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The Chronicles of Prydain
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The Chronicles of Prydain is a pentalogy of children's high fantasy Bildungsroman

novels written by American author Lloyd Alexander and published by Henry Holt and
Company. The series includes: The Book of Three (1964), The Black Cauldron (1965),
The Castle of Llyr (1966), Taran Wanderer (1967), and The High King (1968). The
second book earned a 1966 Newbery Honor and the final novel won the 1969 Newbery
Medal.[1]
The Chronicles of Prydain set.jpg
A complete set of The Chronicles of Prydain
The Book of Three (1964)

The Black Cauldron (1965)
The Castle of Llyr (1966)
Taran Wanderer (1967)
The High King (1968)
Author
Lloyd Alexander
Illustrator
Evaline Ness (maps)
Cover artist
Jean-León Huens
Country
United States
Language
English
Genre
High fantasy, children's literature
Publisher
Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Published
1964–1968
Media type
Print (hardcover and paperback), audiobook, e-book
No. of books
5
Followed by
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain
The five novels take place in Prydain, a fictional country ruled by a High King who
oversees several minor kingdoms. The setting is based on Wales and inhabited by
creatures and characters inspired by Welsh mythology and folklore. The Chronicles
of Prydain series follows the protagonist Taran, a youth living on a farm who
dreams of being a great hero but instead is made "Assistant Pig-Keeper" in the
first book, entrusted with protecting Hen Wen, a white "oracular pig" magically
empowered with clairvoyance. While attempting to care for the sow, Taran stumbles
into a series of adventures wherein he helps protect his country of Prydain from
different threats, chief among them the evil Arawn, whose forces include an undead
army known as the Cauldron-Born. Throughout the stories, Taran's major companions
are the enchantress Princess Eilonwy, the bard Fflewddur Fflam (a minor king who
has left his kingdom), the wild beast-man Gurgi, and the dwarf Doli. The heroes
frequently work alongside the Fair Folk (a society of elves and similar beings) and
the warriors known as the Sons of Don. Along with various fights against forces of
evil, the novels focus on Taran's journey of maturity, growing from a hot-tempered,
impulsive boy to a knowledgeable and insightful adult.
The books were accompanied by an illustrated short story book in 1965 and another
in 1967, followed by The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, a collection of six
short stories published in 1973. The cover art for the novels and the interior art
for the short story picture books was done by Evaline Ness. New illustrations for
the 1973 anthology were done by Margot Zemach. The first two novels of The
Chronicles of Prydain were loosely adapted into the 1985 Disney film The Black
Cauldron and led to a video game of the same name produced by Sierra Entertainment.
Inspiration and developmentEdit
During World War II, Lloyd Alexander received army combat intelligence training in
Wales and became familiar with Welsh culture, geography, and language. He took
particular interest in the country's castles and folklore, explaining later that he
was "always interested in mythology." Alexander later described his experiences in
Wales as "part of the raw material for the Prydain books."[2]
The magical land Prydain's geography is loosely based on Wales. Ynys Môn, the Welsh
name for the Isle of Anglesey, became the Isle of Mona.
The stories draw on themes, ideas, and culture inspired by Welsh folklore,
particularly the stories collected in the Mabinogion.[3] According to Alexander,
nearly all of the proper names in Prydain are from Welsh myth or history, with the
exceptions of Eilonwy and Taran.[2] The author's note in the first novel, The Book
of Three, points out the Prydain stories and characters are his own and not simply
retellings of old folklore, adding that students of Welsh culture should be
prepared to see familiar names such as Arawn and Gwydion attached to characters who
act very differently from their mythological namesakes. In the author's note for
The Castle of Lyr, Alexander said The Prydain Chronicles are meant to communicate
"the feeling, not the fact, of the land of Wales and its legends."[4] In the
author's note for The High King, Alexander said of the series, "While it grew from
Welsh legend, it has broadened into my attempt to make a land of fantasy relevant
to the world of reality."[5]
Originally, Alexander planned to write only one or two Prydain novels, "three at
the very most."[6] At one point, the plan was for a trilogy of books that would be
entitled The Battle of the Trees, The Lion with the Steady Hand, and Little Gwion.
[7] By 1965, a four novel series was planned with new titles. The first novel, The
Book of Three, was released by Holt and Company in 1964, followed by The Black
Cauldron in 1965, and The Castle of Lyr in 1966. Originally, the fourth novel was
meant to be titled The High King of Prydain. But as Alexander finished The Castle
of Lyr, an editor remarked that it felt as if some material was missing between the
third and fourth volumes. To act as a bridge between the two and show more of
Taran's journey to maturity, Alexander started writing a new novel Taran Wanderer,
finishing it one month after The Castle of Llyr was published in 1966.[8] The new
book Taran Wanderer was published in 1967. The next novel, entitled The High King,
was published in 1968, concluding the now five-volume series.[8] The High King
included a map illustrated by Evaline Ness, who also did the cover art for the
original novel editions.[9]
While writing the series, Lloyd Alexander also published short stories taking place
in Prydain, occurring before the events of the novels. This included Coll and His
White Pig (1965) and The Truthful Harp (1967), both being 32-page picture books
illustrated by Evaline Ness.[10][11]
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain was published in 1973 as a collection of
six new short stories of Prydrain, illustrated by Margot Zemach, with a
reproduction of a map from The High King illustrated by Evaline Ness.[9] It was
dedicated to "Friends of Prydain, who promised to read more if I would write
more."[12] In the collection, Alexander remarked "popular demand makes a splendid
pretext" for a return to the fictional world of Prydain but not for covering the
same ground, hence his decision to make the stories prequels.
The Prydain Chronicles Omnibus (1991) comprises the five novels and the material of
the original edition of The Foundling, but not the stories of the first two
illustrated picture books.[13]
In 1999, Holt and Company published an expanded edition of The Foundling that
included the original book's material while adding the short stories (but not the
illustrations) of Coll and his White Pig and The Truthful Harp, along with a new
"Prydain Pronunciation Guide" with entries for 49 proper names.[14] The
Pronunciation Guide was included in later editions of the main five novels, as was
Ness's map.[9]
In 1999, Alexander explained to Scholastic students: "The High King was the final
logical development of the first four books in the Prydain Chronicles. It was not
an easy book to write, but at least I was building on a foundation that I had
already made. I never considered a different ending..." He added that after writing
The Chronicles of Prydain for seven years, "the characters were as close to me as
my own family... I wept at the end – to see Taran confronted with such a brutally
difficult decision."[15]
SettingEdit
Once ruled over by the evil sorceress Queen Achren, Prydain is now under the
authority of the just High King, a member of the family known as the Children of
Don, descendants of Lady Don and her consort, Belin. The High King and his
warriors, known as the Sons of Don, are based in the stronghold called Caer Dathyl.
The rest of Prydain is divided into territories and minor kingdoms (called
cantrevs) ruled by many lower kings who owe their loyalty to the High King. A
collection of villages called the Free Commots exist outside any cantrev's
jurisdiction, answering only to the High King.
The evil Queen Achren was overthrown by her consort and student in magic, Arawn.
Taking the Iron Crown, Arawn became master of the fortress of Annuvin, the Land of
the Dead. Known as the Death-Lord, Arawn's warriors include the "Cauldron-Born"
(undead soldiers reanimated by the magical Black Cauldron), the fearsome war
commander called the Horned King, and the bloodthirsty Huntsmen of Annuvin (who in
death transfer their power to their surviving comrades). Arawn also corrupts a race
of birds into the Gwythaints, monstrous airborne agents. When the first novel
begins, Arawn and the Horned King are making new plans to conquer Prydain.
