The Black Cauldron facts for kids

The Black Cauldron is an exciting fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander. It came out in 1965. This book is the second one in a popular series called The Chronicles of Prydain. The Black Cauldron even won a special award called the Newbery Medal! The story is about a young hero named Taran. He is an Assistant Pig-Keeper in the magical land of Prydain.

The Story of The Black Cauldron

The book starts with an important meeting. Many leaders gather to plan how to stop the evil Arawn. Arawn wants to take over all of Prydain. The leaders decide to steal a very powerful item from Arawn. This item is called the Black Cauldron.

Journey to Find the Cauldron

Prince Gwydion, a brave war lord, leads a group into Annuvin. This is Arawn's country. But when they get there, they learn the cauldron is already gone! The Fair Folk, who are like fairies, tell them that witches from Morva stole it.

Prince Ellidyr, a young prince who wants to prove himself, secretly leaves the group. He hopes to steal the cauldron for himself. The others follow him to protect him from Arawn's soldiers. However, they are attacked too.

A Difficult Battle

During the fight, two friends, Fflewddur Fflam and Doli, get separated. Adaon, the wise son of a chief bard, is badly hurt. Before he dies, Adaon gives Taran a special brooch. This brooch has magical powers. Taran uses it to find Fflewddur and Doli.

The group then travels to Morva. There, Taran trades the magical brooch for the Black Cauldron. They try to break the cauldron. But the witches tell them it can only be destroyed if a living person willingly dies inside it.

The Cauldron's Fate

On their way back, Prince Ellidyr attacks the group. He steals the cauldron again. Later, King Morgant and his men find the group. They have already captured Ellidyr and beaten him. Morgant plans to use the cauldron to rule Prydain.

Morgant ties up Taran and his friends. He offers to free them if Taran joins him. While they are talking, Doli uses his power to turn invisible. He then frees everyone. A big fight begins. During the battle, Ellidyr bravely throws himself into the Black Cauldron. This act destroys the cauldron forever.

Soon after, King Smoit arrives and attacks Morgant. Morgant is defeated. Taran and his friends are finally safe.

Main Characters in The Black Cauldron

• Taran - He is the main hero of the story. Taran is an orphan raised by Dallben the Enchanter. His exact age is not given, but he is a young man.
• Princess Eilonwy - A princess with some magical abilities. She lives with Taran at Caer Dallben after escaping from her mean aunt.
• Fflewddur Fflam - A king who is also a traveling bard (a singer and storyteller). He often joins Taran on his adventures.
• Doli - A dwarf from the Fair Folk. He has a special power: he can turn invisible!
• Prince Gwydion - The crown prince of Prydain's ruling family, the House of Don. He is a strong leader.
• Prince Ellidyr - The youngest son of a king. He is proud and often argues with Taran.
• Adaon - The wise son of the chief bard. He has a magical brooch that helps him understand dreams.