Ever since I read this book at age ten, I’ve always seen it as one part of the whole story, just another tale in the series. But for the first time, I’ve come to see it differently. And it’s become one of my favorites.

Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander is the fourth book in the Prydain Chronicles, a Welsh fantasy series for young adults. The previous books – The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, and The Castle of Llyr – as well as the last novel, The High King, have all been centered around the fight to keep the land of Prydain out of enemy hands. In Taran Wanderer, however, the story is not about external enemies, but the ones within.

The book starts out at Caer Dallben, where Taran, who has just stepped into manhood, is obsessed both with the Princess Eilonwy and with finding out who his parents were. His happiness and station in life depend on whether he is nobleborn or poor. So he sets out on a journey to discover his identity and his parentage, and finds out more about himself and his true worth than he had ever thought possible. Accompanied by Gurgi, he encounters a chain of both laughable and grave adventures, and Taran almost comes to the end of his search when he meets a mountain shepherd. Tragedy forces Taran to continue his quest for the Mirror of Llunet, which will show him his inner self…if he can face it.

In the past, I’ve liked Taran Wanderer simply as another great Prydain Chronicle. But recently when I reread my copy, I realized that this book is far more than “just another story.” It’s an exquisite battle between honor and shame, pride and humility, actions and fate. It has humor, warmth, and depth; adventure, conflict, and reflection; in short, it has everything!


Plot

This book may be less whirlwind and universal than the others in the series, but it’s just as action-packed and interesting. More, in my opinion, because the adventures are deeply personal and have an intimate, focused impact. But the smaller scope doesn’t diminish the drama of the story, which is intense and thrilling to the last. And since there’s a single story line being told (instead of three or four at the same time), the reader can delve much deeper into the events and emotions of the hero, who has complete center stage.

The story is divided into “mini-adventures” – not really separate stories, but distinct phases of the plot. Each stage of Taran’s quest builds upon the last, and the book climaxes in a momentous and almost epic conclusion to his search. Along the way, humorous escapades like the mock battle between two lords for a divine cow lighten the serious, romantic tone of the book. During this venture, Taran has the opportunity to become a king’s heir – and refuses. (How could he DO this to us? We all know he has to be a king someday!) I’m not sure if I can say anything else about the plot without ruining it for you, and I want you to be as spellbound as I was when you first read this book…or read it again, for that matter.


Characterization

In this chronicle, Taran is eighteen and learning to find his way in the world. The author makes a wonderful transition from the boyish Taran of Castle of Llyr to the serene, noble Taran of High King with the young man in this book who captures the reader’s heart and mind. Taran here is making the adjustment from recklessness and impulsiveness to wisdom and thoughtfulness, but we never lose touch with the brave, impetuous hero that won our affection in the first novel. He isn’t perfect – I would hate him if he was – and throughout the story we see his dark side, his anger, as well as his goodness and courage. A remarkable characterization. Bravo, Lloyd Alexander!

Some of the other main characters that usually accompany Taran are present in name only, or just at the beginning of the book. Princess Eilonwy doesn’t appear at all; Dallben and Coll show up for a brief time; Fflewddur Fflam and Llyan are background characters; and Doli and Prince Gwydion are sadly absent. Taking their place (temporarily) are a whole cast of very colorful and delightful minor characters such as the incorrigible Lords Gast and Goryon, Hevydd the Smith, lucky Llonio, the unspeakably horrible mercenary Dorath, and especially the shepherd Craddoc. Flamboyant personalities run rampant in this novel, and you can’t help but chuckle over some of the bizarre behaviors of these wacky characters! Also making a guest appearance is the laughable King Smoit (I’ve always loved him), who offered to make Taran his heir. Urgghh!

And those who adored Gurgi in the previous chronicles, never fear! Gurgi with his wanderings and ponderings is Taran’s faithful companion during the whole adventure. He hasn’t changed much, except to become more brave and less skulking. He rounds out the splendid cast in Taran Wanderer.


Storytelling

Because of the story line, the writing is somewhat slower than it usually is in this series, but this isn’t such a bad thing. It manages to blend mythical drama, modern action, and romantic legend with the expansive style. Surprisingly, there’s little exposition cluttering up the book, and Lloyd Alexander uses events and conversations, not description, to expand his story.

I also found it amazing how Taran Wanderer can appeal to kids and adults alike! The language is perfectly suited to this kind of cross-over book; complex and savory enough for advanced readers, but straightforward and easy to understand enough for younger readers. I won’t say it’s a breeze for new readers to comprehend, because it’s not; but it is a completely enjoyable and rewarding book, no matter how old and literate you are!

Michael W. Smith’s song “Place in This World” sums up the premise of this book: “Looking for a reason, roaming through the night to find my place in this world.” During the course of the story, Taran searches for his destiny and purpose, and most importantly his status in the world. Without this knowledge, his life and dreams have no meaning. I don’t want to be preemptory, but I think it’s safe to say that Taran has to come to terms with his true self before his purpose in life can be revealed. (And that doesn’t necessarily happen in this book!)

This isn’t the only theme in Taran Wanderer. Throughout each adventure, Taran learns an important principle to live by – dedication, vigilance, patience, etc. But the themes are woven very subtly into the story and end up as a wonderful and inspiring part of the book. They form a brilliant battlefield for Taran’s conflicting emotions to play out, and they truly distinguish this book from the rest of the series.

One of the concerns brought up by some fans of Prydain is that Taran Wanderer is too preachy. Perhaps so; but when I was reading it, I was so enthralled in the story that the all-star messages (which are admittedly strong and fundamentalistic) didn’t bother me like obsequious, priggish sermons-hidden-in-novels do. In fact, I came away from this book with a fulfilled, joyful feeling. Oh, if only I found that in more books these days! Taran Wanderer was an oasis in a desert of unsatisfying, depressing stories that left me desperate for a good book. This one fit the bill.


Final thoughts

I’m going to go against public opinion and give this a five-star rating. Why? Because I truly loved this book. It excels in every literary aspect, and it leaves the reader satisfied and eager for the The High King, which is the next and final book in the series. Although you probably won’t want to tackle Taran Wanderer without reading the previous chronicles, since it assumes you know the backstory and characters, you will definitely want to check this book out after you finish the early novels. It’s worthy in every way of the Prydain name!

The Prydain Chronicles

The Book of Three
The Black Cauldron
The Castle of Llyr
Taran Wanderer
The High King


Recommended: Yes