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The Chronicles of Prydain
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain
When Lloyd Alexander finished the Chronicles of Prydain, readers asked for more! So, in 1973, Mr. Alexander wrote a collection of short tales about the land of Prydain. These stories revisit familiar characters and reveal more about the history of this magical land.
Here readers will find Dallben, destined to be an enchanter; Angharad, Princess of the House of Lyr; Kadwyr, the rascal crow; and Medwyn, the mystical protector of all animals. They'll learn the grim history of the sword Dyrnwyn and even find out how Fflewdur Fflam came by his enchanted harp.
In The Foundling, Lloyd Alexander's land of fantasy and adventure lives on.
Here readers will find Dallben, destined to be an enchanter; Angharad, Princess of the House of Lyr; Kadwyr, the rascal crow; and Medwyn, the mystical protector of all animals. They'll learn the grim history of the sword Dyrnwyn and even find out how Fflewdur Fflam came by his enchanted harp.
In The Foundling, Lloyd Alexander's land of fantasy and adventure lives on.
98 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 1973
91 people are currently reading
3420 people want to read
About the author
Lloyd Alexander
142 books2,118 followersLloyd 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 National Book Award and the American Book Award. He was also one of the creators of Cricket Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
January 20, 2023
4.5 stars!
I so enjoyed all of these short stories! From learning Dallben’s origins, meeting Doli for the first time, reading about Eilonwy’s mother, meeting Medwyn and his host of animals, learning about the tragedy of King Rhitta and his sword Dyrnwyn, reading about how Arawn Death-Lord stole the craftmen’s skill, getting to know Coll and his rescue of Hen Wen, and finally how Fflewddur got his truthful harp…
It was so sweet to revisit and learn these tales anew.
“For the odd thing about wisdom is the more you use it the more it grows; and the more you share, the more you gain. You'd be amazed how few understand that.”
“"At the end of knowledge, wisdom begins,” Dallben murmured. "And at the end of wisdom there is not grief, but hope.”
Content: some darker and tragic tales, one in particular that deals with merciless killing, but it’s not gruesome nor graphic.
P.S. I’m so sad my journey into Prydain is officially done 😭
I so enjoyed all of these short stories! From learning Dallben’s origins, meeting Doli for the first time, reading about Eilonwy’s mother, meeting Medwyn and his host of animals, learning about the tragedy of King Rhitta and his sword Dyrnwyn, reading about how Arawn Death-Lord stole the craftmen’s skill, getting to know Coll and his rescue of Hen Wen, and finally how Fflewddur got his truthful harp…
It was so sweet to revisit and learn these tales anew.
“For the odd thing about wisdom is the more you use it the more it grows; and the more you share, the more you gain. You'd be amazed how few understand that.”
“"At the end of knowledge, wisdom begins,” Dallben murmured. "And at the end of wisdom there is not grief, but hope.”
Content: some darker and tragic tales, one in particular that deals with merciless killing, but it’s not gruesome nor graphic.
P.S. I’m so sad my journey into Prydain is officially done 😭
December 5, 2019
I reread this as part of my project to audit my shelves and resell or donate some portions of my hoard and, well... this one's staying. Or if it goes, it'll be because I'll invest in a shiny Prydain boxed set. (Side note, but I really want a leatherbound omnibus for this series, and I have searched and searched but it doesn't seem to exist.)
There is something just absolutely magical about the lyrical, fairy-tale esque style of Lloyd Alexander's stories. They feel like fairy tales you've always known, but perhaps briefly forgotten - they feel ancestral, in a way that makes it easy to accept their strange bits. Hazel Nuts of Wisdom? If Mr. Alexander says so, I'm sure I read about that in a mythological cycle someday, and they sound like they'd be delicious roasted with some salmon...
So yeah, I'm hanging onto this one, and probably the rest of the Prydain books, and as I reread things I'll probably end up writing half an essay on this overlooked pillar of modern fantasy storytelling, so keep an eye out for that.
