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Summary: A totally terrific book! Lloyd Alexander has done it again!
Review: I saw this book in a book sale our class was having and I bought in on the spot! I'd already read The High King and I had been searching for all of the other Chronicles of Prydain. Right now, I'm searching for the movie that Disney made out of this book. This story all starts when it becomes evident to Prince Gwydion that The Black Cauldron-- the tool which Arawn, the Lord of Death, uses to create deathless warriors which will forever be his slaves-- must be destroyed. Gwydion leads the quest to Annuvin, Arawn's domain, in hope of finding and destroying the Black Cauldron. But it is a surprise in store for Taran, Eilonwy, Gwydion, and everyone else, including the Death Lord hinself, when they get there and find out that the cauldron has disappeared!
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Summary: Taran Wanderer Shows His Mettle.
Review: In Lloyd Alexander's second book in his five-book series on the Land of Prydain, our brave young antagonist, Taran Wanderer, the Assistant Pig-Keeper of Caer Dallben, joins the battle host led by the honorable Prince Gwydion of Don in its quest to liberate and destroy the evil Black Crochan, an enormous iron cauldron. It is in this kettle that the dark lord, Arawn of Annuvin, creates the Cauldron-Born, his indestructible warriors, from the corpses of men. He who controls the Crochan, wields the power. Taran and his comrades must face witches in the Marshes of Morva and some surprising traitors before the climatic conclusion of this story. Alexander weaves a masterful tale of good versus evil, with Taran wedged between, forced to choose time and again between right and wrong, loyalty and self-preservation, or blind obedience and moral obligation. This second book notches up the excitement. The plot is more curvy and better-conceived than book one. Taran's burden grows as does his reputation. Taran is one of the strongest and most likeable characters of all time, and as readers we begin to question his true origins. --Christopher Bonn Jonnes
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Summary: AN EXTRAORDINARY READING
Review: Here's an audio version with double listening pleasure - an introduction read by Newbery Medal winning author Lloyd Alexander, and a splendid reading of Book 2 in the imaginative Prydain Chronicles by Royal Scottish Academy trained actor James Langton. What a voice! Scifi for young readers and listeners takes on new dimensions in this intricately plotted and finely executed tale focusing on the challenges faced by Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper in Caer Dallben. Warriors in Arawn's army seem to be an unbeatable foe - they increase in number daily and never die. Born in the Black Cauldron they appear to be invincible. Taran, accompanied by true friends, sets off for Arawn's home with hopes of destroying the Cauldron. - Gail Cooke
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Summary: A tale of heroes humble and bold
Review: "The Black Cauldron" is one of the gloomiest children's fantasy novels in existance, although it isn't scary per se. Lloyd Alexander tackles the complex question of "What makes a hero?" very effectively (since the book is highly readable despite the obvious symbolic implications), and the answer he comes up with is that heroism hurts. It isn't exciting, it doesn't bring much glory (unlike expected), it's simply painful, and it's definitely not a burden to be carried lightly. Pretty much the only bad thing that might be said about the book is that it has a highly contrived outset. The lords of Prydain decide to steal and destroy Arawn's Black Cauldron, which allows him to create his undead warriors, but once the mission reaches its destination, complications happen. Taran and his friends leave the army and begin a lonely quest, closely followed by the barbaric Huntsmen of Annuvin. Two key characters are introduced in this part of the Chronicles - wise Adaon, and arrogant, short-tempered Ellydyr, and the interplay of their values adds a powerful overtone of righteousness and final atonement. After a long trek through the marshes, the heroes find the Cauldron in the hands of some very odd witches (who are more than they seem...). But to destroy the Cauldron a terrible price must be paid- one must willingly give up his life to it. Who will it be?
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Summary: One of the stronger books in the Prydain series
Review: In this sequel to _The Book of Three_, Taran and his companions set off to find and destroy the malignant Black Cauldron. The cauldron must be destroyed because it is the source of Arawn's deathless Cauldron-born warriors. Many of Taran's friends from the first novel return, and we meet new characters as well: Adaon, the son of the chief bard of Prydain and a wise warrior in his own right, and Ellidyr, the proud prince of Pen-Llarcau. _The Black Cauldron_ is definitely superior to its predecessor, which was a very fine book in its own right. Its superiority comes from the greater depth of characterization. Taran is no longer a callow boy; he is struggling with harder issues that will resonate with many of his readers. Other characters face similar dilemmas--again and again, Lloyd Alexander shows that the answer to "What is a hero?" is a very difficult one. The plot moves quickly; it has adventure, danger, and emotional excitement to please anyone. Alexander's writing is clean and direct, and he is able to inject his trademarkj dry humor at regular intervals. Perhaps best of all, the reader has the consolation of knowing there are three more books about Taran and Prydain after this one. I highly recommend this book to middle readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure. Alexander excels at creating strong female characters, so this should appeal to boys and girls alike. And if you enjoyed this, finish the series. It's a classic, award-winning series for a reason. And if you're looking for something to read after it, try Alexander's Westmark trilogy.
