An assistant pig-keeper who longs to be a hero chases a runaway pig into a dangerous war
A pig-keeper becomes a hero
Taran is the Assistant Pig-Keeper at Caer Dallben, a small farm in the land of Prydain, and he dreams of swords and glory. When Hen Wen, the farm's oracular pig, escapes into the forest, Taran follows her and is swept into an adventure against the terrifying Horned King, alongside a great prince, a sharp-tongued princess, a boastful bard and a hairy, loyal creature named Gurgi.
Who will enjoy it
Middle-grade and teen readers who enjoy classic quest fantasy with humor, heart and memorable companions.
What you will get
A lively, funny and moving quest fantasy inspired by Welsh legend, with unforgettable sidekicks and a young hero who learns what courage really means.
The Book of Three Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Fantasy · Quest · Coming of age · Welsh legend
Length
224 pages · ≈ 7 h
More about this book
Taran has grown up at Caer Dallben with the ancient wizard Dallben and the gruff farmer Coll. He is bored by chores and longs for adventure. His charge is Hen Wen, a white pig who can see the future. When the animals of the land panic and Hen Wen bolts into the woods, Taran chases her, and soon meets Prince Gwydion, a legendary warrior, who is also searching for the pig because her knowledge may help stop the Horned King, a fearsome warlord sweeping across Prydain.
Separated from Gwydion, Taran gathers a band of unlikely companions: Eilonwy, a talkative young princess with a glowing bauble; Fflewddur Fflam, a cheerful king turned wandering bard whose harp strings snap whenever he exaggerates; and Gurgi, a shaggy creature who is always hungry and fiercely loyal. Together they escape a castle prison, travel through underground realms, meet the grumpy dwarf Doli and race to warn the land. Along the way Taran discovers that true heroism looks very different from the stories he imagined.
Short, funny and full of adventure. About 224 pages in paperback, the first of five Prydain books.
A Wizard of Earthsea
The Hobbit
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Black Cauldron
Sabriel
The Sword of Shannara
His Dark Materials
Dragons of Autumn Twilight
The Silver Chair
Wizard's First Rule
The Great Hunt
Stardust