The Black Cauldron (novel) facts for kids
The first edition
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| Author | Lloyd Alexander |
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| Cover artist | Evaline Ness |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Chronicles of Prydain |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Published | August 5, 1965 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston) |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 224 |
| ISBN | 0-8050-0992-2 (first edition, hard) |
| OCLC | 302887 |
| LC Class | PZ7.A3774 B1 |
| Preceded by | The Book of Three |
| Followed by | The Castle of Llyr |
The Black Cauldron is an exciting fantasy novel written by American author Lloyd Alexander. It was published in 1965. This book is the second of five stories in The Chronicles of Prydain series. In 1966, it was recognized as a Newbery Honor book. This means it was a runner-up for the best children's book published in the United States that year.
The story continues the adventures of Taran, who is an Assistant Pig-Keeper. He joins a brave quest to find and capture a special magical item. This item is the Black Cauldron itself. It belongs to the evil Arawn Death-Lord.
This book also inspired the 1985 Disney animated movie, The Black Cauldron. The film used many ideas and parts of the plot from the novel.
Contents
The Story's Inspiration
The Prydain series, including The Black Cauldron, was inspired by Welsh mythology. Lloyd Alexander got ideas from old Welsh legends and stories. He also found inspiration in the castles, beautiful scenery, and language of Wales. He experienced these places during World War II when he was training for military intelligence.
Summary of the Adventure
More than a year has passed since the evil Arawn Death-Lord's army was defeated. His warlord, the Horned King, was also defeated. Now, Prince Gwydion calls his allies to a meeting. This meeting is held by Dallben, one of Taran's guardians.
People are disappearing all over Prydain. Also, more and more undead creatures called Cauldron-Born are joining Arawn's forces. At the meeting, Gwydion shares a detailed plan. They will steal the Black Cauldron from Arawn. This magical cauldron is used to create the Cauldron-Born.
King Morgant will lead the main army to attack Arawn's fortress, Annuvin. A smaller group, led by Gwydion, will sneak in through a secret mountain pass. This path is known only to Coll. It will let them steal the cauldron without being seen.
Three men are chosen to stay behind with pack animals. Their job is to protect the retreat. These men are Adaon, a warrior and son of the chief bard Taliesin; Taran; and Ellidyr. Ellidyr is a prince from Pen-Llarcau. He is arrogant, strong, and wears worn clothes. Ellidyr looks down on Taran because Taran lives on a farm and his parents are unknown. Taran, however, feels jealous of Ellidyr's noble birth. Dallben had told Taran that a young prince like Ellidyr only has "his name and his sword." Both Taran and Ellidyr are upset to have a role that offers no chance for glory.
The Cauldron Goes Missing
Even with the growing rivalry between Taran and Ellidyr, things start well. But then, Gwydion's raiders discover that the cauldron has vanished! The raiding party quickly reunites with the rearguard. They need to escape the Huntsmen of Annuvin, who have just been sent out.
Meanwhile, Princess Eilonwy and the man-beast Gurgi have caught up with the quest. They were not invited but followed from behind. Gwydion and Coll get separated from the group. But thanks to Doli of the Fair Folk, everyone else finds safety. They hide underground in a Fair Folk waypost. Gwystyl maintains this hidden place.
From Gwystyl and his pet crow, Kaw, the companions learn something important. The cauldron was stolen by three witches: Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch. These witches live in the gloomy Marshes of Morva.
When they leave the waypost, Ellidyr rides south. He is determined to get the cauldron by himself. With the Huntsmen everywhere, Adaon leads Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, Doli, and the wandering bard Fflewddur Fflam. They try to follow Ellidyr.
A Dangerous Journey
During their journey, they are attacked and scattered. Adaon is badly wounded and dies. Taran inherits Adaon's special brooch. This brooch gives Taran a gift: prophetic dreams and visions. With the brooch's guidance, Taran gathers his small party. Everyone but Doli heads toward the Marshes.
From the edge of the Marshes, Taran guides his group to temporary safety. He also cleverly leads a group of pursuing Huntsmen to their deaths in the dangerous swamp.
Meeting the Witches
Taran and his friends finally find the witches Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch. The sisters refuse to give up the cauldron. They demand something of equal value in return. Taran's companions offer magical items, but the witches reject them all. Taran then feels he must trade Adaon's brooch.
The companions then try to destroy the cauldron. But the witches tell them a terrible truth. The cauldron can only be destroyed by a living person. This person must knowingly and willingly climb inside to die. Horrified, the companions decide to take the cauldron to Dallben. They hope he can find another solution.
The Final Sacrifice
At the ford of the river Tevyn, the heavy cauldron sinks into the riverbed. Ellidyr suddenly arrives. He offers to help pull the cauldron out. He says the others must give him all the credit for the success. Taran agrees. But once the cauldron is free, Ellidyr breaks his promise. He rides off with the cauldron alone.
The companions then meet Morgant and his army. In Morgant's camp, they see Ellidyr beaten and tied up. They realize Morgant has betrayed them. He wants the cauldron for himself. He plans to create his own army of Cauldron-Born to conquer Prydain. Morgant offers to spare the companions' lives if Taran will join his personal service.
Doli, who is invisible, arrives and cuts the companions' ropes. Mortally wounded, Ellidyr rushes toward the cauldron. While Taran and the others fight Morgant, Ellidyr forces himself inside the cauldron. This act destroys the cauldron.
Just then, Gwydion, King Smoit, and his army arrive. They defeat Morgant in battle. As Taran, Eilonwy, and Gurgi leave Gwydion near Caer Dallben, Gwydion makes an observation. He says that Ellidyr, in his death, finally found the honor he had always wanted in life.
Movie and Game Adaptations
The Black Cauldron book was loosely adapted into an animated movie. Walt Disney Productions released it in 1985. It was Disney's 25th animated feature film.
The movie, The Black Cauldron, used ideas mainly from the first two Prydain novels. It also took elements from the other books in the series. This film was the last Disney movie made before the company changed its structure. It was also the first Disney animated film to be rated "PG" (Parental Guidance suggested) in the United States.
Disney's movie version of The Black Cauldron was not a big success at the box office. It did not earn enough money to cover its production costs.
Lloyd Alexander, the author of the book, had mixed feelings about the movie. He said, "First, I have to say, there is no resemblance between the movie and the book. Having said that, the movie in itself, purely as a movie, I found to be very enjoyable."
The movie also inspired a computer video game in 1986. It had the same title as the film.
