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A review by readamuffin
The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
5.0
The Chronicles of Prydain was one of the epic fantasy series I read growing up. Alongside Narnia and, a little later, Lord of the Rings. Unlike the other two series, Taran of Caer Dallben goes looking for adventure. His eagerness to prove himself gets him into trouble with others more often than not. Some lessons Taran learns are far harder than others and by the end of each book, he becomes harder to associate with the child at the beginning of the Book of Three. Unlike the Disney film, the villain of the series is Arawn, who rules in Annuvin, the Horned King is his general. Eilonwy is held captive by Achren, and Prince Gwydion is Taran's idol. Many more characters tragically didn't make it into the Disney film and Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch were made simpler for the stand-alone film taken from the second book in a five-book series.
Although there aren't as many female characters, they are diverse and rarely dependant on their relationship of a man to define their role. Eilonwy's title came through the line of women in her family. Achren wants power for herself (a simplified version to avoid spoilers). Taran learns the various crafts in weaving from a woman (whose name I can't recall as it has been years since I read the book she appears in) who sells her creations.
Hot-headed and proud, Taran starts his books making many humbling mistakes. He learns his lessons early and struggles with them for the other books. Each book has a unique story and plot, not feeling formulaic at all. Only beginning and ending at Caer Dallben remains consistent.
Although there aren't as many female characters, they are diverse and rarely dependant on their relationship of a man to define their role. Eilonwy's title came through the line of women in her family. Achren wants power for herself (a simplified version to avoid spoilers). Taran learns the various crafts in weaving from a woman (whose name I can't recall as it has been years since I read the book she appears in) who sells her creations.
Hot-headed and proud, Taran starts his books making many humbling mistakes. He learns his lessons early and struggles with them for the other books. Each book has a unique story and plot, not feeling formulaic at all. Only beginning and ending at Caer Dallben remains consistent.