Lloyd Alexander, Prydain series

(written ages ago)

Finally, I have found a series that I believe young boys will love, and the messages in the series are wonderful! Nevertheless, not long before now, I would have been far too self-righteous to read or dare enjoy books with titles such as “The Book of Three” or “The Black Cauldron.” Now having read them, I would recommend them to any elementary aged student, especially boys.

They are the Lord of the Rings stories for younger readers. Besides featuring younger characters, shorter books, and easier vocabulary, these books are less intense than Tolkien’s (however, for especially fearful readers, these stories are not less intense than the Narnia series). Without losing excitement or opportunities for valor, Alexander manages to keep especially frightening scenes brief. Also, Alexander’s characters frequently lighten the scene with humor: for example a sort of talking pet frequently worries about “crunchings and munchings,” the girl chatters about everything, and a bard’s magic harp snaps a string whenever he exaggerates.

In each book, a subtle theme or moral can be drawn out. Each of these morals harmonizes with the Christian worldview. In the first novel, Taran learns that each member of a group is important to the completion of their quest. Not only must each rely on the others and overlook their seeming weaknesses, but if any one member of the group failed to play their part, the entire quest would fail. In The Black Cauldron, he learns about the sacrifice and humility necessary to good leadership. At The Castle of Llyr, Taran demonstrates his own character by pursuing another person’s good that brings sorrow to himself. Then as he succeeds and fails as Taran Wanderer, he realizes that the nobility that matters is nobility of character, not of birth. Finally, The High King brings all of the lessons Taran has learned into one final test of wisdom and courage.

Besides these lessons, there are many other opportunities to view courage, loyalty, and the importance of fighting against evil. One of the most poignant moments in the book is worth detailing here. In the story, a man fighting on the side of right dies in traitorous pursuit of his own glory. Another character, throughout the story consistently self-centered, frequently willing to endanger others and the mission for his own reputation, at last gives his own life to stop evil from prevailing. Taran is surprised that both are honored in death. A wise and courageous knight, Gwydion, explains to Taran,

“It is easy to judge evil unmixed… But, alas, in most of us good and bad are closely woven as the threads on a loom; greater wisdom than mine is needed for the judging.

“King Morgant served the Sons of Don long and well… Until the thirst for power parched his throat, he was a fearless and noble lord. In battle he saved my life more than once. These things are part of him and cannot be put aside or forgotten.

“And so shall I honor Morgant, … for what he used to be, and Ellidyr Prince of Pen-Llarcau for what he became.”

These stories are full of fun and adventure, but their real value consists in spurring readers on to nobility of character.