American writer Lloyd Alexander, the fourth of five volumes in The Chronicles of Prydain. The series follows Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he nears manhood while helping to resist the forces of Arawn Death-Lord.

The story follows Taran as he "wanders" with Gurgi, but without most of his former companions from the other Chronicles. He searches for his noble or common lineage in the eastern regions of Prydain, far from both the realm and forces of Arawn and the demesne of the High King.[a] Along the way, he meets many people, learns new skills and crafts, and confronts some rough characters.

According to the author, "he learns to reshape his life out of his own inner resources, for there must not only be an end to childhood but also a beginning of manhood."[1]

Origins[edit]

The series was inspired by Welsh mythology and by the castles, scenery, and language of Wales, which the author experienced during World War II army combat intelligence training.[2][3]

All of the proper names in Prydain are historical or mythological.[2] A few elements of Taran Wanderer have a Welsh basis but are more universal, such as "Morda's life secret" and the three crones – the Norns, the Moirae, or Triple Goddess.[4]

At one stage, it would conclude with a fourth book entitled The High King of Prydain. The editor felt that something was missing between the third and fourth volumes, so Taran Wanderer was written one month after The Castle of Llyr was published.[5]

Plot summary[edit]

Taran has a crisis of identity because he desires to marry Princess Eilonwy but feels that he cannot unless he is of noble heritage. With Dallben's permission, he and Gurgi depart for the Marshes of Morva to ask Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch for insight on Taran's parentage. As Taran has not brought payment for this information, the three redirect him to the Mirror of Llunet, far to the east.

To prepare for this new goal, Taran and Gurgi seek aid in Cantrev Cadiffor, the realm of King Smoit. They become embroiled in a feud between Lords Gast and Goryon, vassals of Smoit who bicker constantly, largely about the possession of the magical cow Cornillo. The war between Gast and Goryon destroys the fields of farmers Aeddan and Alarca, who are left destitute. Taran mediates the dispute between Gast and Goryon, and awards Cornillo to Aeddan and Alarca. Smoit offers to adopt Taran, but Taran declines and feels that he must journey further to find himself. Fflewdur Flam joins Taran and Gurgi as they leave the cantrev.

On the journey, the group encounters Doli, a friend and ally from previous adventures. He has been turned into a frog by the sorcerer Morda, who has been attacking the Fair Folk even in their places of refuge. Not long after, Morda captures Taran and his friends, unaware that Taran has recovered the finger-bone that stores Morda's magic. After a struggle, Morda inadvertently breaks the bone. This kills the wizard and restores the company to their natural shape.

Taran's group is next fed and sheltered by Dorath, a bandit and mercenary. Dorath's hospitality is motivated by greed, as he assumes that Taran is seeking treasure. When his offer to join forces with Taran is rebuffed, Dorath pressures him into a fight over Taran's sword. The bandit cheats and wins, leaving Taran weaponless.

Next encountered on the road is Craddoc, a widower and shepherd. He claims Taran as his son; Fflewdur, thinking the quest fulfilled, then leaves the group. Taran and Gurgi stay with Craddoc. Taran both hates and admires the shepherd, as Craddoc is a good man who has also shattered his ambition of marrying Princess Eilonwy. During the winter, Craddoc is fatally wounded. Taran and Gurgi attempt to help him, but cannot. As he dies, Craddoc admits that he has deceived Taran, as he is childless and desired a son. Taran manages to summon the Fair Folk to save Gurgi and himself, but they are unable to aid Craddoc, who is dead.

Taran and Gurgi bury Craddoc, and then resume the journey to the Mirror of Llunet. They arrive at the unique homestead of Llonio, who lives by luck--to Llonio, any circumstance is one of good fortune. Llonio dubs Taran "Wanderer," and bids him luck on his quest. Eventually, Taran and Gurgi arrive at the Fre Commots, a set of prosperous communities without lords. Taran apprentices first with Hevydd the Smith, then with Dwyvach the Weaver, and finally with Annlaw Clay-Shaper. With each master Taran crafts an object--a sword, a cloak, and a bowl. All offer to let Taran stay with them--the first two as an apprentice, the last as a friend. He politely declines all three offers. Soon after, the Free Commots are attacked by Dorath and his associates. Taran leads the defense, routing the bandits. In gratitude, Annlaw tells him the location and nature of the Mirror of Llunet--it is a pool of water a short journey away from the Free Commots.

When Taran and Gurgi arrive at the Mirror, Taran looks briefly into the water and then yells in shock. Immediately, they encounter Dorath, who is seeking vengeance. Dorath defiles the pool and then attacks Taran. Dorath's sword, earlier stolen from Taran, breaks. The mercenary then flees. Taran and Gurgi return to Annlaw's home. When Annlaw asks what Taran has learned, Taran replies that he now understands himself from viewing his reflection. Taran then reviews the lessons that he has learned on the journey--his parentage matters less than the life he has made and his life is what he makes of it. The next morning, Taran and Gurgi begin the journey back to Caer Dallben.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The map of Prydain (c)1968 by Evaline Ness places Annuvin approximately on the west coast and the Isle of Mona in the sea off the west coast. The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, 1999 expanded edition, x–xi.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Taran Wander, Author's Note, p. viii.
  2. ^ a b Lloyd Alexander Interview Transcript Archived 2011-10-03 at the Wayback Machine (1999). Interview with Scholastic students. Scholastic Inc. Retrieved 2011-12-17.
  3. ^ About the author (1973). The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, Henry Holt and Company, first edition, page [88].
  4. ^ Taran Wanderer, Author's Note, p. ix.
  5. ^ Lloyd Alexander: A Bio-Bibliography by Jacobs and Tunnel [clarification needed]

Citations[edit]

  • Alexander, Lloyd (1999). Taran Wanderer. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0-8050-6134-7.
  • Alexander, Lloyd (1999). The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain. Enlarged Edition. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0-8050-6130-4.
  • Tuck, Donald H. (1974). The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and Fantasy: a bibliographic survey of the fields of science fiction, fantasy and weird fiction through 1968. Volume 1: Who's Who, A-L. Chicago: Advent:Publishers. ISBN 0-911682-20-1.
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