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The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain, 2) Paperback – May 16, 2006

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 971 ratings

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The Newbery Medal-winning second book in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain series, The Black Cauldron―the inspiration for Disney's 1985 cult animated film.

In the land of Prydain, evil is never far away. Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death, has been building an army of dark warriors to take over Prydain, and the only way to stop him is to destroy the Black Cauldron he uses to create his dreaded soldiers.

Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his loyal companions must journey deep into Arawn's domain to destroy the Black Cauldron. For each of them, the quest has special meaning. For Taran, it is a glorious opportunity to use his first sword in battle. But war requires a sacrifice greater than he'd ever imagined. . . .

Includes a new pronunciation guide. This title has Common Core connections.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“The same characteristics that made the first book so rich are again present--a fine flow of words; an inticate, active plot; an admirable balance between the forces of black and white magic ... Once-in-a-lifetime reading that will assure Prydain a permanent place in geographies of fictional territories.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

“Taran, the gallant Assistant Pig-keeper, and his companions once again fare forth to destroy the evil that threatens their beloved country, Prydain.... A wise and wondrous tale written in epic fashion.” ―
Booklist

About the Author

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the author of more than forty books for children and adults, including the beloved children's fantasy series, the Chronicles of Prydain, one of the most widely read series in the history of fantasy and the inspiration for the animated Disney film, The Black Cauldron. His books have won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Newbery Honor, and the National Book Award for Juvenile Literature.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; First Edition (May 16, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080508049X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805080490
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 760L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.59 x 7.81 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 971 ratings

About the author

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Lloyd Alexander
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Few writers have inspired as much affection and interest among readers young and old as Lloyd Alexander. At one point, however, it seemed unlikely that he would ever be a writer at all. His parents could not afford to send him to college. And so when a Philadelphia bank had an opening for a messenger boy, he went to work there. Finally, having saved some money, he quit and went to a local college. Dissatisfied with not having learned enough to be a writer he left at the end of one term. Adventure, he decided was the best way. The United States had already entered World War II. Convinced that here was a chance for real deeds of derring-do, he joined the army -- and was promptly shipped to Texas where he became, in disheartening succession an artilleryman, a cymbal player in the band, an organist in the post chapel, and a first-aid man. At last, he was assigned to a military intelligence center in Maryland. There he trained as a member of a combat team to be parachuted into France to work with the Resistance. "This, to my intense relief, did not happen," says Alexander. Instead, Alexander and his group sailed to Wales to finish their training. This ancient, rough-hewn country, with its castles, mountains, and its own beautiful language made a tremendous impression on him. But not until years later did he realize he had been given a glimpse of another enchanted kingdom. Alexander was sent to Alsace-Lorraine, the Rhineland, and southern Germany. When the war ended, he was assigned to a counterintelligence unit in Paris. Later he was discharged to attend the University of Paris. While a student he met a beautiful Parisian girl, Janine, and they soon married. Life abroad was fascinating, but eventually Alexander longed for home. The young couple went back to Drexel Hill, near Philadelphia, where Alexander wrote novel after novel which publishers unhesitatingly turned down. To earn his living, he worked as a cartoonist, advertising writer, layout artist, and associate editor for a small magazine. It took seven years of constant rejection before his first novel was at last published. During the next ten years, he wrote for adults. And then he began writing for young people.Doing historical research for Time Cat he discovered material on Welsh mythology. The result was The Book of Three and the other chronicles of Prydain, the imaginary kingdom being something like the enchanted land of Wales. In The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen Alexander explored yet another fantastic world. Evoking an atmosphere of ancient China, this unique multi-layered novel was critically acclaimed as one of his finest works. Trina Schart Hyman illustrated The Fortune-tellers as a Cameroonian folktale sparkling with vibrant images, keen insight and delicious wit. Most of the books have been written in the form of fantasy. But fantasy, Alexander believes, is merely one of many ways to express attitudes and feelings about real people, real human relationships and problems

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
971 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's engaging story and well-crafted characters. They find it easy to read and suitable for young adults and children. The emotional depth and meaningful themes of sacrifice and honor are also appreciated.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

45 customers mention "Enjoyment"45 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it interesting, easy to read in a few hours, and a must-read series. The story is exciting, mysterious, and meaningful for them.

"...respect, such that a reader of any age can find both value and enjoyment in the it." Read more

"...The writing is direct and lively throughout (though darker in tone that the first book), and the pacing absolutely perfect...." Read more

"...All in all, an entertaining blast from the past. A quick enjoyable read which in my memory was a lot thicker." Read more

"...Cauldron_ is definitely superior to its predecessor, which was a very fine book in its own right...." Read more

38 customers mention "Story quality"38 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the adventure-filled story. They find it a good retelling of an old tale from Wales. The book is suspenseful and well-written, with unexpected plot twists. Readers appreciate the steady progression from children's fantasy to more adult themes and characters.

"...This alongside excellent storytelling, which fever failed to excite, works to build a world filled with hope in the midst of darkness...." Read more

"...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,..." Read more

"...Much like book 1, it is a fairly trope heavy fairy-tale based on old tales from Wales about a growing boy who wants to be a hero and learns that is..." Read more

"...The characters are memorable and the story is well written." Read more

24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable for adults as well as young readers. They appreciate the engaging writing and unique characters. The writing is direct and lively throughout, making it a great re-read.

