Alexander weaves them all into an original and captivating land and story which deservedly take their place beside the tales of Narnia and Middle-Earth.
He also drew on other myths older readers will spot the Wyrd sisters or Fates in the persons of Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch, while Dalben the enchanter reminds me not a little of Gandalf and of Merlin in T. Tomboy Eilonwy, with her predilection for unlikely similes the bard Fflewddur Fflam and his constantly snapping harp strings and fiercely loyal Gurgi all have a special place in my heart.Īlexander drew on Welsh myths and legends in creating Prydain and some of its inhabitants, particularly Gwydion, the bard Taliesin, King Math, and the series’ chief villain, Arawn Death-Lord,King of Annuvin. Taran is accompanied along much of his journey by a series of companions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses – and their identifying characteristics. As time and the books go on, however, Taran slowly matures, acquiring the marks of a true hero: wisdom, humility, persistence, patience, leadership, respect for his fellow men and women, and strength of character. His rashness and his pride get him into trouble on more than one occasion, and he and Eilonwy bicker frequently, usually when Taran assumes a superior or dictatorial tone because she’s “just” a girl. Taran starts out as an impetuous boy, eager for battle, for glory and adventure. While each of the stories is an adventure in itself, and several of them are quest tales ( The Black Cauldron and Taran Wanderer in particular), the overall story arc is that of the Hero’s Journey: the coming of age of Taran, orphan and Assistant Pig-keeper. To my mind, the Chronicles of Prydain remain one of the best MG fantasy series ever written. My early love for the tales has never died. I cheered Taran’s every success, and I cried every time I read the ending of The High King. I loved these books as a child! I wanted to be Princess Eilonwy and longed to live in Prydain. ReviewĪlong with the Chronicles of Narnia, the Prydain books were my first real introduction to fantasy. Among their many accolades, the award-winning Chronicles of Prydain count a Newbery Medal, a Newbery Honor, and more than two million copies in print. First published more than thirty years ago and translated into twenty different languages, Lloyd Alexander's beloved series has become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children. Millions of young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his lively companions as they journey through the magical land of Prydain. ★★★★★ The Chronicles of Prydain Series: Chronicles of Prydain
The Chronicles of Prydain, by Lloyd Alexander (series review)
0 kommentar(er)
