Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

Adventure, Fantasy

grade 4-7

ages 9-12

190 pages, paperback

c. 1964

            The Book of Three is the first book in the five- book series called The Chronicles of Prydain. It is a classic epic fantasy adventure for younger readers and can be enjoyed by older readers as well. It is inspired by Welsh mythology but is not a retelling of the Welsh myths. I think one of its best elements are the characters and especially how the main character, Taran, develops throughout the series. I also find the theme of the true cost involved in the battle against evil to be both inspiring and a more realistic view than what is often shown in the superhero world.

            The Book of Three introduces the main characters that will continue through the series and establishes the main conflict between the forces of good and evil that are fighting for control of the imaginary land of Prydain. All the major characters are well developed and shown with their virtues and weaknesses, often in a comical way. Taran, who is given the title of Assistant Pig-Keeper, because he longs to be important and heroic, is stubborn, impatient, prideful, and sometimes rude. He also tends to blame others for his mistakes. By the end of his adventure he has grown in kindness, learned some leadership skills, and takes responsibility for his own mistakes, and sometimes those of others as well. He also develops a more accurate picture of what a hero really is.  Eilonwy is a strong-willed, opinionated, talkative, and somewhat scatterbrained princess. She is also an enchantress. During their journey she too grows in her ability to be kinder, generous, and self-sacrificing. Gurgi is a curious character, part man and part beast. In the beginning he is cowardly, whinny, and mostly interested in getting fed. As Taran learns to treat him with kindness and respect he becomes a loyal, brave, and selfless member of the company. Fflewddur Fflam is a king bored with his duties, and a would-be bard given to excessive exaggerations about his bravery and accomplishments. He also becomes a truly brave, loyal, and selfless companion.

            There are also other characters taken from the Welsh legends. Gwydion, the noble warrior, and prince of Prydain's House of Don, Arawn, the dread lord of Annuvin, the land of the dead, the Horned King, war leader of Arawn, Hen Wen, the oracular pig under Taran’s care and Dallben, the old enchanter who has taken care of Taran since infancy. Gwyn the Hunter and his hounds also have some bases in Welsh Mythology. Their presence normally signifies death.

            Taran’s adventures begin when Hen Wen becomes frightened and runs off into the forest. Taran immediately runs after her though he has been forbidden to enter the forest. He quickly becomes lost, encounters and is wounded by the Horned King then found and helped by Gwydion. Taran is initially disappointed by Gwydion modest appearance but gradually comes to realize “it is not the trappings that make the prince, nor the sword that makes the warrior.” Gwydion needs to find Hen Wen to discover what she knows of the Horned King and since it is too dangerous to send Taran home himself it is decided that they will both seek Hen Wen. They are captured and separated. Taran meets the Princess Eilonwy, who helps him escape from the dungeon, the bard Fflewddur Fflam, and Gurgi, half man half beast. Believing that Gwydion is dead they decide to travel to Caer Dathyl to warn the Sons of Don that the Horned King and his army of Cauldron Born, deathless warriors, are coming to attack them.

            Taran and his companions face many dangers as they continue their perilous journey trying to avoid running into the Horned King and his warriors. Along the way Taran makes some bad and some good decisions. In the end the companions, by working together, do reach their destination. Through Taran eyes we see that that to be a great hero one does not need to be the greatest swordsman or most powerful magician. It is our choices that make us heroes and our friends and companions who make us great, and these lessons are told with a generous dose of humor. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.