The Black Cauldron

***The Black Cauldron*** is a fantasy novel written by Lloyd Alexander. It was published in 1965 as the second book in The Chronicles of Prydain series. _The Black Cauldron_ was awarded a Newbery Medal. _The Black Cauldron_ centers around Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper who lives in the fantasy land of Prydain.

## Plot

The book begins with a meeting of many leaders. They make plans to stop the evil Arawn from taking over Prydain. The leaders decide to steal the Black Cauldron, a powerful tool, from Arawn. Prince Gwydion, the war lord of Prydain, leads a band of people into Annuvin, Arawn's country. When there, they learn that the cauldron has already been stolen. The Fair Folk (fairies) tell the group that the witches of Morva stole the cauldron. Prince Ellidyr, a poor youngest son, sneaks away from the group so that he can steal the cauldron for himself. The rest of the group follows to save him from Arawn's soldiers, but are attacked themselves. In the battle, Fflewddur Fflam and Doli are separated from the group. Also, Adaon, son of the chief bard, is wounded very badly. Before he dies, he passes on a brooch to Taran. The brooch has magical powers and Taran uses it to find Fflewddur and Doli. They continue to Morva, where Taran trades the brooch for the cauldron. The group then tries to smash it, but the witches tell them it can only be destroyed when a living person dies in it willingly. On the way back, Ellidyr attacks the group and steals the cauldron. The group is later found by King Morgant and his men, who have captured Ellidyr and beaten him. Morgant plans to use the cauldron to rule Prydain. Morgant ties up the entire group and offers to free them if Taran will join his service. While they are talking, Doli turns invisible and frees the whole group. During the fight that follows, Ellidyr throws himself into the cauldron, destroying it. King Smoit then comes and attacks Morgant, killing him. The group is rescued.

## Main Characters

- Taran - an orphan who was raised by Dallben the Enchanter. His age is never specifically stated; he is referred to as a young man. He is the protagonist (hero) of the book.
- Princess Eilonwy - a princess of Llyr with some magical abilities. She lives at Caer Dallben after escaping from her evil aunt.
- Fflewddur Fflam - a king and wandering bard. He often joins Taran on his adventures.
- Doli - a dwarf from the realm of the Fair Folk. He has the ability to turn invisible.
- Prince Gwydion - crown prince of the ruling House of Don in Prydain.
- Prince Ellidyr - the poor youngest son of a king. He is arrogant and disagrees often with Taran.
- Adaon - the wise son of the chief bard. He possesses a magical brooch which helps him interpret dreams.

## Infobox (book)

- **name**: The Black Cauldron
- **author**: Lloyd Alexander
- **cover artist**: Evaline Ness
- **country**: United States
- **language**: English
- **series**: _The Chronicles of Prydain_
- **genre**: Fantasy novel, Fantasy
- **published**: August 5, 1965 (Henry Holt and Company, Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
- **media type**: Print (hardcover & paperback)
- **pages**: 224
- **isbn**: 0-8050-0992-2
- **isbn note**: (first edition, hard)
- **oclc**: 302887
- **congress**: PZ7.A3774 B1
- **preceded by**: The Book of Three
- **followed by**: The Castle of Llyr