The Castle of Llyr (Prydain Chronicles Series #3) » (First Edition)

When Lloyd Alexander was a boy, his favorite books included King Arthur stories, fairy tales, and legends—even The Mabinogion, the classic collection of Welsh legends. This literary background inspired him to create the land of Prydain and the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper.

Mr. Alexander lives with his wife, Janine, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

In the imaginary kingdom of Prydain, Princess Eilonwy must leave her friends to go to the Isle of Mona for training as a proper princess. Because Eilonwy has magical powers, she is sought by Achren, the most evil enchantress in the land. Shortly after her arrival on the Isle of Mona, something sinister and secret befalls her. Eilonwy's loyal friends-Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper; Flewddur, the bard; and Prince Rhun, her intended husband-realize her peril and set out on an exciting and terrifying mission to rescue her. They encounter great forces of evil as well as private-sometimes painful-revelations in the course of their journey.

Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award A+ Audiobook (VOYA)

Children's Literature

Five enchanting books comprise the Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. Prydain is a land with heroes and legends drawn from Welsh mythology. In book 3 of the Chronicles, The Castle of Llyr, Princess Eilonwy is sent to stay with the king and queen of Dinas Rhydnant to learn how to be a lady. The sinister chief steward, Magg, kidnaps Eilonwy and delivers her to Achren. Taran and the other companions follow them to a castle by the sea. There they must do battle with Achren and her minions to keep Eilonwy from becoming an evil enchantress. Although she drives him crazy with her babbling, Taran begins to think tenderly of Eilonwy. Other books in the Chronicles include The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, Taran Wanderer, and The High King.