Taran Wanderer
The first edition
|
|
| Author | Lloyd Alexander |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Evaline Ness |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Chronicles of Prydain |
| Genre | Fantasy novel |
| Published | August 24, 1967 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston) |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 222 (first edition) |
| ISBN | (first edition, hard) |
| OCLC | 244128642 |
| LC Class | PZ7.A3774 Tar |
| Preceded by | The Castle of Llyr |
| Followed by | The High King |
Taran Wanderer (1967) is a high fantasy novel by 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. 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."
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.
All of the proper names in Prydain are historical or mythological. 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.
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.
Taran and Gurgi have returned to Caer Dallben. It is now full springtime, at least three years after The Book of Three.
Taran knows that he loves Princess Eilonwy, whom he left at the royal court of Dinas Rhydnant for education in the ways of a princess. Although he has proven his worth as a man several times over, he is restless and determined to know his parentage, noble or common, partly in hopes that noble birth will support a marriage proposal. Dallben the enchanter tells him nothing but gives his approval for Taran and Gurgi to travel on their own in search of an answer.
...
Wikipedia