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The Black Cauldron

(The Chronicles of Prydain #2)

Lloyd Alexander

4.13 · Rating details · 56,056 ratings · 1,456 reviews

Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his friends are led into a mortal struggle with Arwn and his deathless warriors. Taran must wrest the black cauldron from them, for it is the cauldron that gives them their evil strength. But can he withstand the three enchantresses, who are determined to turn him and his companions into toads? Taran has not foreseen the awful price he ...more

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Paperback, 229 pages

Published March 1969 by Dell Yearling (first published 1965)

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Feb 23, 2018 Paul Christensen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Black Cauldron

Much better than ‘The Book of Three’;
Deepening the mystery
With shades of lore and history
And urgent electricity
(And sometimes added duplicity
When characters dabble in trickery),
As three Crones with their witchery
Complete the synchronicity.

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Nov 22, 2009 Mike (the Paladin) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Heavier than the first novel (The Book of Three) with a lot more on the ball teaching wise and lesson wise. This includes lessons on everything up to self sacrifice.

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Aug 28, 2019 Rebecca McNutt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fiction, witch, witch-stuff, fantasy, friendship, adventure

I loved this book. It's definitely the kind of fantasy novel that anybody can enjoy, simple without being dry or boring, sentimental without being saccharine, and it has lots of likeable characters. It does differ from its Disney film adaptation counterpart, and it's actually not the first in its series (although arguably it's the most well-known book of that series), and that makes it really fun to read, because so much of it is unexpected. It's not a particularly deep work of fiction, but its ...more

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Jun 02, 2014 Ashley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: award-winners, audiobooks, fantasy, books-i-missed-during-childhood, kid-lit, treasure-and-adventure, heroes-and-villains

This book is the one that gave the Disney film from the 80s its name--you know, the one nobody saw that was a complete box office disaster--right before The Little Mermaid came out and ushered in Disney's Golden Age. I saw the film once and wasn't impressed with it. It bears almost no resemblance, aside from its characters sharing the same names and a few select characteristics, to the books.

As stated in my review for The Book of Three, I was not very impressed with this series to start off with, This book is the one that gave the Disney film from the 80s its name--you know, the one nobody saw that was a complete box office disaster--right before The Little Mermaid came out and ushered in Disney's Golden Age. I saw the film once and wasn't impressed with it. It bears almost no resemblance, aside from its characters sharing the same names and a few select characteristics, to the books.

As stated in my review for The Book of Three, I was not very impressed with this series to start off with, but about a third of the way in to The Black Cauldron, it became clear that Alexander had turned his storytelling around a little. Instead of focusing on plot movement and having things happen to the characters all the time, The Black Cauldron is instead a very character-motivated story. Most of the conflict doesn't come from fighting bad guys, but instead from the difficult choices the characters must make.

Although, yes, there is a plot. Taran and his friends join the massive effort to retake the titular Black Cauldron from Arawn, Death Lord of Annuven, so that he may not make any more of his Cauldron Born warriors (basically magical deathless zombies). Only one problem: when they get to Annuven, the Cauldron has already been stolen, so the companions set off again in search of it, to prevent Arawn from making more Cauldron Born, so that when the final inevitable confrontation that is sure to come does occur, they may at least have a chance in defeating him. This search leads Taran to the the three enchantresses in the Marshes of Morva, Orddu, Orgach, and Orwen. They are honestly delightful (a great example of Alexander's skill at combining humor and actual pathos) and more importantly, they pose Taran his greatest challenge yet. Taran, who wants to be a hero, but doesn't actually know what that means.

This was probably my favorite of the five books, mostly because the enchantresses were so sassy, but also probably because it was such an unexpected improvement over its predecessor. ...more

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Feb 28, 2008 Bryce Wilson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, fantasy

Old Shit I'm Revisiting: The Prequel: Part 2

Aw this is more like it. As I said I was a bit disappointed reading The Book Of Three this is more like The Prydain I remember. There are still flaws, writing at times can be a bit flat, and the exposition a bit heavy. But the moral universe of the characters has grown nicely adding shades of grey to what was starkly black and white before, there's room for some apt and surprisingly lovely metaphor (The broach that causes everything to look ...more

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Jul 12, 2014 Meg Cabot rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In 4th grade all I wanted to be was Princess Eilonwy from The Black Cauldron.