There is something just absolutely magical about the lyrical, fairy-tale esque style of Lloyd Alexander's stories. They feel like fairy tales you've always known, but perhaps briefly forgotten - they feel ancestral, in a way that makes it easy to accept their strange bits. Hazel Nuts of Wisdom? If Mr. Alexander says so, I'm sure I read about that in a mythological cycle someday, and they sound like they'd be delicious roasted with some salmon...
So yeah, I'm hanging onto this one, and probably the rest of the Prydain books, and as I reread things I'll probably end up writing half an essay on this overlooked pillar of modern fantasy storytelling, so keep an eye out for that.
May 14, 2016
Lepa kolekcija mini prica smestenih u svet Pridejna u vreme desavanja pre same hronike. Zabavno napisane i lako citljive sa porukom i poukom tako da ispadaju vise kao basne ili bajke.
Za ljubiteleje serijala vredno posete posto sremeo dosta poznatih likova i dobija neke nove uvide u njihove zivote.
Za ljubiteleje serijala vredno posete posto sremeo dosta poznatih likova i dobija neke nove uvide u njihove zivote.
June 26, 2012
It's hard to credit some of the stuff I'm seeing from fellow reviewers on this page. Maybe they don't believe Mr. Alexander when he says The Foundling and Other Tales is perfectly capable of standing on its own, but a single reading of this wee book should clue everyone in as to exactly what it is they are holding. Namely: This is a book of fables, or would-be legends; it isn't meant to answer burning questions about the population of a long-running series (although apparently it does in part fulfil this function, too), and it isn't meant to provide deep characterisation of any kind, really. Realism is not part of the agenda; people in the book act in ways that fulfil the moral imperative of the tales, and nothing more.
It's quite good at this, too. This won't rock the world of anyone, I suspect, least of all those over a certain basically arbitrary age, but it's fun; i'd read these cute little stories aloud to my children, if I had any. I think the tales, which are loosely based, says the very humble-seeming Alexander in his foreword, on Welsh legends, work best when he is putting flowery words in the mouths of his archetypical characters: bards, enchanters, farmers and fairies, all of whom speak in the grandiose and florid language of ancient embellished oral traditions. The story about the three enchanters vying for the hand of a princess was probably my favourite. It reminded me a little of Jack Vance, even, what with the mages putting on a contest of conjurings to impress the lady. The story about the bard-king who acquired a beautiful harp which always played the most alluring of melodies, but whose strings broke whenever the flamboyant man told an exaggerated truth or outright lie, got a chuckle out of me. The morals in these tales are very simple and obvious, but I suppose that's really how it should be, and there's a little intrigue in seeing what Alexander does to get us there.
I read a few of the Prydain books when I was in elementary school. I am pretty sure I never read the whole series; in fact I probably only read three of the five books, and the only one I remember at all is The Black Cauldron. I didn't recall a single character's name or situation from the books, and so I came at this without any expectations of gaps being filled in an extatn series. Ultimately, I believe that were the name of Prydain not slapped onto this book, its purpose would have been just as well served, or maybe even better served, since one would only expect a series of fabulistic tales set in a nebulous world of enchantment and fey folk, which is precisely what this book is. However, not only is it a coup for the publisher to tie this in with Alexander's series of novels, but I see what he's trying to do here is bring us a little closer to the Welsh tales from which he drew his original inspiration, by distilling his storytelling right to the source, as it were. A few characters from the novels do get name-dropped, but as I said, they meant nothing to me.
It's quite good at this, too. This won't rock the world of anyone, I suspect, least of all those over a certain basically arbitrary age, but it's fun; i'd read these cute little stories aloud to my children, if I had any. I think the tales, which are loosely based, says the very humble-seeming Alexander in his foreword, on Welsh legends, work best when he is putting flowery words in the mouths of his archetypical characters: bards, enchanters, farmers and fairies, all of whom speak in the grandiose and florid language of ancient embellished oral traditions. The story about the three enchanters vying for the hand of a princess was probably my favourite. It reminded me a little of Jack Vance, even, what with the mages putting on a contest of conjurings to impress the lady. The story about the bard-king who acquired a beautiful harp which always played the most alluring of melodies, but whose strings broke whenever the flamboyant man told an exaggerated truth or outright lie, got a chuckle out of me. The morals in these tales are very simple and obvious, but I suppose that's really how it should be, and there's a little intrigue in seeing what Alexander does to get us there.