Underneath and within Prydain is the kingdom of the Fair Folk, a society of
diminutive supernatural beings that use magic to stay hidden and mostly keeps to
their own affairs. Having no love for Arawn, the Fair Folk occasionally aid the
humans of Prydain against him.
Significant locations in Prydain include: Caer Dallben, the simple home of series
protagonist Taran, his mentor Dallben, and the retired warrior Coll; Caer Colur,
which stands near the Isle of Mona and is the ancestral home of the House of Llyr;
The Spiral Castle, fortress of the sorceress Achren; Annuvin, fortress of Arawn;
and the Marshes of Morva, a haunted swamp inhabited by the witches Orddu, Orwen and
Orgoch.
In addition to the races of humans and Fair Folk, Prydain is home many strange
creatures, such as the odd forest man called Gurgi.
PublicationsEdit
NovelsEdit
The Book of Three (1964)Edit
Taran, a young boy in his early or mid-teens, lives with his mentor Dallben, a 379
years old enchanter, and the aged farmer and retired warrior Coll, son of
Collfrewr. Named "Assistant Pig-Keeper," Taran is charged with caring for Hen Wen,
a magical white pig. Quickly losing the pig and following it into a forest, Taran
meets Prince Gwydion, son of the High King of Prydain, who hopes to consult the
white pig's prophetic visions. After befriending a creature called Gurgi, Taran is
captured by the "Cauldron-Born," the undead warriors of the Horned King. Escaping
imprisonment, Taran finds the legendary sword Dyrnwyn and befriends Eilonwy, a
princess from a family of enchantresses, and Fflewddur Fflam, a king by birth who
chooses to be a bard. Together, the new companions (later joined by a dwarf named
Doli) determine to stop the plans of the Horned king and his master Arawn, Lord of
the Land of Death.
The Black Cauldron (1965)Edit
A 1966 Newbery Honor book.[1] A little over one year after the events of The Book
of Three, Prince Gwydion has called allies to a council hosted by Dallben. Men are
disappearing while more undead Cauldron-Born join the forces of Arawn. Taran and
companions embark on a mission to capture the Black Cauldron and stop the creation
of more undead warriors. They encounter three witches in the Marshes of Morva, and
battle the Huntsmen of Annuvin, fearsome warriors who can lend each other their
strength and power.
The Castle of Llyr (1966)Edit
18 months after the end of The Black Cauldron, Eilonwy of the House of Llyr is
encouraged to go to the royal court of the Isle of Mona so she may continuer her
education as a proper princess. During her journey, she befriend Prince Rhun. Later
on, she is kidnapped, leading Taran, Rhun and others to embark on a rescue mission.
During the adventure, the companions learn more of Eilonwy's magical heritage and
find the ruins of the her ancestral home.
Taran Wanderer (1967)Edit
Three years after The Castle of Llyr, Taran is in love with Eilonwy but afraid he
can never marry her if he is of common birth. In the hopes that he might have some
noble blood in him, he searches for the truth about his parentage. Meanwhile, a
human wizard named Morda is raiding the underground realms of the Fair Folk. While
journeying among the cantrevs and commots of Prydain, Taran increases his knowledge
in a variety of skills, maturing greatly along the way and gaining new confidence
in himself.
The High King (1968)Edit
Winner of the 1969 Newbery Medal.[1] Days after the conclusion of Taran Wanderer,
the young man Taran returns home and learns that Eilonwy has returned from the Isle
of Mona, now ruled by King Rhun. Servants of Arawn assault the warrior Gwydion and
seize the magical black sword Dyrnwyn. Taran and his companions join other forces
of Prydain in a great effort to defeat Arawn once and for all.
Short storiesEdit
Coll and His White Pig (1965). A 32-page picture book written by Alexander and
illustrated by Evaline Ness.[10] The book features Coll as a younger man, years
before he meets Taran.
The Truthful Harp (1967). A 32-page picture book written by Alexander and
illustrated by Evaline Ness.[11] A story of Fflewddur Fflam when he is a younger
man, many years before he meets Taran.
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain (1973). An anthology of six new short
stories by Alexander, all illustrated by Margot Zemach.[9] It was dedicated to
"Friends of Prydain, who promised to read more if I would write more."[12] All six
stories explore a time "before the birth of Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper,"[16]
meaning they take place at least fifteen years before the events of the first
novel. An expanded edition was published in 1999, adding the original two short
stories Coll and his White Pig and The Truthful Harp, but not including the
illustrations Ness made for those picture books.
OmnibusEdit
The Prydain Chronicles Omnibus (1991) comprises the five novels and the six later
short stories, but not the stories of the first two illustrated picture books.[13]
Each novel includes a Prydain map by Evaline Ness (original illustrator of the
picture books and covers of the novels) and each story includes the illustrations
by Margot Zemach for the original Foundling and Other Tales.
ReferencesEdit
In 1989, Greenwood Publishing Group published The Prydain Companion: A Reference

Guide to Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles by children's literature scholar
Michael O. Tunnell. Henry Holt, the original publisher of the Prydain books,
republished The Prydain Companion in 2003. The book's title is a reference to the
fact that the Chronicles' narration often refers to any present combination of the
main characters as "the companions." The Prydain Companion includes a biographical
sketch of Alexander and two sections by Alexander, the "Foreword" and "How to Use
the Companion." Entries cover major characters, locations, and so on, with insight
gained by Tunnell's interviews with Alexander as well as research into the
Mabinogion and The White Goddess. One marketing capsule is "An informative resource
for formal studies of the Prydain Chronicles, as well as an excellent opportunity
to delve into the fantastic workings of Prydain."[17]
Adaptations
Reception
Major and Recurring CharactersEdit
Characters are grouped by the book where they first appear.

The Book of ThreeEdit
Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper. The main protagonist of The Prydain Chronicles, he is

a young man who grows from early adolescence to adulthood over the course of the
series. Initially defensive, quick-tempered, and impulsive, he matures over the
series and makes it a point to improve himself and increase his knowledge. His true
parentage a mystery, Taran is mentored by the ancient enchanter Dallben and the two
live together in Caer Dallben at a farm owned by the warrior-turned-farmer Coll.
Initially unsatisfied with his life as a farmhand, Taran longs to be a hero who
finds glory in adventures. By the end of the first book, he reconsiders this
opinion and realizes he is happiest living a simple life on the farm Caer Dallben
and wants to remain there. Despite this, he is later called back to adventure
again.
Dallben. When first introduced in The Book of Three, he is already 379 years old.
[24] Living on Coll's farm in Caer Dallben, he acts as the protector of Taran and
mentor of Taran and helps protect the prophetic pig Hen Wen. Some recognize him as
the most powerful enchanter in Prydain,[25] and while his displays of power are
quite potent they are used sparingly.
Coll. A retired warrior of great skill, Coll now lives in his farm in Caer Dallben,
acting as caretaker for the oracular pig Hen Wen. On meeting the enchanter Dallben,
he allows the ancient man and Taran to take up residence at the farm. When Taran is
in his mid-teens, Coll passes may of Hen Wen's responsibilities to him, naming the
boy "Assistant Pig-Keeper."
Hen Wen. A white oracular pig, blessed with the ability to prophesy future events
and reveal hidden information. Hen Wen originally belongs to a simple farmer but
the Death-Lord Arawn learns of her oracule power and captures her. Henwen suffers
for some time as a prisoner in the dark fortress Annuvin. The warrior Coll
eventually journeys into Annuvin alone and rescues the pig, becoming her caretaker.