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Aug 08, 2008 Maggie Stiefvater rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: susan cooper fans, diana wynne jones fans

Shelves: middle-grade, recommended

On of my all time favorites as a kid. Recommended for those who like Diana Wynne Jones and Susan Cooper.

***wondering why all my reviews are five stars? Because I'm only reviewing my favorite books -- not every book I read. Consider a novel's presence on my Goodreads bookshelf as a hearty endorsement. I can't believe I just said "hearty." It sounds like a stew.****

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Mar 27, 2007 Scott rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: decent people

The first book in the Prydain series didn't exactly impress me. I was afraid the whole lot of them would be stories where this motley crew of adventurers makes one mistake after another because they're silly and self-righteous but somehow manages to magically win in the end.

The Black Cauldron changed my mind. While the characters didn't get too much smarter, they matured quite a bit. Their bumbling isn't quite as tiresome, and they seem to learn a lot quicker and think less about themselves. So t/>The ...more

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Jul 12, 2009 Madeline rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kids-and-young-adult, fantasy, all-time-favorites

Book 2 of the Chronicles of Prydain series, which I sort of worshipped as a kid. I really wish that my copy of the book features the cover pictured with this review, as it seems to ignore Taran completely and just features Eilonwy doing something badass, which is pretty cool.

Also, I will repeat a warning I made in my review of The Book of Three: The Walt Disney Corporation, in a well-intended but disasterous move, decided to make an animated movie called The Black Cauldron several years ago. The plot ...more

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Feb 13, 2016 imyril rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Still one of the best childhood reads. Damn I liked hardcore books as a kid.

Aspiration, pride, loyalty, self-knowledge and sacrifice - this takes on growing pains with a vengeance as Taran continues to try to Do Good in the face of a bewildering line-up of the evil, the self-interested ...and powers he may never understand.

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Mar 21, 2012 David rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I loved this book as a child, and now that I’ve read it again as an adult, I found a great degree of humor I may not have caught as a child. The storytelling is excellent and has aged well.

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Dec 28, 2017 Sotiris Karaiskos rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

In the second part of this series, the heroes we met in the first are back in action, taking on with the help of a few more warriors a very difficult mission, particularly crucial for the outcome of the fight against evil. As part of this mission, they are confronting great dangers but also themselves and are connected even more through all these difficulties. In the end, however, they find that evil can have many more forms, as well as good, which makes things much more complicated.

In the second part of this series, the heroes we met in the first are back in action, taking on with the help of a few more warriors a very difficult mission, particularly crucial for the outcome of the fight against evil. As part of this mission, they are confronting great dangers but also themselves and are connected even more through all these difficulties. In the end, however, they find that evil can have many more forms, as well as good, which makes things much more complicated.

These developments give the author the opportunity to offer us another fascinating adventure that allows also several very emotional moments. There is, of course, again an intense element of humour, as the genre imposes, but the narrative, however, gets a darker mood. Also, there are some clichés in the plot, but I have the impression that the author handles them in a very meaningful way.

So the conclusion is that this book is an ideal continuation of the series, another book that is very difficult to leave it of hands before the last page.

Στο δεύτερο μέρος αυτής της σειράς οι ήρωες που γνωρίσαμε στο πρώτο επιστρέφουν στη δράση αναλαμβάνοντας με τη βοήθεια μερικών ακόμα πολεμιστών μία πολύ δύσκολη αποστολή και ιδιαίτερα κρίσιμη για την έκβαση του αγώνα ενάντια στο κακό. Στα πλαίσια αυτής της αποστολής γνωρίζουν πολύ μεγάλους κινδύνους, έρχονται αντιμέτωποι με τους εαυτούς τους και δένονται ακόμα περισσότερο μέσα από όλες αυτές τις δυσκολίες. Στο τέλος, όμως, διαπιστώνουν ότι το κακό μπορεί να έχει πολύ περισσότερες μορφές, όπως αντιστοίχως και το καλό, κάτι που κάνει τα πράγματα πολύ πιο περίπλοκα.

