Taran (character) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taran |
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| The Chronicles of Prydain character | |
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Taran, from the cover of the 1980 Laurel-Leaf edition of The High King
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| First appearance | The Book of Three (1964) |
| Last appearance | The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain |
| Created by | Lloyd Alexander |
| Voiced by | Grant Bardsley |
| Information | |
| Title | Assistant Pig-Keeper (formerly) High Prince of Prydain High King of Prydain |
| Spouse(s) | Princess Eilonwy of Llyr |
| Relatives |
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Taran is a main character from Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain book series. He starts his journey as the Assistant Pig-Keeper at Caer Dallben. His job is to look after Hen Wen, a special white pig who can see the future.
Taran dreams of becoming a great hero. As the story goes on, he grows up and gets involved in a big war. This war is against Arawn Death-Lord and his powerful champion, the Horned King.
During his adventures, Taran makes many friends. These include Princess Eilonwy, a brave girl his age, and Fflewddur Fflam, a traveling bard and a minor king. He also befriends Gurgi, a wild creature who is part animal and part human, and Doli, a helpful dwarf. By the end of the series, Taran becomes the High King of Prydain and marries Eilonwy.
Who is Taran?
Taran's Life at Caer Dallben
Taran is a young man who lives with the kind enchanter Dallben. He also lives with Coll, an old warrior who now works as a farmer. Taran's main job is to take care of Hen Wen, the pig who can tell the future. This is why he is known as the Assistant Pig-Keeper.
The books never say exactly how old Taran is. But at the beginning of the story, he seems to be around fourteen years old. The books also do not describe what Taran looks like. Because of this, artists have drawn him in many different ways.
Taran in the Disney Movie
In the Disney movie The Black Cauldron, Taran has red hair and brown eyes. He is shown as a youth who often daydreams while looking out of windows. The British actor Grant Bardsley provides Taran's voice in the film.
Taran's Personality
Taran is a very determined and brave character. Sometimes he can be a bit reckless. He really wants to prove himself and become a hero by doing noble deeds. A big part of the book series is about Taran learning about his own worth and finding out who he truly is.
Taran's Adventures in Prydain
How Taran's Journey Begins
Taran was a foundling, meaning he was a baby found alone. Dallben the Enchanter discovered him after a big battle. Dallben brought Taran to be raised and taught at Caer Dallben. There, Dallben and Coll protected him.
As Taran grew up, he felt restless. He wished for adventures beyond his home. His chance came when Hen Wen, the special pig, escaped. Taran followed her and soon found himself in a huge struggle. This struggle would decide the future of the land of Prydain.
Meeting Friends and Fighting Evil
During his adventures, Taran becomes friends with the great Prince Gwydion. When Taran and Gwydion are captured by the evil Queen Achren, Taran meets Princess Eilonwy. With Taran's help, Eilonwy frees the magical sword Dyrnwyn from Achren. This event starts the war that will help defeat Arawn, the Death Lord.
Taran gets help from many friends on his quest. These include the bard Fflewddur Fflam, the shaggy creature Gurgi, and the strong dwarf warrior Doli.
Taran's Path to Becoming King
Taran's adventures lead him to command armies against Arawn, the Death Lord. He meets three powerful witches and tries to rescue Eilonwy when she is kidnapped. He also works to understand his own past. Eventually, Taran proves his bravery and wisdom. He helps to defeat Arawn in a big battle.
After Arawn is defeated, most of Taran's friends decide to go to the Summer Country. There, they will live forever in happiness. But Taran makes a hard choice. He decides to stay in Prydain and rebuild the land that Arawn almost destroyed.
Dallben warns Taran that he is giving up eternal happiness for a difficult life. This life might end without anyone knowing his efforts. But Taran stays firm in his decision. Only then do Dallben and Gwydion tell him that he has earned the title of High King of Prydain.
The Prophecy Fulfilled
It turns out Taran has fulfilled an old prophecy from The Book of Three. This prophecy said that someone of unknown birth would rise up. This person would defeat a "serpent" (which meant Arawn). They would choose a kingdom of sorrow over a kingdom of happiness. By doing this, they would prove their worth as the next High King.
Taran was the only survivor of a battle long ago. He has done exactly what the prophecy foretold. With Eilonwy as his Queen, Taran becomes king. He rules Prydain with fairness and wisdom for the rest of his life.
Taran's Difficult Choices
Throughout his life, Taran faces many challenges. To become High King, he always has to "let something go."
- In the first book, he must stop his own search for Hen Wen to warn others.
- In the second book, he gives up a magical brooch that gave him wisdom to get the Black Cauldron. Later, he gives up the honor of capturing the Cauldron so it can be destroyed.
- In the third book, he must let Eilonwy go temporarily while she studies in a foreign court.
- In the fourth book, he gives up his quest to learn about his parents.
- In the last book, he must choose between finishing his mission and finding Eilonwy. And his biggest choice is giving up eternal life to rebuild Prydain.
The Meaning of Taran's Name
Like many characters in the series, Taran's name comes from the Mabinogion. This is a collection of old Welsh stories. In these stories, Taran is named as the father of a man called Glineu. The word Taran means "thunder" in Welsh. It might also be connected to the Gaulish god Taranis.
Taran in Movies
The Black Cauldron Film
Taran appears in the 1985 Disney animated movie The Black Cauldron. This film is a loose version of the first two books, The Book of Three and The Black Cauldron.