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Summary: Excellente!
Review: Except the fact that was pretty slow at times, I still loved it!
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Summary: Hi pot? It's kettle. You're black.
Review: The best known title of any of the books in the Prydain Chronicles (owing, probably, to that horrendous Disney movie from the 1980s). In this beautifully woven tale, we return once more to meet Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper of Caer Dallben. With his faithful crew in tow (Eilonwy, Gurgi, Fflewddur Fflam, Doli, etc.) as well as new companions, Taran sets off to find and destroy the legendary Black Cauldron.
Unlike the first book in this series, this story is beset by some small inconsistencies that hurt its storytelling. At the end of the first book, Taran's hot head had been cooled by actual battle. He understood what it meant to go to war, and was happy to return and stay at Caer Dallben once more. Unfortunately, Taran goes right back to square one in this newest adventure. Again he is the same rambunctious unthinking adolescent he was before. I'm not saying this is necessarily an inaccurate portrait of an adolescent. Just disappointing. It would be nice to see Taran growing a little wiser with each book. Still, there is much to love in this story. Taran finally meets a boy that rivals and beats him in quick thoughtless action. Flewddur the bard is still abandoning his kingdom to go fight and play the harp. Princess Eilonwy is just as feisty as ever. It's a wonder to think that even though this series was written at the same time as Britain's "White Mountains" chronicles, this particular group of books stands out for its far-sighted take on women and their abilities. Eilonwy may not be invited to the men's war councils, but she objects heartily to the fact. She fights as well as any (considering her circumstances) and is always of great help to others. It's funny, but you can't help wondering how Taran keeps ending up in the company of so many members of royalty (Eilonwy, Fflewddur, Gwydion, etc.). They seem to be as numerous as the leaves of spring. In the end, "The Black Cauldron" (why wasn't it named "The Black Crochan" as the book calls it?) is a worthy, if slightly less impressive, successor to "The Book of Three". Readers who decide to start the series with this book will have little difficulty catching up with the action at hand. It is an enjoyable story that deserves to be remembered in the hearts and minds of fantasy lovers everywhere.
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Summary: The movie can't be compared to this masterpiece
Review: After getting a taste of adventure in "The Book of Three," Taran once again has an appetite for going out and doing heroic things. And the timing couldn't be better, for his childhood hero Prince Gwydion has invited him to help in stealing a bewitched cauldron from Arawn Death-Lord. Along with the feisty Princess Eilonwy, impetuous bard Fflewddur, simple-minded Gurgi, and gruff dwarf Doli, Taran is joined by two new and very opposite characters: Adaon and Ellidyr. Both have very different ideas about honor, and Taran is forever changed by what he learns from them. Rounding out the cast of new characters are the delightful enchantresses Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, as well as the melancholy Gwystyl and proud King Morgant. There's more to all of them than meets the eye. Taran's quest teaches him more about honor, goodness, sacrifice and loyalty than he ever bargained for. Next to "The High King," I consider this to be the most powerful book in all the Prydain Chronicles.
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Summary: Young fantasy has never been better
Review: Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles are one of the key series in children's fantasy literature, walking a fine line: They are both accessible to young readers and appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy. The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of characters. Most of the action centers on Taran, a pig keeper destined for great things. Others, including a stereotypical spoiled princess, a crazed Gollum-like creature, and a hapless bard, take part in a series of increasingly epic adventures. "The Black Cauldron" is probably the best known of the series (in part due to Disney's unfortunate film of the book). In this volume, Taran and friends return, this time to face a terrible evil that can spread lifeless hordes across the land. Old faces return, new bad guys appear, and the world of Prydain is further expanded in this classic addition to a classic series. Because Alexander draws his stories from ancient myth and legend, the themes and situations always feel familiar, like stories you've read many times before - but never in a tiresome way. They're "comfortable." And that's a welcome trait, especially when so many books try so hard to be different. The writing is direct and lively throughout (though darker in tone that the first book), and the pacing absolutely perfect. Just when one suspects a lull in the action is looming, Alexander surges us forward and advances the story some more. Things are always pushing forward, offering a tale that one is hard-pressed to put down. One of the great joys of this series is the steady progression from pure children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer, more mournful tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. The first book does not well reflect the last. What begins as a light fantasy becomes very serious. That is a good thing and is very much on display here. "The Black Cauldron" is hailed as a classic of young fantasy for a reason. It and the rest of the Prydain Chronicles are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy.
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Summary: Way darker than the original
Review: The Black Cauldron is an amazing book. I find that it is way darker than thr original. I also think that this book is way better than that hooky Disney movie. The book was like a alpine highway, loaded with twists and turns. It started out a little slow but it sure picked up. I did find the names to be a little unbarable, when you had to sound them out. That didn't afect the book at all. Taran was a little suprising. Pig-keeper to warrior,not many other books are like that. All in all the characters were pretty cool.To some it all up you should read this book if you like fantasy, action, adventures. It truly deserves five stars.
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