The Foundling: And Other Tales of Prydain [Paperback]

A companion book to The Chronicles of Prydain, this collection of short stories revisits beloved characters and reveals more about the history of the magical land of Prydain.

Here, readers will find Dallben, destined to be an enchanter; Angharad, a princess of the House of Llyr; Kadwyr, the rascal crow; and Medwyn, the mystical protector of all animals. They'll learn the grim history of the sword of Dyrnwyn and even find out how Fflewddur Fflam came by his enchanted harp. How did Coll rescue Hen Wen when she disappeared at the hand of Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death? Find the answer to this question and many more, inThe Foundling: And Other Tales of Prydainby Lloyd Alexander.

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.

Discussion Questions

1. Why does Dallben choose the book rather than the sword or the harp? Which one would you choose?

2. In The Stone, Maibon could ask Doli any favor in the world. Why does he choose the one he does? What favor would you ask of Doli?

3. Compare Princess Angharad to her future daughter, Eilonwy. Make the same comparison between Kadwyr and Kaw.

4. Why does King Rhitta treat Amrys the way he does? Where in the story could he make different choices?

5. Why do you think Menwy is able to recognize Arawn when the other craftsmen cannot? How does he triumph over Arawn, even though the Death-Lord destroys his harp?