The High King (Chronicles of Prydain Series #5) »

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.

The Sword of Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom of Prydain, has fallen into the hands of Arawn-Death-Lord. Now Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and Price Gwydion lead an army against the powerful lord. After a winter expedition filled with danger, Taran's forces arrive at Mount Dragon, evil's stronghold. There Tara is forced to make the most crucial decisions of his life as he confronts the evil enchantress Achren and the diabolical Arawn.

Winner of the Newbery Medal 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. The High King, the final book of the Chronicles is weighty and serious-even oppressive at times. There is a sense of despair in this story. The humor and romance that wove charm into the earlier books are starkly absent from this tale where the end of the world is threatened. Taran rises fully to manhood and all its burdens. Fortunately, the dark curtain in this book lifts at the end to reveal a beautiful and fanciful conclusion. Other books in the Chronicles include The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, and Taran Wanderer. 1969 (orig.