Questions About The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain, #2)

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Answered Questions (6)

My almost 8 year old just started reading this book on his own. I was unaware that it was part of a series. Will this book make sense to him on its own without having read the first one? (I haven't read this book or series--my husband pulled it out for him last night when my son asked to read a book about "battle.")

Sherry Sharpnack I think he's OK starting w/ this one. He'd get more background on Taran's friends by starting w/ Book #1, but he could always go back to that one if h…moreI think he's OK starting w/ this one. He'd get more background on Taran's friends by starting w/ Book #1, but he could always go back to that one if he wants.(less)

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Is this what the Disney movie was based off of?

Melissa The Disney movie takes elements from both this book and the first in the series, "The Book of Three", though this is the book it takes it's name from.…moreThe Disney movie takes elements from both this book and the first in the series, "The Book of Three", though this is the book it takes it's name from. If you're looking to read the book the movie is based on, you're best starting off with The Book of Three.(less)

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I read this book as a preteen. For anyone who's reread it (or the series) as an adult: does it hold up?

Melissa I first read this book when I was around 16. I'm rereading it now at 24 and I think it does! Though, at 16, I could obviously see that it's technicall…moreI first read this book when I was around 16. I'm rereading it now at 24 and I think it does! Though, at 16, I could obviously see that it's technically way below my reading level, and it's even more obvious at 24, that hasn't affected my enjoyment of it then or now. (less)

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Hello, What age range is this book written for? Thank you.

Rajiv Moté I read it to my daughter at age 7. It invited some discussion about pride, duty, and first appearances that she seemed to digest well. She found it mo…moreI read it to my daughter at age 7. It invited some discussion about pride, duty, and first appearances that she seemed to digest well. She found it more thrilling than scary, but that might just be her. Characters do die, but it's delicately handled.(less)

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What do Taran and Ellidyr have in common?

Piper Meadows Ok, so this may have some spoilers in it:
They are both very insecure and have a hard time controlling their tempers, and they are really jealous of ea…moreOk, so this may have some spoilers in it:
They are both very insecure and have a hard time controlling their tempers, and they are really jealous of each other. Taran is ashamed of being an Assistant Pig-Keeper, who doesn't know who his parents are, and Ellidyr keeps picking on him because of it. Ellidyr is embittered by the fact that his family didn't care about him, and that, although he is a prince, he is in fact very poor. The only things he really cares about are his horse, Islimach, and his honor. Taran is jealous of Ellidyr for being a prince, and Ellidyr is jealous of Taran for being famous in Prydain, because he helped defeat the Horned King (in the first book). As the story goes on, Taran and Ellidyr have a lot of arguments in which Ellidyr wrongly accuses Taran of stealing honor from him. They each want to be the one to find the Cauldron before the other does, so they can get the praise for it.(less)

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