I read a few of the Prydain books when I was in elementary school. I am pretty sure I never read the whole series; in fact I probably only read three of the five books, and the only one I remember at all is The Black Cauldron. I didn't recall a single character's name or situation from the books, and so I came at this without any expectations of gaps being filled in an extatn series. Ultimately, I believe that were the name of Prydain not slapped onto this book, its purpose would have been just as well served, or maybe even better served, since one would only expect a series of fabulistic tales set in a nebulous world of enchantment and fey folk, which is precisely what this book is. However, not only is it a coup for the publisher to tie this in with Alexander's series of novels, but I see what he's trying to do here is bring us a little closer to the Welsh tales from which he drew his original inspiration, by distilling his storytelling right to the source, as it were. A few characters from the novels do get name-dropped, but as I said, they meant nothing to me.
March 4, 2025
This was a solid short story collection about tales of Prydain. Check out my full review on my BookTube channel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5vsa...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5vsa...
October 30, 2021
This is not exactly a prequel, although it does some prequellish things. It provides us a glimpse at the beginnings or the past lives of characters who will appear in the series. The characters are portrayed with vividness and humour. One really does get the sense that the stories are based on Welsh mythology or folklore.
But they are also morality tales which really drive home their lessons. Thus we learn, for example that gifts do not come without a price ("The Foundling"), we should be careful what we wish for ("The Stone") and we should take care to right any wrongs we commit ("The Sword"). However, not everyone learns the necessary lessons as quickly as he or she needs to, and this can be the source of comedy or tragedy.
But they are also morality tales which really drive home their lessons. Thus we learn, for example that gifts do not come without a price ("The Foundling"), we should be careful what we wish for ("The Stone") and we should take care to right any wrongs we commit ("The Sword"). However, not everyone learns the necessary lessons as quickly as he or she needs to, and this can be the source of comedy or tragedy.
June 16, 2014
I LOVE the Chronicles of Prydain. They’re an older MG fantasy series (1960’s) that won plenty of awards in their day, yet they have a lingering worth for today’s readers. The wisdom and nobility portrayed in them and the incredible craftsmanship of the story reminded me greatly of the Chronicles of Narnia. If you like one, I bet you’d like the other.
Anyway, I was aware of this companion volume to the series but hadn’t taken the time to check it out until one of my blog commentators who loves this series as much as I do highly recommended that I read it. I’m glad I did. It contains six short stories that give background information to the world of Prydain and its beloved characters.
The Foundling tells the story of Dallben’s youth and how he came to possess the Book of Three and his steady wisdom.
The Stone features one of my favorite characters, Doli of the Fair Folk. In this one, a human who comes into contact with Doli learns some valuable lessons about the balance of pain and beauty that is mortality.
The True Enchanter is the story of Eilonwy’s mother, Angharad. Eilonwy comes by her fiery and noble disposition honestly!
The Rascal Crow features Medwyn, caretaker of Prydain’s animals, and his love for one rapscallion of a bird (who happens to be very reminiscent of Kaw) and the lessons he learns in humility.
The Sword reveals the mystery of the powerful sword, Dyrnwyn, and how it came to rest under Spiral Castle.
And The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper explains how Arawn Deathlord stole the most valuable possessions of the Prydain folk, and also reveals his great weakness.
These were simple tales, written almost in the style of a fable, that shine a bit more light on the world I came to love. But they continue in Lloyd’s voice of beauty and nobility and wisdom. If you’ve read the novels, be sure you pick up this little gem. If you've never visited Prydain, you're missing out on a wonderful world.
Anyway, I was aware of this companion volume to the series but hadn’t taken the time to check it out until one of my blog commentators who loves this series as much as I do highly recommended that I read it. I’m glad I did. It contains six short stories that give background information to the world of Prydain and its beloved characters.
The Foundling tells the story of Dallben’s youth and how he came to possess the Book of Three and his steady wisdom.
