The Black Cauldron [Paperback]

The Black Cauldron, the Newbery Medal-winning second book in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain

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.

Discussion Questions

1. Compare Taran and Ellidyr, their background and their personalities. How are they different? Are there ways in which they are similar?

2. What does Taran learn from Adaon as they travel together? What is the magic in Adaon's brooch, and why does he choose Taran to have his possessions? Does Adaon know he is going to die?

3. Why do Orddu, Orgoch, and Orwen have interchangeable personalities? What does Orddu mean when she says, We're neither good nor evil. We're simply interested in things as they are ?

4. Why does Taran exchange Adaon's brooch for the Cauldron? What would you have done in his place?

5. Morgant offers Taran great power and the glory he has dreamed of; why does he refuse to follow Morgant? Why is Ellidyr willing to throw himself into the Cauldron? Why does Gwydion honor both Ellidyr and Morgant after they die?

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 hló,