[24] When Coll retires, he keeps Henwen on his farm. Taran and Dallben help look
after her after they take residence at the farm. When Taran is a teenager, Coll
jokingly bestows on him the official title of Assistant Pig-Keeper.[24] Henwen is
lost at the beginning of The Book of Three, which causes a chain of events that
puts Taran on the path of becoming a hero.
Princess Eilonwy. A princess of the House of Llyr, the women of whom are formidable
enchantresses.[26] She befriends Taran in the first book and over the years they
develop romantic feelings for each other. Eilonwy is the daughter of Angharad, who
in turn is the daughter of Regat. Against her mother's wishes, Angharad married a
commoner named Geraint, Eilonwy's father. Smart and witty, she is also considered
by some to be scatterbrained. She often employs unusual similes and metaphors. She
has a preference for going barefoot, and usually prefers sandals if she must wear
some kind of shoe. She carries with her the Golden Pelydryn, a magical bauble that
has been in her family for generations.
Fflewddur Fflam, son of Godo. A cantrev lord of Prydain, he is considered a minor

king of a tiny kingdom. With few responsibilities and believing his people get
along fine without him, he often leaves his kingdom, preferring to wander as a
bard. Although prone to boasting, the strings of his enchanted "truthful harp"
break whenever he tells a lie, sometimes forcing him to be honest.
Gurgi. A good-natured and "ever hungry" being described as a being who is both man
and beast. He has long arms and is covered with fur and leaves. Often referring to
himself in the third person, his manner of speech is filled with rhymed pairs of
words ("crunchings and munchings", "smackings and wackings", "sneakings and
peekings"), and redundant phrases ("see with lookings"). Gurgi is humble and loyal
toward his human companions, at first submitting even to Taran as a "noble lord".
In the course of the Chronicles, he plays a highly important role by accidentally
finding hidden items which ultimately occupy a vital role in the stories.
Doli. One of the Fair Folk, a society of magical beings who live in an extensive
underground kingdom spanning the entire country of Prydain. Doli is described as a
short, stocky dwarf who carries a number of weapons and is adept in hunting,
fighting, and stealth. Originally, he is said to be the only one of his kin who
does not have the power to turn himself invisible. After aiding Taran's companions
and the House of Don in The Book of Three, he is rewarded by Gwydion with
invisibility, although each use causes an uncomfortable sensation inside his ears.
King Eiddileg. The reclusive leader of the Fair Folk. He aids Taran and his allies
in numerous battles against the forces of Annuvin.
Gwydion. Prince of Don, heir of King Math of Prydain. He is the war leader of the
House of Don against the forces of Annuvin, and rides a horse named Melyngar. After
meeting Taran in The Book of the Three, he befriends the young man and accompanies
him on several adventures.
Math, son of Mathonwy. The High King of Prydain, Math rules above all lesser kings
in the country and is the patriarch of the Royal House of Don, the descendants of
the Lady Don and her consort, Belin, the Sun king. A just ruler, Math's leadership
helps keep Arawn the Death-Lord partly in check. He dwells in the stronghold Caer
Dathyl, the castle of the Children of Don that lies north of the Eagle Mountains.
The Horned King. For a time, he is Arawn's champion and the war leader of the
Death-Lord's forces. He is described as a huge man wearing armor, except for his
arms, which are naked and stained crimson. Along with this, he wears a red cape and
an antlered skull mask.
Achren. The former Queen of Prydain, her tyrannical rule was ended by her former
consort and student Arawn, who took the Iron Crown from her. Living as Arawn's
subject in the Spiral Castle, she despises the Death-Lord while finding herself
drawn to and protective of the noble warrior Gwydion. She makes her own plans to
take over Prydain.
Arawn, the Death-Lord. The main antagonist of the series, Arawn is originally a
mortal man. He gains magical powers by being tutored by the evil Queen Achren
during her time as ruler of Prydain. After growing powerful as her consort, Arawn
overthrows Achren and takes the Iron Crown from her. After gaining possession of
the Black Cauldron, he creates a powerful undead army known as the Cauldron-Born.
He then attempts to conquer Prydain, often defied by the Sons of Don.
The Black CauldronEdit
King Smoit. The boisterous lord of Cantrev Cadiffor and one of the only Southern
Cantrevs to remain loyal to the High King.
King Morgant. Ruler of the kingdom of Madoc.[27]
Gwystyl. One of the Fair Folk, described as resembling "a bundle of sticks with
cobwebs floating at the top."[28] Gwystyl lives in a hidden underground waypost
near the border of Annuvin. He has a pet crow, named Kaw, whom he later passes to
Taran.
Kaw. A crow, originally the pet of Gwystyl before being given to Taran. Kaw can
talk, although only in one-word statements. He has a mischievous temperament, often
playing tricks on his human friends and talking more freely than he should.
Ellidyr. Described as a prince whose father left him only "his name and his sword,"
he is deeply sensitive about his poverty.
Adaon. A gifted minstrel, warrior, and healer with a distinctive brooch that
bestows prophetic dreams.
Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch. Three witches who live alone in the Marshes of Morva,
apparently inspired by the Norns of folklore. Although their identities seem fluid
and interchangeable, each persona has a distinctive appearance: Orwen wears a
necklace of milky stones, Orddu's hair is adorned with many ornaments, and Orgoch's
face is shadowed by a black cowl. They were the original owners of the Black
Cauldron and lent it to Arawn, who used it to create the Cauldron-Born. They trade
information and advice to anyone brave enough to enter their domain, though they
nearly always ask for a magical price. Many years ago, they acted as guardians of
Dallben when they found him as an abandoned infant near the marsh.
The Huntsmen of Annuvin. A band of wild, merciless fighters notorious for their
endurance, tenacity, and bloodthirst. They serve in Arawn's army, each branded with
the mark of Annuvin on their foreheads. When one is slain, his strength is
magically transferred to his nearby comrades, making each stronger as their numbers
dwindle.
The Castle of LlyrEdit
Prince Rhun. The only son of King Rhuddlum and Queen Teleria, who rule over the
Isle of Mona. Cheerful and altruistic, he is also clumsy and accident-prone, with
others believing he must mature before taking the throne. He is first introduced in
The Castle of Llyr when the Princess Eilonwy is sent by the enchanter Dallben to
live at the castle and gain a "proper" upbringing.
Chief Steward Magg. A respected man on the Isle of Mona, he becomings increasingly
power-hungry and focused on his own desires.
Glew. Resentful of his diminutive stature, Glew turns to magical potions to

increase his physical size, first testing it on a wild cat. Prone to self-pity and
desperation, he later works to improve his personality rather than his body.
Llyan. A female cat with orange fur that becomes larger than a horse due to an
experimental growth potion created by Glew. Later enchanted by Fflewddur's music,
she serves as his steed.
Taran WandererEdit
Aeddan. A farmer who shelters Taran while he searches for his parents.
Dorath. A treacherous bandit and mercenary. His unofficial second-in-command is the

bandit Gloff.
Craddoc. An old shepherd who claims a connection to Taran.
Llonio, son of Llonwen. Unusually lucky, he and his family spend their days waiting
for whatever comes their way.
Hevydd the Smith. An expert metalsmith who teaches sword forging to Taran.
Dwyvach the Weaver-Woman. An expert weaver who teachers her skills to Taran.
Annlaw Clay-Shaper. An expert potter from Commot Merin who teaches pottery to
Taran. Taran later considers Annlaw to be the wisest of his Commot teachers.
