By: Dwayne Parton

Taran the Wanderer

the-black-cauldronFew books have drawn me in so deeply. Did Mr. Alexander know he would capture me so? I am on the last book of The Chronicles of Prydain and I can’t stop listening. At the same time, I don’t want to finish. Thus, I have made up my mind to start over when I do.

Did you know that Disney’s 25th animated feature “The Black Cauldron” was based on this series? Have you ever seen it; or for that matter ever heard of it? It was not a real popular movie and though the animation is fantastic, the movie lacks the draw that other Disney movies have. Honestly, it’s a little scary.

I’ve always loved Disney movies, as manly as that sounds. In grade school I found The Black Cauldron book in the library. It was the Disney illustration that made me pick it up. I can still picture the cover and yes, I did judge the book by the cover. I checked it out with the intention of reading it but like most books with me, I never did.

A friend commented on my Prudoe Bay post because I mentioned the Chronicles of Prydain had been a part of the catalyst for my adventure.

<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1k.1:4:1:$comment710955817737_711320157597:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body">Might I guess you were reading “Taran Wanderer” in the chronicles when you wrote your blog? Those chronicles have been a favorite of mine for many years.

I hadn’t started “<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1k.1:4:1:$comment710955817737_711320157597:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body">Taran Wanderer” at the time but I just finished it Monday. I now know why he made that comment. It is about such journeys. I relate so deeply to Taran. His adoration for the princess Eilonwy, his restlessness, his dreaming, and his love for learning. I won’t spoil the book, but if you love fantasy stories you should read it. If you love adventures, you should go.