Elidor facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Alan Garner |
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| Illustrator | Charles Keeping |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's fantasy novel |
| Publisher | William Collins, Sons |
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Publication date
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1965 |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 159 pp (first edition) |
| OCLC | 8060803 |
| LC Class | PZ7.G18417 El |
Elidor is an exciting children's fantasy novel written by the British author Alan Garner. It was first published in 1965. The story mainly takes place in modern-day Manchester, England.
The book follows four English children who discover a magical fantasy world. They go on an important quest there. But when they return home, they find that a dangerous enemy has followed them back into our world! Elidor has been translated into nine different languages. It has also been made into a television show and a radio play.
Contents
What's the Story About?
This book tells the thrilling adventures of a group of children. They must work hard to stop a terrible darkness from taking over. To do this, they need to complete a special prophecy from another world.
The story moves back and forth between the magical world of Elidor and our own world. In our world, the story happens in the city of Manchester and parts of northern Cheshire. Just like in many of Alan Garner's books, Elidor shows how difficult choices can be. It also explores the challenges and responsibilities the main characters face.
Where Did the Name Elidor Come From?
The name Elidor comes from an old Welsh folktale. This tale is often called Elidor and the Golden Ball. It was first written down by a person named Giraldus Cambrensis in his book Itinerarium Cambriae in 1188.
In the folktale, Elidor was a priest who, as a boy, was led by dwarves to a golden castle. This castle was in a beautiful land, but it never had the full brightness of the sun. This idea is similar to how Alan Garner describes the world of Elidor in his book. He talks about the golden walls of a place called Gorias, which stand out against the dull, cloudy sky of Elidor.
Awards and Recognition
Elidor was a highly praised book. It was a commended runner-up for the annual Carnegie Medal. This award is given by the Library Association to the best children's book written by a British subject each year.
Television Series Adaptation
Alan Garner worked with Don Webb to turn Elidor into a children's television series. The BBC broadcast this series. It had six episodes, each about half an hour long. The show aired weekly from January 4 to February 8, 1995. Damian Zuk played the character of Roland, and Suzanne Shaw played Helen.