The Stone features one of my favorite characters, Doli of the Fair Folk. In this one, a human who comes into contact with Doli learns some valuable lessons about the balance of pain and beauty that is mortality.
The True Enchanter is the story of Eilonwy’s mother, Angharad. Eilonwy comes by her fiery and noble disposition honestly!
The Rascal Crow features Medwyn, caretaker of Prydain’s animals, and his love for one rapscallion of a bird (who happens to be very reminiscent of Kaw) and the lessons he learns in humility.
The Sword reveals the mystery of the powerful sword, Dyrnwyn, and how it came to rest under Spiral Castle.
And The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper explains how Arawn Deathlord stole the most valuable possessions of the Prydain folk, and also reveals his great weakness.
These were simple tales, written almost in the style of a fable, that shine a bit more light on the world I came to love. But they continue in Lloyd’s voice of beauty and nobility and wisdom. If you’ve read the novels, be sure you pick up this little gem. If you've never visited Prydain, you're missing out on a wonderful world.
September 2, 2022
I really liked The Chronicles of Prydain, as it is one of the books on my favorites shelf. But there was one prequel book in this series that I had not read, as it had been absent from my box set (but there where still ads for it at back of every book). So, I got it through Amazon *WINK* and when it came the book was way smaller than I expected, most of the other Prydain books where about 200, maybe 300 pages, but this is 98 (well at least my edition was). This is all because of one thing, this is not a novel or a novella, this is a short story collection.
See after the final book The High King, Lloyd and his readers didn't want to leave the land of Prydain just yet, so he wrote two picture books (which I think are out of print, I haven't seen them for sale at any store or online retailer but correct me if I am wrong) and this. Now this books short stories tell of the origins of some characters, we get to see what Coll was like before he knew about the Book of Three. And some places get origins too like how Spiral Castle got so big.
All of the stories have been hinted at or have been told in the Chronicles of Prydain series. The Foundling for example is basically told to Taran and friends by Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch in The Black Cauldron.
These short stories tell good morals about time and love, its a sweet little read. I recommended it if your a Prydain fan, heck you could start here and then read The Book of Three and still have a good time.
See after the final book The High King, Lloyd and his readers didn't want to leave the land of Prydain just yet, so he wrote two picture books (which I think are out of print, I haven't seen them for sale at any store or online retailer but correct me if I am wrong) and this. Now this books short stories tell of the origins of some characters, we get to see what Coll was like before he knew about the Book of Three. And some places get origins too like how Spiral Castle got so big.
All of the stories have been hinted at or have been told in the Chronicles of Prydain series. The Foundling for example is basically told to Taran and friends by Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch in The Black Cauldron.
These short stories tell good morals about time and love, its a sweet little read. I recommended it if your a Prydain fan, heck you could start here and then read The Book of Three and still have a good time.
October 19, 2017
“And, at the last, the book taught him that while nothing was certain, all was possible.”
This is a collection of short stories that take place before the actual Chronicles of Prydain which delve a bit deeper into the origins of some of the characters and items.
This one is very difficult for me to rate. I am torn between rating it based on my enjoyment or based on its quality for what it is; these short stories read very much like fables. Tone and content don't match up that well with the original series. But I don't believe that they are meant to. They really do seem like fables trying to teach moral lessons - with the difference that it has familiar characters and settings.
This is not entirely a bad thing. It almost feels like the tales that would have been passed down among the people of Prydain itself! And they are all written very nicely. Indeed, they all have a rather lighthearted feeling to them - even those that tell of death and vengeance.
I liked the last tale the most as it showed how Fflewdurr first received his harp. In general, I think this book does well at being what it is. But I can't say that I enjoyed it as thoroughly as the actual novels of this series.
April 23, 2014
Found this book in the bargain bin - I didn't even know it existed. Couldn't pass up this ticket back to the land of Prydain, re-visited this time in folktale-esque short-fiction form rather than fantasy epic. Most enjoyable.
