by Greg Bernard

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2009

The Black Cauldron (1964) is the second book of Lloyd Alexander's fantasy series, The Chronicles of Prydain. It is a Newberry award-winning book, and is aimed at the same audience of Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia; it certainly draws inspiration from Lewis' books, (even the title of his series,) as well as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. It has a unique feel to it, found in few other fantasy novels, such as the aforementioned two, and is clearly a member of the "High Fantasy" genre, as its world gives the impression of having a very deep history.

The Black Cauldron takes place in the realm of Prydain, where the evil Arawn, bent on ruling Prydain, is increasing the numbers of his deathless Cauldron-Born. Recognizing the danger that this poses, Prince Gwydion resolves to destroy the evil weapon and convenes a council at Caer Dallben. Our orphan protagonist, Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper, who lives at Caer Dallben, is invited to the council, since he played a part in the death of Arawn's captain-general, The Horned King. He is accompanied by several friends, including Bard-King Fflewddur Fflam, Princess Eilonwe, the Smeagol-esque Gurgi, and a few new faces. When the cauldron is not found in Arawn's fortress, several of the companions flee, pursued by the deadly Huntsmen of Annuvin. Quite by chance, they stumble upon clues to the possible location of the cauldron, and are launched into a grand adventure.

The setting plays a very important role in the book. The events recorded in the book all unfold in scarcely a week, which really helps give the companions' mission a sense of urgency. According to the author, the series is loosely based on Welsh legends, and the country explored in the book does indeed remind one of the Celtic regions. It can be extremely detailed, and many places, like the dismal Marshes of Morva, help to set the tone of the story. Overall it has a darker mood than its prequel.

The Black Cauldron is absolutely riddled with themes! Out of all of these, though, the two that stand out most are, in my opinion, honor and sacrifice. Taran, being a simple farm-boy, naturally wants to keep or gain whatever honor he may (maybe partially to impress the Princess Eilonwe).

At one point in the story, Taran is given a magical brooch by his dying friend Adaon, which gives him the amazing power of prophetic dreams (and allows for some foreshadowing.) This ability would naturally enable him to win great honor of all sorts. Soon afterwards, to bargain for the cauldron,

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