Αυτές οι εξελίξεις δίνουν στο συγγραφέα τη δυνατότητα να μας προσφέρει άλλη μία συναρπαστική περιπέτεια που η μορφή της επιτρέπει και αρκετές ιδιαίτερα συναισθηματικές στιγμές. Υπάρχει, φυσικά, και πάλι έντονο στοιχείο του χιούμορ, όπως επιβάλλει το είδος, η αφήγηση, όμως, έχει μία πιο σκοτεινή διάθεση. Επίσης δεν λείπουν και κάποια κλισέ στην πλοκή αλλά έχω την εντύπωση ότι ο συγγραφέας ακόμα και αυτά τα χειρίζεται με έναν πολύ ουσιαστικό τρόπο.

Οπότε το συμπέρασμα είναι ότι αυτό το βιβλίο είναι μία ιδανική συνέχεια της σειράς, άλλο ένα βιβλίο το οποίο πολύ δύσκολα αφήνεις από τα χέρια σου πριν την τελευταία σελίδα. ...more

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May 28, 2018 Jim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2fiction, 3series, 1audio, 3classics, ya-and-kids, fantasy

This is the second of 5 books & I liked it better than the first. It was more focused in large part because the characters & world needed no introduction. Most were well known from the first. Fun characters, although there's a continuous moral behind each that's obvious. It's great for kids, a little much to take as an adult at times. Still, I enjoyed the simple story immensely & am looking forward to the next. Well narrated, too.

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May 24, 2008 X rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: fantasy fans, especially kids and young adults

Recommended to X by: Q

Yet another fast moving, easy reading book. I wish I had read it sooner, as I was confused in the beginning trying to remember who all the characters were. However, after the first chapter or two it was quite good. A few parts were disturbingly LOTR reminiscent, but not enough to make it a cheap rip-off. Most of the characters were good and the mythological influences were nice. I'll think I won't wait so long to read the rest of the series.

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Mar 21, 2010 Bill Tillman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: dragons, historical-fiction, magic, druid, gods, folklore, young-adult, celtic-lore, fantasy, humor

Oh yes, after a long time away I am back again reading and listening (Audible) to Black Cauldron.

So finished again, must admit that I've forgotten parts of it, but all the better to enjoy again.

Just finished The Black Calderon wonderful balance of themes. Faith, friendship, courage, self worth and the balance of good and evil. Above all I think the lessons of discernment are done will.

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Sep 21, 2011 Laura rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Re-read as audiobook.

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Jun 14, 2019 Juho Pohjalainen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I liked this a little better than the first in the series, I think. The somewhat bland and bog-standard beginning of the Book of Three no longer applies at all: the story has been untethered and allowed to be its own thing, and continues along its own way in this story. It has the same characters I like from the first, along with a passive-aggressive fairy and a particularly mean-spirited ponce. Pretty much every hero is thrown through the wringer, they all learn and grow as they learned and gre ...more

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Nov 24, 2014 Dusty rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-before-2007, personal-canon, read-in-2014, carly-dusty-book-club