December 1, 2024
It was such a delight to return to the world of Prydain. It’s only been a year since I read the original series, but already it feels like an old friend that I can’t wait to revisit. This collection (short though it may be) is a perfect primer for either jumping into the series or helping those who just finished it to come down from the high it will leave you on. Every story revolves around a fan-favorite character or an event that directly affects one of said characters during the main series. One year later I was able to pick this up and jump right back into Prydain as if I never left it to begin with, and that above all else showcases the magic in Lloyd Alexander’s writing.
May 8, 2023
While I read The Chronicles of Prydain numerous times when I was young, for some reason I never read this one -- I'm assuming they just didn't have it in the elementary school library?
Anyway, it's an omission I'm glad I was able to rectify after all these years. As per the title, it's a (relatively brief) collection of short stories set in Prydain, mostly giving history or filling in additional details on characters & things from the main series like Dallben, the sword Dyrnwyn, Eilonwy's mother, and Fflewdur Fflam. If you've read the main series and want a bit more to tide you over, well, here you go.
Anyway, it's an omission I'm glad I was able to rectify after all these years. As per the title, it's a (relatively brief) collection of short stories set in Prydain, mostly giving history or filling in additional details on characters & things from the main series like Dallben, the sword Dyrnwyn, Eilonwy's mother, and Fflewdur Fflam. If you've read the main series and want a bit more to tide you over, well, here you go.
February 25, 2025
A pleasant ending to a solid series. A collection of short stories that all follow a basic structure (two things go wrong, one thing goes right), but in a way seems like the most basic structure of any folk/fairy moral story. Really made me think of what it takes to create stories in their most basic form, and this author does so compellingly with just a few short pages for each.
January 30, 2026
And just like that, my time in Prydain is over. 😭
This delightful collection of bite-sized tales was the icing on the cake to a beautiful series. I love the little insights into the events that shaped the world as Taran knew it—Eilonwy’s mum, dear Coll and Hen Wen, the truthful harp, Dallben’s origin.
So lovely. ☺️
This delightful collection of bite-sized tales was the icing on the cake to a beautiful series. I love the little insights into the events that shaped the world as Taran knew it—Eilonwy’s mum, dear Coll and Hen Wen, the truthful harp, Dallben’s origin.
So lovely. ☺️
July 30, 2022
3.5/5
A fun, fluffy farewell to the land and people of Prydain.
A fun, fluffy farewell to the land and people of Prydain.
December 1, 2010
The Foundling
I liked this short story. It was interesting seeing Dallben as a youth, but the Book of Three aged him in his reading. Knowledge is a heavy burden even while we deeply value it. I loved that there was still hope at the end of it.
The Stone
This was really cute. I liked how Maurice went from complaining about his circumstance to savoring every moment. Such a nice lesson for life.
The True Enchanter
This story was far more romantic than the others, and it showed simply that inborn gifts are not necessarily the best or most powerful. One can be someone simply because they work hard for it. It also shows that a person should follow their heart and their mind in order to achieve their desires.
The Rascal Crow
This was so obviously about one of Kaw's father. Their personalities are very similar though I think that Kaw is less quick to shun others' abilities or help.
This story was very archetypal, but it was still a pleasant one. Unfortunately, Kadwyr didn't completely learn a lesson. He only learned that others are just as capable as he is though he still held himself above them.
The Sword
This was definitely the darkest story so far. There was no lightheartedness to it. It only consisted of a king suffering through bad choice after bad choice. It's no wonder Achren was able to make Spiral Castle her home.
It was very interesting to learn how the scene from the barrow beneath Spiral Castle was created, though!
The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper
This was really cute. I knew how it would work the entire time with the Harper being the only one to not give up his prized possession to Arawn. However, I really liked the end when, despite the destruction of the harp, the bard still had the best of the Death Lord.
The Coll and His White Pig
I never fully realized that Coll was first and foremost a farmer. I mean, I knew that was his life's desire that he accomplished, but I always thought he was a well trained warrior or something, too. It seems more that his kind heart got him into and out of Annuvin rather than any skill with weaponry. It was really interesting to learn the truth of it all.
