Suitable for children. Not a retelling of any or the Mabinogion. Not one of Alexander's best efforts. ( )

This is the third book in The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. In a way, this is Princess Eilonwy's tale, where she is sent off to the King and Queen of Mona to learn to be a young lady. Naturally, that involves lots of needlework and hairwashing and dancing about and listening to other young ladies prattle and Eilonwy hates it. Can you blame her? So it's not surprising that she runs off with Magg, the evil chief steward and gets herself into a bad spot with the dreaded Queen Achren.

Luckily for Eilonwy she has her intrepid band of friends to save her! All the fellowship makes an appearance here along with Prince Rhun of Mona who is bumbling and endearing and exasperating. Here we meet Llyan, too! Best of all, while her friends help to save her in the end Eilonwy saves herself. Now that's an inspiring message for little girls!

I still love these books even after all these years. It's been nice reading them again! ( )

This is the third book in the Chronicles of Prydain, and in my opinion, the weakest of the five books. However, the weakest of these five books is still a great book. In the book, Dallben decides that Eilonwy (who has been living at Caer Dallben since the end of The Book of Three) should go to the island of Mona and learn to become a lady. Taran and Gurgi escort her through the journey, and meet Prince Rhun, who captains the ship they take to the island. Once there, Taran finds that both Fflewddur and Gwydion are there too, and Gwydion tells Taran that Eilonwy may be in danger.

Of course, Eilonwy is kidnapped, and the intrepid companions with Prince Rhun and several soldiers set out to find her. Taran, Fflewddur, and Gurgi find an abandoned house, a mysterious blank book, and are trapped by a giant housecat. They escape but are later trapped by a giant dwarf named Glew, and have to escape again. Finally they track Eilonwy to Caer Colur, an abandoned tower by the sea where Aachren has ensorcelled Eilonwy. Secrets are revealed concerning the blank book and Eilonwy's bauble and Aachren's power over Eilonwy is broken.

After the far-reaching adventure of The Book of Three and the intensity of The Black Cauldron, the plot of The Castle of Llyr seems like something of a let down. While the pursuit and recovery of Eilonwy turns out to be a significant affair, the side quests involving the cat Llyan and the dwarf Glew are silly enough to detract from the rest of the story, which gives this tale a light-hearted quality that seems out of place in between The Black Cauldron and Taran Wanderer. On the other hand, if all five books were dark and brooding, then the story would probably be dragged down under its own weight, so the tone of the book is probably necessary. ( )

This was the most enjoyable of the Prydain novels that I have read to date. Yes, I am a romantic, and yes, I am a girl. Perhaps the lack of journeying for journey's sake and the introduction of some emotion beyond bravery and lack thereof was what made this so much better for me. I felt as though the characters became more real and rounded. Taran is no longer just an assistant pig-keeper who hates to be known as such. Eilonwy is no longer just a snotty-nosed little girl.

But there is still adventure and journeying in this novel as well. However, with rounded characters that I am able to connect with beyond irritation, the adventure and traveling seems to mean more to me. Instead of feeling as though they should just 'be there already" I was able to enjoy the growth and development of the characters. ( )

His robe flapping around his spindly legs, Dallben made his way to a huge chest, unlocked it with an ancient key, and raised the lid. He bent and rummaged inside. "I confess to a certain number of regrets and misgivings," he said, "which could not possibly interest you, so I shall not burden you with them. On the other hand, here is something I am sure will interest you. And burden you, too, for the matter of that."
Dallben straightened and turned. In his hands he held a sword.
Taran's heart leaped. He grasped the weapon eagerly, his hands trembling so that he nearly dropped it. Scabbard and hilt bore no ornament; the craftsmanship lay in its proportion and balance. Though of great age, its metal shone clear and untarnished, and its very plainness had the beauty of true nobility. Taran bowed low before Dallben and stammered thanks.
Dallben shook his head. "Whether you should thank me or not," he said, "remains to be seen. Use it wisely," he added. "I only hope you will have cause to use it not at all."
"What are its powers?" Taran asked, his eyes sparkling. "Tell me now, so that . . ."
"It's powers?" Dallben answered with a sad smile. "My dear boy, this is a bit of metal hammered into a rather unattractive shape; it could better have been a pruning hook or a plow iron. Its powers? Like all weapons, only those held by him who wields it. What yours may be, I can in no wise say.
This 'review' is more of by way of being a tribute to the late Lloyd Alexander, author of the beloved Prydain Chronicles!"My pulse!" cried Smoit. "My body and bones! Give us a tune to make us merry, you butter-headed harp-scraper!"
HIs birthday was actually yesterday, January 30th. He deserves a double-decker chocolate cake with all the trimmings for the many hours of delight he has given his readers with these books. Yes, yes!" Gurgi cried gleefully, "crunchings and munchings for all! Thanks to generous, kindhearted Gurgi! He will not let brave warriors suffer bellies filled only with howlings and growlings!" His are tales of heroism and hope, with generous helpings of wit, nobility, and humour.