Llassar, son of Drudwas. Young and enthusiastic to prove himself as a man, he is a

mirror image of Taran in his own younger years. His knowledge of mountain craft
proves vital.
Morda. An evil sorcerer who wishes to attain ultimate power.

The High KingEdit
King Pryderi, son of Pwyll. King of the Western Realms, he becomes increasingly
convinced that only extreme measures will bring order to Prydain.
References
External links
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The Book of Three (1964) is a high fantasy novel by American writer Lloyd
Alexander, the first of five volumes in The Chronicles of Prydain. The series
follows the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper, a youth raised by Dallben
the enchanter, as he nears manhood while helping to resist the forces of Arawn
Death-Lord.
The Book of Three
BookofThree1stEdition.JPG
First edition dustjacket with Ness artwork
Author
Lloyd Alexander
Cover artist
Evaline Ness
Country
United States
Series
Genre
Children's literature, fantasy
Publisher
Publication date
March 12, 1964
Media type
Print (hardcover)
Pages
217 (first edition)[1]
ISBN
0-8050-0874-8
OCLC
17720934
LC Class
PZ8.A37 Bo[1]
Followed by
The Black Cauldron
The book provided many elements of plot for the 1985 Disney animated feature The
Black Cauldron.
OriginsEdit
The series was inspired by Welsh mythology and by the castles, scenery, and
language of Wales, which the author experienced during World War II army combat
intelligence training.[2][3] The planned title of the first book was originally The
Battle of the Trees.[4]:33
Plot summaryEdit
The youth Taran lives at Caer Dallben with his guardians, the ancient enchanter
Dallben and the farmer and retired soldier Coll. Taran is dissatisfied with his
life, and longs to become a great hero like the High Prince Gwydion. Due to the
threat posed by a warlord known as the Horned King, servant of the evil Arawn
Death-Lord of Annuvin, Taran is forbidden from leaving the farm and charged with
the care of Hen Wen, the oracular white pig. When Hen Wen inexplicably panics and
escapes, Taran follows her into the Forbidden Forest. After a long, fruitless
chase, he is attacked by a host of horsemen galloping toward Caer Dallben, led by
the Horned King himself. Taran manages to escape, but drops, wounded, to the
ground. He awakes to find his wound treated by none other than Gwydion, the crown
prince in Prydain's ruling House of Don, who has been travelling to Caer Dallben to
consult Hen Wen. Gwydion, determined to find the pig, takes Taran along with him.
Guided by Gurgi, a hairy humanoid living in the forest, they reach the Horned
King's camp, and learn that his target will be Caer Dathyl, the home castle of the
House of Don. Gwydion determines to warn the royal court, but the group is attacked
by Arawn's undead Cauldron-Born soldiers, who capture Gwydion and Taran, and take
them to Queen Achren in Spiral Castle.
The sorceress asks Gwydion to help her to overthrow Arawn—her former apprentice and
consort who usurped her throne and claimed the Iron Crown of Annuvin for his own—
and to join her in ruling Prydain together. When Gwydion refuses, he is imprisoned,
but not in the same place as Taran. Princess Eilonwy, who was sent by her kinsmen
as a young girl to learn enchantment from Achren, visits Taran's dungeon cell, and
agrees to free first his companion, and then him. While travelling through a
labyrinth of tunnels to join Gwydion and his horse Melyngar outside the castle,
Taran and Eilonwy steal weapons from a tomb. As they emerge into the woods, Spiral
Castle collapses; they later learn that this is because the weapon Eilonwy has
taken is the legendary sword Dyrnwyn. Eilonwy has misunderstood Taran's request to
free his companion, for the man waiting outside is not Gwydion, but another former
prisoner of the castle: Fflewddur Fflam, a king by birth but a wandering bard by
choice. The three search the ruins, then mourn Gwydion's presumed death, and decide
to take up his task to warn Caer Dathyl.
Rejoined by Gurgi, but pursued by the Cauldron-Born, the group is driven far east
of their northward course, and ends up in the underground realm of the Fair Folk,
who have rescued Hen Wen. The Fair Folk's King Eiddileg grudgingly agrees to let
Taran have her back, to re-equip their party, and to provide a guide, a dwarf
called Doli. On their journey to Caer Dathyl, against Fflewddur and Doli's advice,
Taran rescues an injured fledgling gwythaint, one of the great birds of prey that
Arawn has enslaved. The gwythaint recovers quickly and escapes overnight, shortly
followed by Hen Wen, who flees just before the Horned King's army spots them all.
Fflewddur, Doli and Gurgi stand to fight, while Taran and Eilonwy go ahead on
Melyngar, with the Horned King in pursuit. On the top of a hill, the Horned King
attacks them, and breaks Taran's sword on the first blow. Taran seizes Dyrnwyn from
Eilonwy, but lacks the "noble birth" needed to draw it. White flame burns his arm,
and throws him to the ground. Just before losing consciousness, Taran sees another
man in the trees and hears an unintelligible word. The Horned King's mask melts and
he bursts into flame.
When Taran awakens, he learns that the man who destroyed the Horned King was
Gwydion, who had been with Achren at another stronghold when Spiral Castle fell.
After withstanding Achren's torture, he has learned to understand the hearts of all
creatures, and was able to communicate first with the gwythaint, and then with Hen
Wen. From the oracular pig he learned how to destroy the Horned King, by saying his
secret name. Recognizing his nobility, Eilonwy has given Dyrnwyn to him, while
Taran and his companions are to receive treasures from Caer Dathyl in recognition
of service to the House of Don. Eilonwy receives a ring made by the Fair Folk,
Gurgi a wallet of food that cannot be depleted, Fflewddur a golden harp string that
can never break, Doli the ability to turn invisible (which he unusually lacks).
Taran—who in the course of his adventures has realized that Caer Dallben is where
he most wants to be—asks only to return home. Gwydion accompanies him back to Caer
Dallben, along with Eilonwy and Gurgi, who take up residence there as well.
Reception
Adaptations
References
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The Black Cauldron (1965) is a high fantasy novel by American writer Lloyd
Alexander, the second of five volumes in The Chronicles of Prydain. For 1966 it was
a Newbery Honor book, runner-up for the year's "most distinguished contribution to
American literature for children".[1]
The Black Cauldron
BlackCauldron1stEdition.JPG
The first edition
Author
Lloyd Alexander
Cover artist
Evaline Ness
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Genre
Fantasy
Published
August 5, 1965 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Media type
Print (hardcover & paperback)
Pages
224
ISBN
0-8050-0992-2 (first edition, hard)
OCLC
302887
LC Class
PZ7.A3774 B1
Preceded by
The Book of Three
Followed by
The Castle of Llyr
The story continues the adventures of Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he joins
in a quest to capture the eponymous Magical Cauldron from Arawn Death-Lord.
The book provided a title and many elements of plot for the 1985 Disney animated
feature The Black Cauldron.
