The High King
Encyclopedia
The High King is the last book in the Chronicles of Prydain fantasy
series of books by Lloyd Alexander
. It was awarded the Newbery Medal
for excellence in American
children's literature
in 1969.
and his companion Gurgi
return to Caer Dallben
to find that Princess Eilonwy
has returned from the island kingdom of Dinas Rhydant along with Prince Rhun (who is now King Rhun) and the previously giant Glew (who is now shrunken to below-average height). After Taran
's adventure in Taran Wanderer
, he realized that all he wants is to propose to Eilonwy.
Before he confesses his feelings to her, he is interrupted by the bard-king Fflewddur Fflam
, supporting a gravely injured Gwydion
, Prince of Don. Arawn
lured Fflewddur and Gwydion into an ambush and seized the magical black sword Dyrnwyn. As the sword is pivotal to the downfall of Arawn, Dallben consults the oracular pig Hen Wen to determine what must be done. During the reading, the magical letter sticks used to interpret the oracles shatter and the parts of Hen Wen's prophecy that managed to be recorded are discouraging and vague.
When Gwydion heals sufficiently, he sets out with Taran and his companions to meet with King Smoit. However, Magg
has taken over Smoit's castle, and imprisoned Smoit and his men. When Gwydion and his companions arrive at the castle, they are imprisoned as well. Eilonwy, Fflewddor, and Rhun manage to rescue them, though Rhun is killed in the process.
With war looming on the horizon, Gwydion sends Taran and his companions to journey through the lands of the Free Commots Taran wandered through to gather supporters. When Taran and his troops arrive at Caer Dathyl, King Pryderi, leader of the most powerful army of Prydain, announces that he has switched allegiance to Arawn
. On the fields before Caer Dathyl, Gwydion leads Taran and the forces of Prydain against Pryderi's army. Though at first the Sons of Don manage to hold back Pryderi's massive army, Arawn's undead soldiers, the Cauldron-born, arrive and force the Sons of Don to retreat. The Cauldron-Born breach Caer Dathyl's defenses, and raze the fortress. High King Math and most of the defenders inside the castle are killed, and Gwydion is proclaimed the new High King.
As the survivors regroup, they realize that by sending his warriors out, Arawn has left his realm vulnerable. Gwydion lays out a plan to lead the Sons of Don in a direct assault on Annuvin, while the Free Commots led by Taran will delay the Cauldron-born's return to Arawn's aid.
While the companions struggle to reach Annuvin, Pryderi leads a small force to Caer Dallben, hoping to slay the wizard Dallben and seize The Book of Three. Dallben uses his powers to drive off Pryderi's warriors, but Pryderi faces Dallben in his cottage. Dallben reveals that Arawn betrayed him and never intended to share his power; Arawn sent him to Caer Dallben knowing he would never leave. Dallben knows The Book of Three will never serve Arawn and that in it Pryderi is already marked for death. When Pryderi attempts to rip the book a bolt of lightning kills him.
After the loss of many men to the Cauldron-born, Taran and his companions finally manage to reach Annuvin, and Taran discovers Dyrnwyn buried beneath a boulder at the summit of Mount Dragon. Taran draws Dyrnwyn from its sheath and plunges the sword into the chest of the nearest Cauldron-born. The power of the magical sword slays the Cauldron-born and all of the Cauldron-born die as a whole. Soon after, Taran confronts Arawn in the form of a serpent and slays him. Even as Arawn dies the power of Dyrnwyn fades, having completed its purpose. Eilonwy and Taliesin, Chief Bard of Prydain, manage to translate the newly visible ancient runes on the sheath, disclosing that, "Draw Dyrnwyn, only thou of noble worth, to rule with justice, to strike down evil. Who wields it in good cause shall slay even the Lord of Death."
The final prophecies of Hen Wen come true; all magic begins fading from Prydain. As Taran and his friends return to Caer Dallben, Gwydion informs him that Arawn's demise means that those who still have magic will depart Prydain and return to the Summer Country. The Sons of Don, Dallben, Gwydion, Fflewddur Fflam and Eilonwy will leave Prydain. Taran, Gurgi and Glew are invited to make the journey as a reward for their services. Taran proposes to Eilonwy; she accepts and Gwydion informs them that this will be their last night in Prydain.
However, Taran is unable to shake off uncertainties about his decision. The enchantresses Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch appear and reveal that they too are leaving, and subtly press upon him the importance of decisions all men face, leaving him with an unfinished tapestry depicting events from his life. Taran realizes there is much work to be done to rebuild Prydain, and promises he made to friends and companions will go unfulfilled if he leaves.