My parents bought me the Prydain book series as a bundle, at my insistence, from the Scholastic Book Fair. I was in eighth grade and riding high after a long-awaited family trip to Disneyland. I was also fairly convinced that I wanted to become an animator and had read about Disney's The Black Cauldron (1985) in Bob Thomas's Art of Animation. Since the movie wasn't available on VHS, I figured reading the books upon which it was based was an acceptable alternative. Of course, I did not expect then to fall in love with Ta My parents bought me the Prydain book series as a bundle, at my insistence, from the Scholastic Book Fair. I was in eighth grade and riding high after a long-awaited family trip to Disneyland. I was also fairly convinced that I wanted to become an animator and had read about Disney's The Black Cauldron (1985) in Bob Thomas's Art of Animation. Since the movie wasn't available on VHS, I figured reading the books upon which it was based was an acceptable alternative. Of course, I did not expect then to fall in love with Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, and the other characters populating Lloyd Alexander's Prydain. I certainly never predicted that I would eventually be able to write -- as I am now writing -- that I have read the series more times (2, going on 3) than I have seen the movie. That although my career dreams have shifted remarkably I remain as attached to the books as I ever was.

In The Black Cauldron, Assistant Pig-Keeper Taran follows his thirst for adventure into a dangerous quest against the evil lord Arawn. The book's plot is similar to that of The Book of Three, the first book in the series, in that Taran quickly gets separated from the group, runs into a handful of delightful companions (some new, some old), is saved a time or two by the "fair folk" who live underground, and has to grow up a little along the way. As I stated in my review of The Book of Three, I think my reading of the series is enhanced by the fact that I have read it before and know where it all is headed. Eilonwy's ring, the brooch Taran inherits, the three sorceresses living in the forest -- all these shall return in the books to follow, bringing texture and deeper significance to the relatively small roles they play here. While the books stand alone as decent stories of adventure, I really do think what makes them special is how they join together as a series.

A final word about the movie: It is called The Black Cauldron, but it blends events from both The Book of Three and The Black Cauldron. Thus the movie poster, which is on the cover of my edition of the book, includes the Horned King, who actually doesn't appear in the second book at all. There are other differences between the book and movie, including Fflewddue Flam's age and general competence and, of course, the manner by which the titular cauldron is ultimately destroyed. The movie probably deserves its reputation as the worst of Disney's animated movies, and unfortunately the lack of critical and commercial acclaim seems to have led Hollywood to think the series as a whole won't transfer into film. This, I believe, is a terrible misconception. I don't know that I want Prydain on the big screen because that would mean sharing something I have loved having mostly to myself for so many years with the rest of the world, but golly. Such a thoughtful and entertaining series deserves better than Disney gave it back in '85. ...more

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Jan 03, 2016 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I first read all five of Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain in my early teens, and frankly, it's hard for me to remember much about them beyond general emotional impressions: the first two were adventurous, the third a bit odd, the fourth dry and philosophical, and the fifth - well, it all went to hell in the fifth book. The announcement of these new yearly 50th Anniversary editions, therefore, are a great excuse not just to revisit the series but to separate them out and consider them somewhat mo I first read all five of Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain in my early teens, and frankly, it's hard for me to remember much about them beyond general emotional impressions: the first two were adventurous, the third a bit odd, the fourth dry and philosophical, and the fifth - well, it all went to hell in the fifth book. The announcement of these new yearly 50th Anniversary editions, therefore, are a great excuse not just to revisit the series but to separate them out and consider them somewhat more...individually.

The big surprise for me is that in many ways, The Black Cauldron does not feel like its own story. It feels something like an extended coda to The Book of Three. I kept having to think back to the events and characters of the first book, and it seems obvious that Alexander (or his editor) assumed that the eager child reader of 1965 would have read and probably reread that earlier adventure shortly before starting the new one. The first third or so of The Black Cauldron drags a little as we bridge from what happened before, reintroduce familiar friends, and set up an "easy" goal that pretty clearly won't go easily at all.

Fortunately, once things start to go wrong for the characters, things start to go very right for the book. The eponymous cauldron (or "Black Crochan") is a golden goose, a total MacGuffin - what it does is ultimately far less important than what it drives people to do. Alexander is examining classical, heroic concepts of pride and honor, along with a more modern treatment of the fine line between light and dark. In Prydain, the greatest heroes still have flaws, and traitors were once good men who should still be remembered for their former, braver deeds. Most intriguing of all are Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, supernatural figures (implied to be the Three Fates) who are also totally amoral. Their interactions with Taran and his friends are both funny and unsettling in turn. Although Alexander's prose is both straightforward and spare, his gentle contemplations on the complexity of morality are surprisingly effective.