OriginsEdit
language of Wales, which the author experienced during World War II combat
intelligence training.[2][3]
At one stage of planning it was a trilogy with titles The Battle of the Trees, The
Lion with the Steady Hand, and Little Gwion.[4]
Plot summaryEdit
More than a year after the defeat of Arawn Death-Lord's army and death of his
warlord the Horned King,[5] Prince Gwydion calls allies to a council hosted by
Dallben, one of Taran's guardians. Men are disappearing throughout Prydain, while
an increasing number of the undead Cauldron-Born have joined Arawn's forces. At the
council, Gwydion reveals an elaborate plan to steal the Black Cauldron, the magical
artifact used to create the Cauldron-Born, from Arawn. King Morgant will lead the
main force in an attack on Arawn's stronghold of Annuvin, while a smaller raiding
party led by Gwydion breaks off to enter by a mountain pass known only to Coll that
will allow them to steal the cauldron undetected. Three men have been designated to
remain behind with pack animals to serve as a rearguard and secure the retreat:
Adaon, the warrior son of chief bard Taliesin; Taran; and Ellidyr, Prince of Pen-
Llarcau, who is arrogant, wiry, strong, and threadbare. Ellidyr disdains Taran for
his place on the farm and his unknown parentage. Taran envies Ellidyr for his noble
birth, despite Dallben's counsel that that youngest son of a minor king has only
"his name and his sword".[6] Both are dismayed to share a role with no chance for
glory.
In spite of the growing feud between Taran and Ellidyr, all goes smoothly until
Gwydion's raiders find that the cauldron has disappeared. That company rejoins the
rearguard in haste in an effort to escape the newly-deployd Huntsmen of Annuvin.
Meanwhile, the uninvited Princess Eilonwy and man/beast Gurgi have caught up with
the quest from behind. Gwydion and Coll are split off from the party but, thanks to
Doli of the Fair Folk, all others find refuge underground in a Fair Folk waypost
maintained by Gwystyl. From Gwystyl and his pet crow, Kaw, the companions learn
that the cauldron has been stolen by the three witches Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch, who
reside in the bleak Marshes of Morva.[a] When they depart the waypost, Ellidyr
rides southward,[a] determined to retrieve the cauldron single-handedly. With the
Huntsmen abroad, Adaon leads Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, Doli, and the wandering bard
Fflewddur Fflam in pursuit of Ellidyr. When they are attacked and scattered, Adaon
is mortally wounded and Taran inherits his brooch, whose gift and burden is
prophetic dreams and visions. With its guidance, he gathers and leads all but Doli
toward the Marshes. From the fringe, Taran both guides his small party through the
Marshes to temporary safety and leads a pursuing band of Huntsmen to their deaths.
Orddu and her sisters refuse to give up the cauldron unless Taran and his
companions offer something of, in their judgment, equivalent value. After the
sisters reject the magical artifacts offered by his companions, Taran is compelled
to barter Adaon's brooch. The companions then try to destroy the cauldron, but
learn from the witches that it can only be destroyed by a living person who
knowingly and willingly climbs in to die. Horrified, the companions resolve to take
the cauldron to Dallben to seek an alternative solution.
At the ford of the river Tevyn, the heavy and cumbersome cauldron sinks into the
riverbed. Ellidyr arrives and offers to help extricate the cauldron if the others
will credit him for the whole enterprise. Taran agrees, but Ellidyr reneges on
their bargain and rides off with the cauldron alone when they have freed it. The
companions then encounter Morgant and his army. In Morgant's camp they see Ellidyr
beaten and bound and realize Morgant has betrayed them, seeking to claim the
cauldron for his own and generate his own army of Cauldron-Born with which to
conquer Prydain. Morgant offers to spare the companions' lives if Taran will enter
his personal service. Doli arrives invisibly and cuts the companions' bonds.
Mortally wounded, Ellidyr rushes the cauldron while Taran and the others engage
Morgant and forces himself inside, destroying the cauldron. Gwydion, King Smoit,
and his army arrive and defeat Morgant in battle. As Taran, Eilonwy, and Gurgi take
leave of Gwydion at the verge of Caer Dallben, Gwydion observes that Ellidyr has,
in death, found the honor he so dearly sought in life.
AnalysisEdit
Writing in Studies in the Literary Imagination, Melody Green analyzes The Black
Cauldron through René Girard's description of the trope of scapegoating. In the
novel, Ellidyr's death is like a "final scapegoat" similar to Christ in the
Christian tradition. The black cauldron, which can reanimate corpses, can only be
destroyed from the inside by someone who dies in the process. While normally the
scapegoat figure is innocent, Ellidyr is not. Instead, his willingness to be a
sacrifice is more important.[7] Ellidyr is made an outsider by his own jealousy and
pride when he, Taran, and others are separated from the main army attacking the
dark lord. Ellidyr leaves the group while they brave danger to retrieve the black
cauldron. When they reunite, he tries to get the group to tell their leader,
Gwydion, that he alone retrieved the black cauldron, much to the annoyance of his
companions. After they agree to this plan, they are captured by another powerful
lord, who wishes to make Taran's group the first reanimated corpses with the
cauldron. During the chaos after their prison break, Ellidyr decides to sacrifice
himself to destroy the cauldron.[8] Ellidyr's sacrifice transforms his selfishness
into selflessness. Taran and Gwydion determine that through losing his life, he
gained honor.[9]
Adaptations
Notes
References
Citations
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The Castle of Llyr (1966) is a high fantasy novel by Lloyd Alexander, the third of
five volumes in The Chronicles of Prydain. The story continues the adventures of
Taran, the "Assistant Pig-Keeper", and his companions.
The Castle of Llyr
CastleofLlyr1stEdition.JPG
The first edition
Author
Lloyd Alexander
Audio read by
James Langton
Cover artist
Evaline Ness
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Genre
Fantasy, Children's literature
Publisher
March 3, 1966 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Media type
Pages
204 (first edition)
ISBN
978-0-8050-1115-9 (first edition, hard)
OCLC
22921733
Preceded by
The Black Cauldron
Followed by
Taran Wanderer
Princess Eilonwy, the latest enchantress to be born of the House of Llyr, "faces
the unavoidable (and in her view absolutely unnecessary) ordeal of becoming a young
lady."[1] The young hero Taran accompanies her on her journey to the royal court of
the Isle of Mona, the same island where her ancestral home was located, and where
she will continue her education as a princess. Soon after her arrival, she is
kidnapped by agents of the evil sorceress Achren, who wishes to use her for as part
of a plan for domination. During the adventure, more is revealed of Eilonwy's
heritage and her family's former home, the castle Caer Colur.
OriginsEdit
Nearly all of the proper names in Prydain are historical or mythological.[2] "Isle
of Mona" is a version of Ynys Môn, the Welsh name for the Isle of Anglesey. Like
the other books in the series, The Castle of Llyr takes loose inspirations from
Welsh folklore, but the stories are not meant to be retellings. According to
Alexander, The Prydain Chronicles communicate "the feeling, not the fact, of the
land of Wales and its legends."[4]
Plot summaryEdit
Eighteen months after the destruction of the Black Cauldron, Dallben the enchanter
has decided that Eilonwy, as a princess and last of the line of the House of Llyr,
needs a proper royal lady's education that he cannot provide. He sends her to
reside at Dinas Rhydnant, a royal court on the Isle of Mona, in the west of
Prydain. Taran and Gurgi escort her to Mona on a ship belonging to Prince Rhun, a
cheerful but incompetent youth. Taran is finally aware of his feelings for Eilonwy,
but is saddened that he is a commoner and she a princess and envies Rhun's noble
birth.
While Eilonwy is introduced to the tedium of life at court, Taran encounters his
old companion Fflewddur Fflam—a minor king who lives as a wandering bard—and a
shoemaker who turns out to be Prince Gwydion, traveling incognito. Gwydion tells
Taran that Eilonwy is in grave danger, very likely from the evil sorceress Achren,
from whom Taran and Eilonwy escaped in The Book of Three. Taran and Gwydion witness
Chief Steward Magg leave the castle at night to signal a ship at sea. The next
morning, Magg and Eilonwy do not show for breakfast and it is concluded that Magg
has kidnapped the princess. King Rhuddlum organizes search parties, with Prince
Rhun in charge of one. The king assigns Taran to the same group and personally asks
him to protect his son Rhun during the search, confiding to Taran that he and Queen
Teleria hope to betroth their son to Eilonwy. Although resentful and envious, Taran
vows to ensure Rhun's safety.