As all make ready to journey to the Summer Country, Taran announces he will stay in Prydain and finish what was left unfinished. Eilonwy expresses her desire to give up her magic and remain with Taran, at which point Dallben reveals that the power to do so lies within a ring that Gwydion gave her at the conclusion of The Book of Three. The ring will grant Eilonwy one wish, the deepest and most desperate desire of her heart. Eilonwy turns the ring upon her finger and wishes for her powers to be dissolved. With her powers gone, Eilonwy joins hands with Taran and the two are joined in marriage.
Dallben gives Taran The Book of Three and reveals that Taran's decision was the last link in a path prophesied in the book wherein an orphan of unknown birth or lineage would one day become High King. As all of his friends depart for the Summer Country, High King Taran and High Queen Eilonwy step out of Dallben's cottage to greet the cheering crowd that has assembled.
Fantasy literature
Fantasy literature is fantasy in written form. Historically speaking, literature has composed the majority of fantasy works. Since the 1950s however, a growing segment of the fantasy genre has taken the form of films, television programs, graphic novels, video games, music, painting, and other...
series of books by Lloyd Alexander
Lloyd Alexander
Lloyd Chudley Alexander was a widely influential American author of more than forty books, mostly fantasy novels for children and adolescents, as well as several adult books...
. It was awarded the Newbery Medal
Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ...
for excellence in American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
children's literature
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
in 1969.
Plot overview
Taran and the Companions join the rest of Prydain in a final struggle to defeat Arawn at great cost.Plot summary
Assistant Pig-Keeper TaranTaran
- Given name :* Taran, a 7th century king of the Picts* Taran Taran, founder of the Taran Panth religious sect* Taran Adarsh, an Indian film critic* Taran Killam, an American comic actor* Taran Noah Smith, an actor...
and his companion Gurgi
Gurgi
Gurgi is a fictional character in The Chronicles of Prydain, the series of fantasy novels by Lloyd Alexander. Gurgi is the hero Taran's faithful companion, appearing in all five books.- Profile :...
return to Caer Dallben
Caer Dallben
Caer Dallben is a cottage farm within the lands of Prydain and the starting point for each book of Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain. It is also the setting for the series' final chapter....
to find that Princess Eilonwy
Princess Eilonwy
Princess Eilonwy is a fictional character in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain and wife of High King Taran in the Chronicles of Prydain and also appears in Disney's 1985 animated film The Black Cauldron...
has returned from the island kingdom of Dinas Rhydant along with Prince Rhun (who is now King Rhun) and the previously giant Glew (who is now shrunken to below-average height). After Taran
Taran
- Given name :* Taran, a 7th century king of the Picts* Taran Taran, founder of the Taran Panth religious sect* Taran Adarsh, an Indian film critic* Taran Killam, an American comic actor* Taran Noah Smith, an actor...
's adventure in Taran Wanderer
Taran Wanderer
Taran Wanderer is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. It tells of Taran's search for his lineage through which he encounters many different people who each help to shape Taran as he learns about who he truly is. It is the only book in the series in which...
, he realized that all he wants is to propose to Eilonwy.
Before he confesses his feelings to her, he is interrupted by the bard-king Fflewddur Fflam
Fflewddur Fflam
Fflewddur Fflam, son of Godo, is a cantrev lord in the fictional country of Prydain in Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain. He is referred to as a King, but it is made clear that he is a very minor king of a tiny kingdom at best, much less important than the High King who rules Prydain. His...
, supporting a gravely injured Gwydion
Gwydion
Gwydion fab Dôn is a magician, hero and trickster of Welsh mythology, appearing most prominently in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, which focuses largely on his relationship with his young nephew, Lleu Llaw Gyffes...
, Prince of Don. Arawn
Arawn
In Welsh mythology, Arawn was the king of the otherworld realm of Annwn, appearing prominently in the first branch, and alluded to in the fourth. In later tradition, the role of king of Annwn was largely attributed to the Welsh psychopomp, Gwyn ap Nudd...
lured Fflewddur and Gwydion into an ambush and seized the magical black sword Dyrnwyn. As the sword is pivotal to the downfall of Arawn, Dallben consults the oracular pig Hen Wen to determine what must be done. During the reading, the magical letter sticks used to interpret the oracles shatter and the parts of Hen Wen's prophecy that managed to be recorded are discouraging and vague.
