Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander

 

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.