Shortly before dusk, Rhun separates from the group. Taran, Fflewddur, and Gurgi
pursue, and the next morning they find Rhun at an abandoned hut in the woods.
Inside, they find a small book of blank pages that Rhun keeps for himself, along
with a sheaf of notes belonging to the former resident, Glew, a man who
experimented with size-enhancement potions. As the companions prepare to leave,
they come face to face with Llyan, a mountain cat that Glew made larger than a
horse, seemingly intending to eat them. Fflewddur entrances the cat with his harp
playing, allowing the companions to escape.
Taran's pet crow Kaw spots Magg and Eilonwy heading for the river Alaw on
horseback. Reaching the river, Rhun finds Eilonwy's bauble and tracks indicating
Magg and Eilonwy continued their journey by boat. The companions hastily construct
a raft to follow downstream, but it disintegrates before reaching the mouth of the
river. While repairing the raft, Rhun tumbles into a deep pit and causes a
landslide that traps the group. Exploring nearby caverns, the companions eventually
find Glew, who is now a giant trapped in the caverns by his enhanced size. The
companions promise him Dallben's aid in creating an antidote to his potion, while
Glew promises to lead them out of the caverns. Instead, Glew takes the companions
to a dead-end and traps them. Glew explains he already knows how to make an
antidote that will decrease his size, but he must kill one of the companions for a
final ingredient. Glew leaves, promising to free the others if one of them agrees
to be a sacrifice for his antidote. Rhun surprises everyone by volunteering to
sacrifice himself, believing he is burden to all and incompetent to rule.
Before Glew returns, the companions notice an exit above their heads and convince
Rhun to let them help him reach it. As he escapes, Rhun promises to return to the
city and bring help. When Glew returns, Taran, Fflewddur, and Gurgi break out and
attack him. Rhun does not leave the area but instead doubles back, guided by the
light of Eilonwy's bauble. Having grown accustomed to the darkness of the caverns,
Glew is overwhelmed by the bauble's light, allowing the companions to escape. Taran
discovers that under the light of the bauble, Rhun's book of blank pages is
revealed to be filled with writing, though none of them can read the language.
Reaching the mouth of Alaw on the reconstructed raft, the companions reunite with
Gwydion, who reveals that he has visited the northeast offshore ruin of Caer Colur,
the ancestral home of the House of Llyr, where Eilonwy's grandmother Queen Regat
was the last in the line of women to reign. Against Regat's wishes, Eilonwy's
mother, Angharad, married the common man Geraint and left Caer Colur, taking a book
of the House of Llyr's most powerful enchantments, as well as the Golden Pelydryn
necessary to read them. Gwydion tells Taran and the companions that Eilonwy's
bauble is, in fact, the long-lost Golden Pelydryn, and that the book of seemingly
blank pages found in Glew's house is actually Angharad's book of spells. Gwydion
explains that Eilonwy had not been sent to live with Achren to study magic as a
child, as Eilonwy had believed; rather, Achren had kidnapped the princess and taken
her to Spiral Castle with the intention of harnessing the House of Llyr's magic for
her own ends.
Gwydion explains he has seen Achren, Magg, and Eilonwy arrive at Caer Colur with
several mercenary guards. Achren hopes to rule Prydain by controlling Eilonwy's
mind while also awakening her full ancestral magical power. That night, Gwydion
rows their raft to a point of land below the seaward walls that protect the ruins
of Caer Colur from the being flooded by the ocean, hiding the book and bauble
before they begin their search for the princess. Taran climbs to the tower room
where Eilonwy resides, only to find that she does not recognize him or the names of
her former companions. She flees from her room and Taran follows, but he is
arrested by Magg. Gwydion, Fflewddur, and Gurgi then struggle with Magg and several
guards, until Eilonwy and Achren appear, the princess now fully under the witch's
control. Achren needs the spell book to master her control of the House of Llyr's
magic, and Rhun stupidly reveals that he and the companions know its location.
Achren turns to Taran and offers a bargain: she will restore Eilonwy's memories of
him and allow them to wed if the young man helps her acquire the book and bauble.
Rather than force Taran to decide or be punished for refusing, Gwydion reveals the
location of the items.
Eilonwy is given the two heirlooms and begins to examine the book in the light of
the bauble. While doing so, she begins to resist Achren's spell. Calling upon the
full power of the Pelydryn, she incinerates the book in a column of crimson flame
rather than let it be abused. Achren aims her fury at Magg, who responds by opening
the gates that protect the castle from the sea. He then escapes on the only ship
with his surviving guards. As the castle floods, Taran loses consciousness.
Taran awakes to discover the companions have reached the shallows alive, thanks to
the still-enchanted Llyan pulling them up the beach. Eilonwy explains how she was
kidnapped by Magg and lost her bauble en route to Caer Colur. Before leaving the
sea, she finds a ceremonial horn that has washed ashore, remarking that this
artifact is "all that's left of Caer Colur." She gives the horn to Taran as token
of her pledge that she will not forget him during her tenure at Dinas Rhydnant.
Having no gift of his own to give to her, Taran can pledge only his word in return,
but notes that the word of an Assistant Pig-Keeper "shall do very well indeed."
Taran then mentions the hope of Prince Rhun's parents that he and Eilonwy will be
engaged. Eilonwy scolds him for taking such a hope seriously.
Reception
References
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Taran Wanderer (1967) is a high fantasy novel by American writer Lloyd Alexander,
the fourth of five volumes in The Chronicles of Prydain. The series follows Taran,
the Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he nears manhood while helping to resist the forces of
Arawn Death-Lord.
Taran Wanderer
TaranWanderer1stEdition.JPG
The first edition
Author
Lloyd Alexander
Cover artist
Evaline Ness
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Genre
Fantasy
Published
August 24, 1967 (Holt, Rinehart and Winston)
Media type
Pages
222 (first edition)
ISBN
OCLC
244128642
LC Class
PZ7.A3774 Tar
Preceded by
The Castle of Llyr
Followed by
The High King
The story follows Taran as he "wanders" with Gurgi, but without most of his former
companions from the other Chronicles. He searches for his noble or common lineage
in the eastern regions of Prydain, far from both the realm and forces of Arawn and
the demesne of the High King.[a] Along the way, he meets many people, learns new
skills and crafts, and confronts some rough characters.
According to the author, "he learns to reshape his life out of his own inner
resources, for there must not only be an end to childhood but also a beginning of
manhood."[1]
OriginsEdit
All of the proper names in Prydain are historical or mythological.[2] A few

elements of Taran Wanderer have a Welsh basis but are more universal, such as
"Morda's life secret" and the three crones – the Norns, the Moirae, or Triple
Goddess.[4]
At one stage, it would conclude with a fourth book entitled The High King of
Prydain. The editor felt that something was missing between the third and fourth
volumes, so Taran Wanderer was written one month after The Castle of Llyr was
published.[5]
Plot summaryEdit
Taran and Gurgi have returned to Caer Dallben after leaving Princess Eilonwy at the
royal court of Dinas Rhydnant for education in the ways of a princess. Taran has
come to realize that he loves Eilonwy; but although he has proven his worth as a
man, he is restless and determined to know his parentage, partly in hopes that
noble birth will support a marriage proposal. Dallben the enchanter tells him
nothing about his heritage, but gives his approval for Taran and Gurgi to travel on
their own in search of an answer. Taran and Gurgi travel first to the Marshes of
Morva to ask the witches Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch. Taran has nothing of great value
to give in exchange, so Orddu merely tells him of an alternative: that the Mirror
of Llunet in the far east Llawgadarn Mountains will show him who he is.