"...to patronize the children who read it, Lloyd Alexander treats the reader with respect, such that a reader of any age can find both value and..." Read more

"...The writing is direct and lively throughout (though darker in tone that the first book), and the pacing absolutely perfect...." Read more

"...All in all, an entertaining blast from the past. A quick enjoyable read which in my memory was a lot thicker." Read more

"...The reader is above average but he's no Jim Dale (but then who is- there is only one BEST reader after all)...." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and colorful cast of new ones. The book highlights personal character development with a great adventure tale. Readers appreciate the strong female characters and unique individuals, though flawed. The author excels at creating strong female characters, so this should appeal to both boys and girls.

"...and time again I find myself inspired by the compassion and wisdom of the characters...." Read more

"...The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of characters...." Read more

"...The characters are well developed and enjoyable...." Read more

"...Alexander excels at creating strong female characters, so this should appeal to boys and girls alike. And if you enjoyed this, finish the series...." Read more

14 customers mention "Ages"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for young adults and children. They find it accessible and engaging, though some adults may enjoy reading it too.

"...This book is of course aimed at children, but unlike much modern media which never fails to patronize the children who read it, Lloyd Alexander..." Read more

"...'s fantasy literature, walking a fine line: They are both accessible to young readers and appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy...." Read more

"...Yes, they are books designed for a 9-10 year old, but an adult can even get enjoyment out of them...." Read more

"...The series is geared for young adults and is set in a fantasy world...." Read more

12 customers mention "Emotional depth"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book meaningful and engaging. They appreciate its emotional depth and timeless themes of sacrifice, honor, compassion, adventure, and excitement. The book contains profound lessons about friendship, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, as well as a balance of adventure, kindness, and romance.

"...and excitement of the first book is present, alongside greater themes of sacrifice and true honor...." Read more

"...from pure children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer, more mournful tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters...." Read more

"...The plot moves quickly; it has adventure, danger, and emotional excitement to please anyone...." Read more

"...about these stories, even in high fantasyland, are just more relatable for me and always have been. And I *love* the Wyrd Sisters in this!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
    From the first page I found myself pulled into the world, eager to reunite with the characters I grew to know in the first book. The charm and excitement of the first book is present, alongside greater themes of sacrifice and true honor. Time and time again I find myself inspired by the compassion and wisdom of the characters. This alongside excellent storytelling, which fever failed to excite, works to build a world filled with hope in the midst of darkness. This book is of course aimed at children, but unlike much modern media which never fails to patronize the children who read it, Lloyd Alexander treats the reader with respect, such that a reader of any age can find both value and enjoyment in the it.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2004
    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.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
    Prince Gwydion decided that the cauldron-born warriors have become too much of a threat. The Black Cauldron must be stolen from Arawn. Taran and his friends from book 1 are to join on this task, mostly to guard the rear, but things do not go as planned. What is Taran willing to sacrifice and what will be lost regardless of his wishes?

    Much like book 1, it is a fairly trope heavy fairy-tale based on old tales from Wales about a growing boy who wants to be a hero and learns that is not an easy dream to achieve. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. The scenes at times still feel a bit jarring, distances changing on the speed of plot, with the occasional lucky rescue, although it is better in this book then in book 1.

    All in all, an entertaining blast from the past. A quick enjoyable read which in my memory was a lot thicker.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2000
    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.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2023
    Read this aloud with my children and we loved it. The characters are memorable and the story is well written.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jbmt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2023
    A must read for any fan!
    They don't write them like they used to
  • enrique garcía
    5.0 out of 5 stars Las buenas historias siempre acaban por volver
    Reviewed in Spain on April 16, 2016
    Pese a que las últimas ediciones de estos libros en español se publicaron hace ya unos años, merece la pena (aunque sea en inglés) sumergirse en la trama de esta serie de novelas. Es posible que no dentro de mucho volvamos a oír hablar de ellas... esta vez también en el cine.
  • 駱駝亭
    4.0 out of 5 stars あの仲間が帰ってくる!
    Reviewed in Japan on March 23, 2003
    前作の変テコ集団が再結集。
    Black Cauldronは魔法の鍋で、Arawnはこれを使って死者の身体から自分の兵隊をじゃんじゃん作っている。
    今度の旅の目的はこのBlack Cauldronを奪い、破壊すること。
    あの強烈なキャラクターはそのままで、でも少しだけ前作よりも成長して戻ってきた仲間達。
    なんだか皆それなりに英雄体質になってきたようです。
    Taranたちの成長に合わせてか、冒険の危険度、スリル、緊張感ともに前作よりもアップしています。
    ストーリーそのものは非常に単純でストレートなんですが、キャラクターやエピソードの書き込みがしっかりしているので非常に感情移入して読めます。
    これだけ沢山キャラクターが出て来て、みんなばっちり輝いているというのは大したものです。
    面白かったよ!
  • Luvzi12
    4.0 out of 5 stars A grand sequel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2020
    The first book (The Book of Three) is far superior, Eilonwy has a much better role and it's less of the classic "boy becomes a man" trope that features often in fantasy. However, I still really enjoyed it. I'm currently reading the third one and Eilonwy is back to being feminist so I'm enjoying it a lot more!
  • Shauna Richardson
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... first read this series as a young child and loved the stimulation given to my imagination
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2014
    I first read this series as a young child and loved the stimulation given to my imagination. As an adult I have re-read them several times and I am still delighted by the quality of the story telling and the excitement of the storyline. I would recommend these books to anyone who values a quality reading experience.