Too bad he didn't really get a chance to truly speak with Hen Wen before the wisdom he'd consumed wore away.
The Truthful Harp
Ah... A Flam is always an amusing character!
I love reading about his beginnings. He was always a kindhearted sort, and his personality shone brightly in this story.
I liked this short story. It was interesting seeing Dallben as a youth, but the Book of Three aged him in his reading. Knowledge is a heavy burden even while we deeply value it. I loved that there was still hope at the end of it.
The Stone
This was really cute. I liked how Maurice went from complaining about his circumstance to savoring every moment. Such a nice lesson for life.
The True Enchanter
This story was far more romantic than the others, and it showed simply that inborn gifts are not necessarily the best or most powerful. One can be someone simply because they work hard for it. It also shows that a person should follow their heart and their mind in order to achieve their desires.
The Rascal Crow
This was so obviously about one of Kaw's father. Their personalities are very similar though I think that Kaw is less quick to shun others' abilities or help.
This story was very archetypal, but it was still a pleasant one. Unfortunately, Kadwyr didn't completely learn a lesson. He only learned that others are just as capable as he is though he still held himself above them.
The Sword
This was definitely the darkest story so far. There was no lightheartedness to it. It only consisted of a king suffering through bad choice after bad choice. It's no wonder Achren was able to make Spiral Castle her home.
It was very interesting to learn how the scene from the barrow beneath Spiral Castle was created, though!
The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper
This was really cute. I knew how it would work the entire time with the Harper being the only one to not give up his prized possession to Arawn. However, I really liked the end when, despite the destruction of the harp, the bard still had the best of the Death Lord.
The Coll and His White Pig
I never fully realized that Coll was first and foremost a farmer. I mean, I knew that was his life's desire that he accomplished, but I always thought he was a well trained warrior or something, too. It seems more that his kind heart got him into and out of Annuvin rather than any skill with weaponry. It was really interesting to learn the truth of it all.
Too bad he didn't really get a chance to truly speak with Hen Wen before the wisdom he'd consumed wore away.
The Truthful Harp
Ah... A Flam is always an amusing character!
I love reading about his beginnings. He was always a kindhearted sort, and his personality shone brightly in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
I forgot how much I loved this world, and the incredible audiobook narration of these stories. Really feels like sinking into a story told around a campfire, like warm and toastie on the soul. Some of the story themes here were a little repetative but I wasn't expecting him to reinvent the wheel.
May 7, 2012
Although some readers probably wish that Lloyd Alexander had written further books detailing the further adventures of King Taran and Queen Eilonwy, I think that would have ruined the bittersweet charm of the five original books of the Chronicles of Prydain. Instead, Alexander wisely chose to go back before "The Book of Three" and expand the stories of most of the secondary characters, providing a wide range of tales, full of the epic boldness, the heartfelt tragedy and the relieving humour of the original pentalogy. Whether retelling the origins of the wise enchanter Dallben or how the sword Dyrnwyn came to be at the base of Spiral Castle, stories of romance and humour takes us back to the youth of Eilonwy's parents or the early adventures of honest king and would-be bard Fflewddur Fflam. These are stories full of fairy-tale and common sense wisdom, charming in their subtle craftmanship and love for the land of Prydain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2016
I'm so glad I re-read this anthology! Lloyd Alexander tells each of the eight stories beautifully, and it was great to see some of my favorite characters from Prydain again. But I think this collection could be enjoyable even for people who haven't read the Chronicles of Prydain, because the stories and characters are just so wonderful! And after re-reading The Foundling I find myself wanting to re-read the Chronicles of Prydain again! The only way Lloyd Alexander could have improved this book is by adding more stories.
September 18, 2023
A lovely collection of short stories set in the world of Prydain with some of our favorite characters and objects from the Chronicles of Prydain.
Though one could certainly read these other tales before reading the Chronicles, you'd certainly get more out of it after having already read the main series.
Though one could certainly read these other tales before reading the Chronicles, you'd certainly get more out of it after having already read the main series.