The Black Cauldron ends definitively, but the reader is left with the unspoken impression that this is only one small battle in a much bigger war. (Again, it feels like Alexander was writing installments of a series from the outset.) I'm going to be very interested to return next year for The Castle of Llyr; already, we're moving away from simple adventure stories and more into a philosophical examination of Taran's growth. As a child, I found the progression of the series confusing because it defied my "fantasy lit" expectations. As an adult, however, I'm finding it both intriguing and surprisingly rewarding. ...more

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Nov 14, 2016 Lara Mi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 6-magic-witches-wizards, favourites, 6-royalty, 3-fictional-worlds, 5-journeys-adventures, 1-fantasy, novel-owned

“For each of us comes a time when we must be more than what we are.”

Taran’s home of Caer Dallben serves as a venue for a great council - Prince Gwydion intends on invading the evil kingdom of Annuvin to seize and destroy their source of power; the black cauldron which spawns deathly warriors. Taran feels honoured to march alongside Gwydion but soon finds himself separated from the company. Luckily, his former companions, the Princess Eilonwy and Gurgi, have followed him in secrecy and are now ...more

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Aug 22, 2015 Becky rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Me: Okay boys, today we're starting chapter three of the Black Cauldron and-
Student: I FINISHED THE ENTIRE THING AND THE LIBRARY DOESN'T HAVE THE REST SO MY MUM IS GOING TO BUY THEM ALL FOR ME.

I love it when I find things that my reluctant readers get hooked on, and this exchange happened during the second class I've ever had with this kid. I'm all like:

Stand back, Mrs. Student'smom, let me work.

So anyway, I read this book when I was a kid and I ...more

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Aug 22, 2015 Benjamin Thomas rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-epic, childrens-books-middle-grade

While I enjoyed the first book in this series, I think part of my enjoyment was due to finally diving into such a classic series that had eluded me for so many years. I did enjoy that first book, The Book of Three, but it did seem to meander a little too much for my taste. This time around, I felt the plot was much tighter and focused on just a handful of characters, allowing me to get to know them much better.

I also liked how Taran, the main character, grew through the novel. He is still ...more

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Mar 06, 2010 Travis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, sf-fantasy

One of the best books in this series, as our heroes join the mission to steal the magic cauldron the the Dark King uses to create his zombie soldiers.
They find the Cauldron, get separated from the main army and have to deal with witches, a treacherous swamp and the forces of evil.
Great fantasy adventure novel, full of strong characters and a clever sense of humor.

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May 15, 2014 Aj the Ravenous Reader rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, physically-owned-books

This was an enjoyable read. I love the adventures and the pureness of the characters.

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Sep 01, 2019 Phillip Murrell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was amazing! I loved the movie, but as so often is the case, the book was far superior. I was surprised the Horned King didn't return. I associate him with the title, but he was really the villain from the first book. There were some differences, but they proved to be pleasant surprises. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing how the more grown Taran and Eilowny deal with the threats of Arawn.

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Jun 12, 2019 James rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: lloyd-alexander, amelie, james, hardcover

Second one down. These are really quick reads, but rewarding all the same. The Black Cauldron definitely kicks the series up a notch, with darker themes, beautiful prose but with the same quirky humor. I was completely expecting it to end the way the Disney movie did and was caught off guard. I think I like this ending better. Going to keep going with book 3!

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Apr 08, 2019 Michael Sorbello rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Better than the first book in every way. Darker subject matter, nastier villains, stronger plot and character development and so on. The pacing is much more smooth while still maintaining its fast, action-packed style.

The stakes felt higher, the scope of the world felt bigger and the humor felt more natural. Taran and his crew grew on me in this book, I see a lot of potential in the misfit leader and his comrades. I think he’ll grow into a fine hero.

