The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander
Fantasy, Adventure
ages - 9-12
grades -4-7
206 pages, paperback
c. 1966
The story begins as Eilonwy is reluctantly
preparing to travel to the Island of Mona to be trained as a proper princess by
the king and queen there. Unbeknown to Eilonwy they also expect her to marry
their son, prince Rhun. Taran is unhappy about her departure as he begins to
realize how much he cares for her. Shortly after her arrival she is kidnapped
with the help of the evil Chief Steward Magg and delivered into the hands of
the evil enchantress Achren. Eilonwy is from the ancient and powerful house of
Llyr whose women were powerful sorceresses. Achren hopes to use her powers to
restore herself to a position of power.
Much of the book describes the attempts of
Taran, Gurgi, Fflewddur, Gwydion, and Prince Rhun to rescue Eilonwy. Prince
Rhun is an interesting combination of a cheerful, good natured person and clumsy
and naïve bungler who is often the cause of more problems. Taran’s relationship
with him is further complicated by the fact that he is jealous of his potential
relationship with Eilonwy and has promised his father, the king, to look after
him and bring him back safely. During
their adventures the companions, except Gwydion, are trapped in a hut by a
gigantic cat, Llyan, who has a great liking for Fflewddur’s harp playing and in a cave
occupied by a depressed giant named Glew. When they finally reach Eilonwy they
discover she is under an enchantment and does not recognize any of them.
Though there is plenty of adventure I feel the real focus of the book is the growth of the characters Rhun, Taran
and Eilonwy. Through his adventures, failures, and successes Rhun grows in self
awareness and in the end is capable of great love and self - sacrifice. As Taran
sees this he can put aside his jealousy and impatience with Rhun and accept him
as a friend and companion. Perhaps the greatest change occurs in Eilonwy. At
the start of the story she is the same strong willed, opinionated girl who
likes getting her own way. At the end she is still strong willed but is using
her will to save herself, her friends, and all Prydain at great personal cost.
Again, without being didactic, Lloyd Alexander shows the superiority of humble
self-sacrifice over the quest for power and glory.
