Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander
Fantasy, Adventure
Ages 9-12
Grades 4-7
Taran Wanderer is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Prydain series and may be my favorite, though I love the entire series. In this book, more than any other, Taran comes to a much deeper and clearer understanding of himself. Taran has always wanted to be noble, and increasingly so, as his love for Princess Elloway grows. Not knowing his identity, he sets out with faithful Gurgi to find the Mirror of Llunet.
As Taran wanders through the length
of Prydain he meets a wide variety of characters, from local rulers and a king
to a wide range of craftsmen, a mad wizard, and a ruthless mercenary. From each
one he learns valuable lessons about life and about himself. King Smot offers
Taran to be his heir and Taran is tempted to accept the offer at first. Later Taran
acquires the jewel that gave the mad wizard Morda his incredible power. Once
again Taran is tempted to keep this power for himself, but he realizes that by
right it belongs to the fairies and that a thing of such great power is not
safe in any humans’ hands. Perhaps the greatest struggle Taran faces is with
his encounter with the lame shepherd Craddoc. After Taran has helped him
Craddoc tells him that he is his lost son. The tale seems probable, yet Taran
is crushed to learn he is of lowly birth. Desperately wanting to leave, Taran
stays, even to the point of saving Craddoc’s life after he falls over a cliff.
In the end Craddoc admits the truth that he made up the story because he needed
Taran’s help. At this point Taran decides not to continue his quest to find his
heritage. He realizes it is not by birth that one becomes noble but by what one
makes of himself.
The last part of the book involves
Taran’s journey through the Free Commons, a land of craftsmen who live independent
of any lord. Here Taran learns the skills of a blacksmith, a weaver, and a
potter. He also continues to learn many life lessons, the joys of humble labor,
the patience of learning a craft, and the realization that none of these crafts
bring him the fulfillment he is seeking.
There is so much wisdom interwoven
in this story combined with humor and great characterization. So many of the
people Taran meets on this journey are well developed and we see Taran gradually
leaving behind his self-preoccupation to develop into a mature man, with
skills of true leadership. Without being didactic, this is a great story for
young people learning to journey into a more mature understanding of
themselves.
There are fewer major battles in
this book, as the major battle is the one going on inside Taran. Still, there are
plenty of adventures and Taran is forced to defend himself against several
enemies. When he finally does gaze into the Mirror of Llunet he sees himself, with
the good and the bad that is within him. This helps him accept his
orphan status and ignoble birth. He is no longer ashamed of himself and
ready to accept his station in life. He remarks, “the folk of the Free Commons
taught me well that manhood is not given but earned.” With that understanding
he decides to return home to Caer Dallben.