December 26, 2014
Quick read for an adult, but fun none-the-less. I loved the Chronicles of Prydain and this filled in some of the gaps. In the vein of Aesop's Tales or traditional fairy tales, these stories instruct you against pride, greed, and anger. A person is never too old to hear stories like that.
January 12, 2026
3.5
Little short stories that build out some side characters from the Chronicles of Prydain - full of charm and whimsy, really the only demerit that can really be levied at is is that most (though not all) of the tales basically are covered in the main series themselves, and their expansion out from a few pages of dialogue to slightly more pages of story doesn't really add a lot to them. Still, they're fun, and full of Lloyd Alexander's charming fairytale writing. Certainly not essential, but for fans they'll be well pleased.
The Foundling - 3.5
The Stone - 3.5
The True Enchanter - 3.5
The Rascal Crow - 3
The Sword - 4
The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper - 3
Coll and His White Pig - 3
The Truthful Harp - 3.5
Little short stories that build out some side characters from the Chronicles of Prydain - full of charm and whimsy, really the only demerit that can really be levied at is is that most (though not all) of the tales basically are covered in the main series themselves, and their expansion out from a few pages of dialogue to slightly more pages of story doesn't really add a lot to them. Still, they're fun, and full of Lloyd Alexander's charming fairytale writing. Certainly not essential, but for fans they'll be well pleased.
The Foundling - 3.5
The Stone - 3.5
The True Enchanter - 3.5
The Rascal Crow - 3
The Sword - 4
The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper - 3
Coll and His White Pig - 3
The Truthful Harp - 3.5
November 1, 2020
A collection of short tales set in Prydain, written after the Chronicles of Prydain series. They tell a little bit more about the world and some of the characters in the main series - such as where Dalben grew up, and how Fflewdur Fflam got his harp. It's a short read and they're short stories, really more little fables than anything more weighty, but if you're a fan of the series and want a bit more they're a nice addition. They probably don't mean much to anyone who hasn't read the series, however.
May 4, 2023
Told in a very birds-eye, quick way like a fairy tale, so it was hard to get drawn into the stories. "The True Enchanter" was probably my favorite; Angharad and Geraint are very much what I would expect Eilonwy's parents to be like. The creepy, downward spiral narrative of the story about Dyrnwyn was a highlight, as was the cute animal teamwork in "The Rascal Crow" and Coll's story. Also this line: "And the Lord of Death fled in terror of life."
January 8, 2024
Beautifully written collection of short tales predating the adventures of Taran and his friends. Each tale held morsels of wisdom and such lovely writing. Some of the stories in this book were surprisingly more grim, but held all the threads of a beloved fantasy. Regardless, I love Lloyd Alexander's storytelling and look forward to reading more of his books.
December 31, 2020
I love these stories. I'm so glad I had already read the first two books in the Prydain series so I knew the characters these tales are about and appreciated how they filled in missing pieces.
Oh, and I'm really glad it was so short since I needed just 2 more books to hit my goal of 40 books this year! Now just one more...
Oh, and I'm really glad it was so short since I needed just 2 more books to hit my goal of 40 books this year! Now just one more...
May 23, 2023
A wonderful addition to the Prydain chronicles featuring some familiar and not so familiar faces. Lovely in their brevity, but not lacking in depth, it made me long to return to Taran and Eilonwy's beautiful, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking world.
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March 21, 2025It's so sad to say goodbye to this wonderful world and these wonderful characters. We quite enjoyed these stories with their humor, insight, and wisdom.
I never knew about this addition to the main series of Prydain books when I was younger, and it was fun reading it for the first time now!
I never knew about this addition to the main series of Prydain books when I was younger, and it was fun reading it for the first time now!
November 24, 2020
Cute fables.
December 8, 2020
This book was a real pleasure to read, a return to Lloyd Alexander's character-rich Kingdom of Prydain. I have to say, with only short stories, most of them with unfamiliar characters, you really miss Alexander's strength for creating fun and relatable characters. If you've read the original series this is definitely worth a read, but it doesn't stand alone that well, and isn't nearly as good as them either. I was happy to read it, and it brought back good memories of reading the wonderful original series, but I'd rather reread any of those before reading this again.
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