He will not succeed in this," Taran said. "Somehow, we must find a way to escape. We dare not lose hope."
"I agree absolutely," Fflewddur answered. "Your general idea is excellent; it's only the details that are lacking...
Lloyd Alexander has written too many books to list, but our favorite would have to be the delightful Prydain Chronicles. The source of all the quotes in this post, these books are dashing tales of heroes and villains, and the villains are sinister, indeed, although some only seem foul. "How would you like it," asked a cheerful voice behind Taran, "if you were turned into a toad? And stepped on?"
... "How many twigs in a bird's nest?" asked the enchantress suddenly. "Answer quickly. There, you see," she added. "Poor chicks, you don't even know that. How could you be expected to know what you really want out of life?"
"One thing I want," retorted Eilonwy, "is not to be a toad."

The Prydain stories are diverting, amusing, imaginative, exciting, uplifting, and eminently quotable.

"It's silly," Eilonwy added, "to worry because you can't do something you simply can't do. That's worse than trying to make yourself taller by standing on your head."
If you do not like stories of fantasy, myth, and fairy tale, you will not want to read these.
"I've never met a person," whispered Eilonwy, while Gurgi snuffled in fright, "who could talk about such dreadful things and smile at the same time. It's like ants walking up and down your back."Alexander has written others without the magic, but we don't think the characters in them are nearly as delightful as those who people the Prydain Chronicles.

On the little farm, while Taran and Coll saw to the plowing, sowing, weeding, reaping, and all the other tasks of husbandry, Dallben undertook the meditating, an occupation so exhausting he could accomplish it only by lying down and closing his eyes.
The mythical land of Prydain bears an interesting resemblance to Wales, which is an added attraction for us. The tales themselves are similar in many ways to The Lord of the Rings, but these are more suitable for children ages 9-12 (roughly). Boys who may have hither to been reluctant readers may well be coaxed into reading through these books.
And Gurgi will help!" shouted Gurgi, springing to his feet. "Yes, yes, with seekings and peekings!" They are full of heroes and ordinary assistant pig keepers, brave deeds and quiet wisdom.

"I am a Prince of Pen-Llarcau!" cried Ellidyr.
"Yes, yes, yes," Dallben interrupted with a wave of his brittle hand. "I am quite aware of all that and too busy to be concerned with it. Go, water your horse and your temper at the same time. You shall be called when you are wanted."
To read the story of:
Taran the assistant pig-keeper (Taran straightened and threw back his head. "I am Taran," he said, "Assistant Pig-Keeper of Caer Dallben." )
the pig Hen-Wen
the Princess Eilonwy ("I'm not speaking to you!" she cried to Taran. "The way you acted. That's like asking someone to a feast, then making them wash the dishes! But-farewell, anyway. That," she added, "doesn't count as speaking."),
Bard Fflewddur Ffllam and his tell-tale harp (A Fflam is always valiant! I've slashed my way through thousands"- he glanced uneasily at the harp-"well, ah, shall we say numerous enemies." )
and Gurgi ("Yes, yes!" Gurgi cried. "Crunchings and munchings for brave, hungry Gurgi!") you'll want to read the following titles in the order listed:

The Book of Three

The Black Cauldron (NOT the Disney atrocity, please)

The Castle of Llyr

Taran Wanderer

The High King

We have also enjoyed the picture book The Truthful Harp. We have enjoyed, in fact, almost every minute spent reading the Prydain Chronicles, even when they are violent.

"Woe and sadness!" the creature wailed, loping anxiously to Taran. "Gurgi sees smackings and whackings by strengthful lord! Poor, kindly master! Gurgi is sorry for him.

You can read more about these books here.

"Goodbye, goodbye," muttered Gwystyl. "I hate to see you waste your time, not to mention your lives. But that's the way of it, I suppose. Here today, gone tomorrow, and what's anyone to do about it? Goodbye. I hope we meet again. But not soon. Goodbye."
But we hope you will read the books themselves if you haven't already. They are a treat, and we're none of us getting any younger, so you probably shouldn't delay.
"Go swiftly," Gwydion said, reaching out, his hand. "Your comrades wait for you; and Coll, I know, is eager to ready his vegetable garden for winter. Farewell, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper-and friend."
Gwydion waved once and rode northward. Taran watched until he was out of sight. He turned Melynlas, then, and saw the faces of the companions smiling at him.
"Hurry along," Eilonwy called. "Hen Wen will be wanting her bath. And I'm afraid Gurgi and I left in such a hurry I didn't take time to straighten up the scullery. That's worse than starting a journey and forgetting to put on your shoes!"
Taran galloped toward them. ( )