Taran sets out to Cantrev Cadiffor to be outfitted by King Smoit. After a border
patrol of Smoit's vassal, Lord Goryon, steals his horse Melynlas and Gurgi's pony,
they spend the night with the farm couple Aeddan and Alarca who have lost their son
and livestock. Taran is welcomed to remain, but he gently declines and leaves with
new respect for common farmers. Taran and Gurgi recover their steeds at Goryon's
fortress because Melynlas will have no other rider, and Goryon is relieved to
escape the burden of mastering him. At the neighboring stronghold of Lord Gast,
they meet their old friend Fflewddur Fflam, who has returned to wandering as a
bard, and together they go on to Caer Cadarn, where Smoit welcomes them.
Goryon and Gast have been feuding over their cattle stock for years, especially
over Cornillo, an exceptional cow. When their dispute breaks out again the next
day, Cornillo and the combined cattle herds of the two lords run off. After they
recover the herd, Taran persuades King Smoit to resort to a wiser judgment to
settle the continual dispute: The rival cantrev lords shall resow the fields of
Aeddan, which have been ruined by their feud, and Cornillo is given to Aeddan as
further compensation, although the lords shall have her next calves. The childless
widower Smoit later offers to adopt Taran as his son and future King of Cadiffor.
Taran declines, but says he will gladly accept if he discovers noble birth.
Continuing eastward, they cross the river Ystrad. Taran's pet crow Kaw reveals the
hiding place of a polished bone the size of a toothpick, which has been stashed
high in a tree. Fflewddur's mount Llyan, a giant cat, brings a green and yellow
frog, who is really their old friend Doli the dwarf. Doli has been transformed
during his investigation of a deadly threat to the Fair Folk: A human wizard named
Morda has attained the power to enchant them, and to raid their underground realms.
Taran, Gurgi and Fflewddur investigate Morda's abode, but are all captured. Morda
begins to boast to his captives, explaining that during a winter many years ago, he
was sought out by the enchantress Angharad, who was searching for her kidnapped
daughter Eilonwy, but left her to die from exhaustion. Among her possessions, Morda
found an amulet, a gift to her from the Fair Folk which became the primary source
of his power, and an empty book, which he gave to Glew when the latter begged him
to make him a sorcerer.
Morda turns Fflewddur and Gurgi into a hare and a mouse, respectively, but fails to
transform Taran. Taran deduces that the bone splinter Kaw found is Morda's little
finger, in which he has stored his own life force to attain immortality and then
cut off of his hand to keep it safe, and that Morda is unable to harm Taran so long
as he possesses it. As Taran and Morda struggle over the bone, Morda inadvertently
snaps it, causing his own death and ending the spell which transformed the
companions. After recovering Angharad's amulet, Taran gives it to Doli for
safekeeping. Just before they part ways, Doli identifies the ceremonial horn
Eilonwy recovered from the ruins of Caer Colur, which Taran still carries with him,
as a magical item with which Taran can issue one single call for aid from the Fair
Folk.
Taran, Gurgi, and Fflewddur camp next with the ruffian Dorath and his band. Their
hosts suspect a quest for treasure and offer guidance to Llunet, in exchange for a
share. The guests try to slip away early next morning, but Dorath prevents it and
extracts a wager on hand-to-hand combat with Taran. He cheats and takes Taran's
sword, then departs.
An old shepherd with decrepit holdings, Craddoc, welcomes the companions next. From
Taran's account of the mission, Craddoc reveals that Taran is, in fact, his son.
Fflewddur departs, but Taran and Gurgi remain and labor beside Craddoc. Taran and
Craddoc develop a bond, but Taran also resents the end of his dream of noble birth.
During the next winter, however, Craddoc suffers a bad fall down a mountain gorge
and Taran is unable to rescue him. Near death, Craddoc reveals that he merely posed
as Taran's father to gain himself a son. The gorge and the weather threaten Taran
as well, and he finally summons the Fair Folk, who are able to save only Taran and
Gurgi.
After burying Craddoc, Taran and Gurgi continue eastward, across Little Avren to
the Free Commots, and stay for a while with lucky Llonio and his family on the
banks of the river. Next, Taran assists and learns the trades of three great
craftmasters: Hevydd the smith, Dwyvach the weaver, and Annlaw the potter. He
learns enough that he would be welcome to remain as an assistant, and gains a new
sword, a new cloak, and a new bowl, but still cannot find fulfillment. While
ferrying the wares of Annlaw to Commot Isav, he leads the poor farming village in
resistance of a raid by Dorath, killing half the band at no loss of life on the
farmers' side.
Upon Taran's return, Annlaw tells him the way to the Mirror of Llunet, of which he
knows about, but has never visited. After a short journey, Taran and Gurgi find the
Mirror: a pool of water at the mouth of a cave beyond the Lake of Llunet. Taran
gazes into it, but Dorath interrupts and defiles the pool. He and Taran meet in a
swordfight, in which Taran's old sword shatters on his new one and Dorath flees.
Taran does not pursue but returns to Annlaw, whom he tells that the Mirror showed
his own reflection and nothing more. He does not feel cheated by Orddu, for he has
seen what he has become by his own labor and all he has learned on the way. With
new confidence in himself, he and Gurgi depart back to Caer Dallben.
Notes
References
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For other uses, see High King (disambiguation).
The High King (1968) is a high fantasy novel by American writer Lloyd Alexander,
the fifth and last of The Chronicles of Prydain. It was awarded the Newbery Medal
for excellence in American children's literature in 1969.[1]
The High King
High king.jpg
First edition cover
Author
Lloyd Alexander
Cover artist
Evaline Ness
Country
United States
Language
English
Series
Genre
Fantasy
Published
October 27, 1968
Publisher
Media type
Pages
288
ISBN
OCLC
23225498
LC Class
PZ7.A3774 Hi
Preceded by
Taran Wanderer
The series follows the adventures of Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he nears
manhood while helping to resist the forces of Arawn Death-Lord. In the concluding
volume Taran and companions join the rest of Prydain in a great effort to defeat
Arawn directly. Finally Taran must decide whether to be High King.
Thirty years later, Alexander explained to Scholastic students: "The High King was
the final logical development of the first four books in the Prydain Chronicles. It
was not an easy book to write, but at least I was building on a foundation that I
had already made. I never considered a different ending ...". He did cry afterward,
as the exchange implies many readers have done. After seven years "the characters
were as close to me as my own family. ... I wept at the end – to see Taran
confronted with such a brutally difficult decision."[2]
"The final choice is never offered to us in the real world ... In another sense we
face this kind of choice again and again because for us it is never final."[3]
OriginsEdit
language of Wales, which the author experienced during World War II intelligence
training.[2] At one stage it would conclude with a fourth book entitled The High
King of Prydain, approximately following the first three as published.[4]
"While it grew from Welsh legend, it has broadened into my attempt to make a land
of fantasy relevant to the world of reality."[5]
Plot summaryEdit
The story begins only days after the conclusion of Taran Wanderer. With winter
approaching, Taran and his companion Gurgi return from their wanderings to Caer
Dallben after getting news from Kaw the crow that Princess Eilonwy has returned
from the Isle of Mona. Indeed, they find her at home, along with her escort King
Rhun of Mona and the former giant Glew, who had been magically restored to human
size by a potion from Dallben.