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Nov 12, 2012 Moira Fogarty rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, young-adult, sci-fi-fantasy

Oh, James Langton, you silver-tongued devil. Your audiobook recordings are so unbelievably good, so lively and full of unique characters, I could listen to you read for days (and I have).

'The Black Cauldron' is the second book in the Prydain chronicles - a classic quest, full of Princes and crones, evil undead and courageous warriors. We begin in Caer Dallben, where Taran works as Assistant Pig-Keeper, dreaming of greatness and glory.

If you are lucky enough to have the audio version of this book, you will del Oh, James Langton, you silver-tongued devil. Your audiobook recordings are so unbelievably good, so lively and full of unique characters, I could listen to you read for days (and I have).

'The Black Cauldron' is the second book in the Prydain chronicles - a classic quest, full of Princes and crones, evil undead and courageous warriors. We begin in Caer Dallben, where Taran works as Assistant Pig-Keeper, dreaming of greatness and glory.

If you are lucky enough to have the audio version of this book, you will delight in the melodious Welsh accents of the narrator as he voices the vexed and practical voice of Princess Eilonwy, whose comparisons I adore. She says things like, "That's worse than putting a necklace on an owl and letting it fly away!" or, "That's like wondering whether to scratch your head when a boulder's about to fall on it." LOVE HER.

Then there are the gravelly "crunchings and munchings" of loyal and ever-hungry Gurgey, and the colourful embroiderings of Fflewddur Fflam, absentee King, regular fibber and harp enthusiast. These are old friends, familiar from 'The Book of Three', first in the Prydain series, but we get to hear some new voices as well.

This book introduces the soft-spoken and wise bard Adaon, son of Taliesin; arrogant, prideful Ellidyr "Prince of Pen-Llarcau"; the mournful Gwystyl (who could give Eeyore and Marvin the Paranoid Android a run for the money in the "most manically depressed character ever" category); and the three witches Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, whose voices are extremely creepy.

Being high fantasy, it is easy to dismiss the plot as merely derivative. Of course there are shades of Tolkien, but if the story is good, who cares? There's sacrifice and battle, invisible dwarves and magic cauldrons, and it is a good tale, beautifully told.

The descriptions of the setting are so clear and fine that you can feel the mists rising around you as you read of the Marshes of Morva. There is heartbreak and anger and friendship and betrayal and I had to hold back tears at a few points in the reading.

Warmly recommended, although scary at points and it does deal with death, pain, struggle and loss, so read it when you are in a philosophical mood. ...more

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Feb 02, 2010 Mr. Graham rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens, saw-the-movie, adventure, fantasy

Great book. This is a fantasy with a human element in the hero that is rare. Taran, a lowly "Assistant Pig-Keeper," is humble, though often hot-headed. To this hero honor matters, but integrity rules. His decisions are always selfless and courageous, though often youthfully unwise. His companions and superiors are often the more wise and honorable, yet Taran's leadership takes them where they must go. The self sacrifice and humility he shows makes him a great hero for young people, most of whom ...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Courtney H. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I liked The Black Cauldron better than I liked The Book of Three. The characters we knew grew a bit, but not so much that they were unrecognizable. As irritating as Taran can be, too much change wouldn't quite be believable. The Black Cauldron also introduced a number of new characters, as quirky as the last batch. I particularly liked Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch -- they might be my favorite characters of the series (I'm writing this review after having finished the Chronicles). They were multi-face ...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Around the Year i...: The Black Cauldron, by Lloyd Alexander	1	15	Oct 01, 2016 06:49PM
Did Disney RUIN this for kids???	9	76	Apr 15, 2015 07:19AM
Did Disney RUIN this for kids???	1	15	Jan 15, 2014 08:35AM
YA readers (Percy...: سومین دور کتابخوانی فارسی ( تاران و پاتیل جادویی)	9	14	Sep 06, 2013 04:05AM

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About Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander

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Lloyd Chudley Alexander was an influential American author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature is the fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydain. The concluding book of the series, The High King , was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won the Nat ...more