by Greg Bernard

Created on: February 18, 2009

Taran Wanderer
(1967) is the fourth book in Lloyd Alexander's series, The Chronicles of Prydain. Departing from the main conflict of the series, in this book Taran, the protagonist, embarks on a quest to discover his lineage (in part to woo the Princess Eilonwe.) Unlike the previous books, Taran Wanderer is clearly a "hero story;" a story based on one character, in which the character faces and braves many challenges as his adventure progresses, often learning many life-lessons along the way, and in the end comes to learn something about himself (and often puts the lessons learned to use.)

After Returning to Caer Dallben after his previous adventure, the restless Taran sets out on a new quest to gain knowledge of his parents (whether noble or common.) He feels that in his present state, as an "Assistant Pig-keeper," he cannot act upon his wish to marry Eilonwe, since she is of noble birth. Therefore Taran sets out on a quest to settle the question of his heritage once and for all, with only his loyal companion Gurgi at his side. He is reunited with many old friends in his quest, and has many adventures along the way.

The story, for the most part, takes place in the rural countryside, but changes to other settings on and off throughout the story. The events of the book affect the setting as much as the setting affects the events.
At one point in the story, a man Taran believes to be his father nearly dies because of a harsh snowstorm. In another part of the story, a mysterious forest sets the mood for an evil would-be sorcerer Taran must defeat. Taran Wanderer takes place over the period of about a year, which sharply contrasts with the short amount of time that elapses during the adventures of the other books.

The main themes of the story are quite evidently "Maturity" and "Self-Worth." The original intention of Taran's journey is, after all, to somehow make himself "worthy" to marry Princess Eilonwe. So much is his desire to prove to himself his self-worth, that when he is offered princeship by King Smoit, who is impressed by his exploits, he refuses it because he wishes still to find his true heritage. He soon encounters the mercenary Dorath, who believes Taran to be seeking treasure, and tries to force Taran to lead him to this treasure. The argument leads to an unfair fight, after which Taran's sword is stolen by Dorath. In a surprising turn of events, Taran meets an elderly farmer who claims to be his father. Taran doesn't want to believe the man, even though he knows the man is most likely telling the truth. Secretly, he had always hoped that he was of noble descent, and had hoped to prove it by his quest. After an episode with a blizzard resulting in the old man's death, Taran is informed that the man was not his father. Taran decides his quest is pointless, and resigns of it, choosing to make something of himself by learning a trade in the nearby Free Commots. He tries several trades, making many a fast friend along the way, gaining many a virtue. His final teacher directs him to the "mirror of Llunet, where he might find out about himself. After peering into the pool, Taran sees his reflection, and realizes that through the journey he has undertaken, and the lessons he has learned, he has become a man.

Lloyd Alexander does a great job of applying these themes and basic truths to his story. The book's morals and values blend together in such a way that it could almost be considered a parable. Taran Wanderer is grouped under Juvenile fiction, but I disagree with that label. The lessons learned in this book can be applied to persons of any age from any walk of life.

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