When Gwydion heals sufficiently, he sets out with Taran and his companions to meet with King Smoit. However, Magg
Magg
Magg is a character in Lloyd Alexander's fantasy Chronicles of Prydain book series. He appears as the secondary villain in the third novel of the series, The Castle of Llyr. He also makes an appearance in the fifth and final novel, The High King.- Description :Through hard work, Magg has become...
has taken over Smoit's castle, and imprisoned Smoit and his men. When Gwydion and his companions arrive at the castle, they are imprisoned as well. Eilonwy, Fflewddor, and Rhun manage to rescue them, though Rhun is killed in the process.
With war looming on the horizon, Gwydion sends Taran and his companions to journey through the lands of the Free Commots Taran wandered through to gather supporters. When Taran and his troops arrive at Caer Dathyl, King Pryderi, leader of the most powerful army of Prydain, announces that he has switched allegiance to Arawn
Arawn
In Welsh mythology, Arawn was the king of the otherworld realm of Annwn, appearing prominently in the first branch, and alluded to in the fourth. In later tradition, the role of king of Annwn was largely attributed to the Welsh psychopomp, Gwyn ap Nudd...
. On the fields before Caer Dathyl, Gwydion leads Taran and the forces of Prydain against Pryderi's army. Though at first the Sons of Don manage to hold back Pryderi's massive army, Arawn's undead soldiers, the Cauldron-born, arrive and force the Sons of Don to retreat. The Cauldron-Born breach Caer Dathyl's defenses, and raze the fortress. High King Math and most of the defenders inside the castle are killed, and Gwydion is proclaimed the new High King.
As the survivors regroup, they realize that by sending his warriors out, Arawn has left his realm vulnerable. Gwydion lays out a plan to lead the Sons of Don in a direct assault on Annuvin, while the Free Commots led by Taran will delay the Cauldron-born's return to Arawn's aid.
While the companions struggle to reach Annuvin, Pryderi leads a small force to Caer Dallben, hoping to slay the wizard Dallben and seize The Book of Three. Dallben uses his powers to drive off Pryderi's warriors, but Pryderi faces Dallben in his cottage. Dallben reveals that Arawn betrayed him and never intended to share his power; Arawn sent him to Caer Dallben knowing he would never leave. Dallben knows The Book of Three will never serve Arawn and that in it Pryderi is already marked for death. When Pryderi attempts to rip the book a bolt of lightning kills him.
After the loss of many men to the Cauldron-born, Taran and his companions finally manage to reach Annuvin, and Taran discovers Dyrnwyn buried beneath a boulder at the summit of Mount Dragon. Taran draws Dyrnwyn from its sheath and plunges the sword into the chest of the nearest Cauldron-born. The power of the magical sword slays the Cauldron-born and all of the Cauldron-born die as a whole. Soon after, Taran confronts Arawn in the form of a serpent and slays him. Even as Arawn dies the power of Dyrnwyn fades, having completed its purpose. Eilonwy and Taliesin, Chief Bard of Prydain, manage to translate the newly visible ancient runes on the sheath, disclosing that, "Draw Dyrnwyn, only thou of noble worth, to rule with justice, to strike down evil. Who wields it in good cause shall slay even the Lord of Death."
The final prophecies of Hen Wen come true; all magic begins fading from Prydain. As Taran and his friends return to Caer Dallben, Gwydion informs him that Arawn's demise means that those who still have magic will depart Prydain and return to the Summer Country. The Sons of Don, Dallben, Gwydion, Fflewddur Fflam and Eilonwy will leave Prydain. Taran, Gurgi and Glew are invited to make the journey as a reward for their services. Taran proposes to Eilonwy; she accepts and Gwydion informs them that this will be their last night in Prydain.
However, Taran is unable to shake off uncertainties about his decision. The enchantresses Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch appear and reveal that they too are leaving, and subtly press upon him the importance of decisions all men face, leaving him with an unfinished tapestry depicting events from his life. Taran realizes there is much work to be done to rebuild Prydain, and promises he made to friends and companions will go unfulfilled if he leaves.
As all make ready to journey to the Summer Country, Taran announces he will stay in Prydain and finish what was left unfinished. Eilonwy expresses her desire to give up her magic and remain with Taran, at which point Dallben reveals that the power to do so lies within a ring that Gwydion gave her at the conclusion of The Book of Three. The ring will grant Eilonwy one wish, the deepest and most desperate desire of her heart. Eilonwy turns the ring upon her finger and wishes for her powers to be dissolved. With her powers gone, Eilonwy joins hands with Taran and the two are joined in marriage.
Dallben gives Taran The Book of Three and reveals that Taran's decision was the last link in a path prophesied in the book wherein an orphan of unknown birth or lineage would one day become High King. As all of his friends depart for the Summer Country, High King Taran and High Queen Eilonwy step out of Dallben's cottage to greet the cheering crowd that has assembled.