Before Taran can propose to Eilonwy, the bard-king Fflewddur Fflam and his mount
Llyan arrive with a gravely injured Gwydion, Prince of Don. Servants of Arawn had
assaulted them and seized the magical black sword Dyrnwyn. Fflewddur also states
that Taran was involved in the ambush, baffling everyone. With Achren's help, the
truth is determined: Arawn himself has come from Annuvin to the verge of Caer
Dallben in the guise of Taran, in order to lure Gwydion into the ambush.
Because Dyrnwyn may be pivotal as a threat to Arawn, Dallben consults the oracular
pig Hen Wen to determine how it may be regained. During the reading, the ash rods
used to communicate shatter and the two thirds of Hen Wen's answer are discouraging
and vague. When Gwydion heals sufficiently, he sets out with Taran and others to
meet with King Smoit. Gwydion insists that he alone should enter Annuvin to seek
the sword, but Smoit's Cantrev Cadiffor is on the way. The small party divides, as
Rhun and Eilonwy intend to visit the ships of Mona en route.
When Gwydion, Taran, and others reach Caer Cadarn, they are imprisoned by Magg, the
treacherous former Chief Steward of Mona, who has entered service with Arawn and
taken over the fortress. When Eilonwy approaches with the other party, she detects
something amiss and they cautiously send Fflewddur Fflam to the fortress as a bard.
After entertaining the soldiers for a night, he returns with the bad news. Then the
companions encounter Gwystyl of the Fair Folk outside the stronghold, en route home
after closing the waypost near Annuvin, personally bearing final observations to
King Eiddileg about preparations for war by Arawn's forces. With Gwystyl's
assistance and store of magical smokes, fires, and concealments, the companions
break in and free the prisoners. The plan goes awry, however; King Smoit and his
men are finally able to regain control only by Rhun's intervention, which costs his
life.
Learning from Gwystyl of the activities in Annuvin, Gwydion turns from the quest
for Dyrnwyn to planning for battle at Caer Dathyl. Gwystyl, Fflewddur, and Taran
leave to gather support, respectively from the Fair Folk, the northern realms, and
the Free Commots. Kaw, sent out by Taran to reconnoiter the enemy, is attacked by
Gwythaints while spying near Annuvin, but manages to reach Medwyn, who asks all the
creatures of air and land to oppose the forces of Arawn. Taran, Coll, Eilonwy, and
Gurgi muster the Commots, who rally to their friendship with Taran, and sends them
marching in groups to Caer Dathyl while the smiths and weavers rallied by Hevydd
and Dwyvach work day and night to equip them.
Soon after Taran and the last Commots reach Caer Dathyl, King Pryderi arrives from
the western realms. In council he announces his new allegiance to Arawn, for the
good of all, because "Arawn will do what the Sons of Don have failed to do: Make an
end of endless wars among the cantrevs, and bring peace where there was none
before." He is rejected utterly but permitted to return unharmed to his army, and
at the next day the battle begins. Although the Sons of Don and allies initially
have the best of it, the Cauldron-Born arrive en masse before evening, overwhelming
the allies and razing Caer Dathyl to the ground.
With High King Math killed, Gwydion is proclaimed the new High King. With the bulk
of the Cauldron-Born deployed outside of Annuvin, Gwydion determines that the best
chance is to attack while it is guarded by mortal men alone. He will lead the Sons
of Don to waiting ships on the north coast and attack by sea, while Taran leads the
Commots to delay the Cauldron-Born's return march, as their power wanes with time
and distance from Annuvin.
Taran and his army are able to hold the tired Cauldron-Born warriors beyond arm's
length by brute force, and turn the march from a straight and easy route into the
rugged hills, although Coll dies in battle. Thanks to a company of Fair Folk, and
to the animals sent by Medwyn, they destroy most of the Huntsmen who accompany and
lead the undead. At last the Cauldron-Born break free of the hills and return to
the lowland route. Regaining strength as they near Annuvin, it would be futile for
the exhausted allies to meet them head-on again, so inevitably they take the long,
easy route to Arawn's stronghold.
Taran and the remainder of his army finally reach Annuvin by a combination of the
direct route, a mountain path of Doli's, and a secret pass over Mount Dragon shown
to them by Achren. Taran sees that victory is nearly in Gwydion's hands, but also
that the Cauldron-Born are about to reach Annuvin. In his alarm, Taran nearly falls
off Mount Dragon, but is saved by the now-grown Gwythaint he had rescued so many
years ago (The Book of Three). In a desperate attempt to fight off a group of
Cauldron-Born who have discovered him on the mountain, he rolls a rock at them, and
discovers Dyrnwyn in the hollow the stone occupied. Wielding Dyrnwyn, Taran slays
the undead warrior who approaches to slay him, and at that instant all of the
Cauldron-Born die as one.
Taran's group enters the fray, and the battle continues through the halls of
Annuvin. Taran is almost deceived by Arawn - who has taken the guise of Gwydion -
into giving up the sword. After the chaotic defeat of Arawn's forces, the
companions gather before the Great Hall. Achren identifies Arawn in the form of a
nearby serpent preparing to striking Taran and grabs him. He strikes her fatally,
but Taran kills him with Dyrnwyn. With the death of Arawn, the stronghold of
Annuvin bursts in flame and falls in ruins, destroying all of the magical
implements inside; only Gurgi manages to save several scrolls containing knowledge
of farming, smithing, and other crafts. The sword Dyrnwyn begins to fade, losing
its magic.
The allies travel to Caer Dallben, where Gwydion tells them that in victory the
Sons of Don, with all kinsmen and kinswomen, must return to the Summer Country.
Indeed, all those who still have magic will depart, and the Fair Folk and Medwyn
have closed their realms to outsiders. Dallben and Eilonwy must also go, and others
who have served well, Taran among them, are given the chance to accompany them.
Taran proposes to Eilonwy at last, and she accepts.
The Sons of Don plan to leave the next day. However, Taran becomes uncomfortable
about his decision overnight. The witches Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch appear before him
and reveal that they too are departing, and leave him with an unfinished tapestry
depicting his life. He realizes there is much work to be done to rebuild Prydain,
and he has made many promises; so he determines to remain behind. Eilonwy is able
to willingly give up her magical nature in order to remain with him, and the two
are married.
Dallben reveals that with this last quest, Taran has completed a path prophesied in
the Book of Three whereby an orphan of "no station in life" would succeed the Sons
of Don as High King. Dallben had traveled to seek such a one and try to hasten the
day of Arawn's defeat; on this journey, he found a baby, hidden in the trees beside
a battlefield and without any token of parentage, and took it in under the name
Taran. Taran receives many gifts, including The Book of Three itself, although its
powers, like all magic in Prydain, have also faded away with Arawn's demise,
leaving it only as a mere chronicle of Taran's life. With Eilonwy by his side,
Taran accepts his new responsibility and is hailed by his friends and battle
companions as the new High King.
Reception
References
Sources
External links
Last edited 2 days ago by Discographer
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1966 novel by Lloyd Alexander

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Aragorn II Elessar
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This article is about the son of Arathorn II. For the son of Aravir, see Aragorn I.
This article refers to the the heir of Isildur. For other namesakes, see Aragorn
(disambiguation).
This article refers to the Ranger of the North. For other namesakes, see Strider
(disambiguation).
Viggo Mortensen portrays Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy
Aragorn II Elessar
Biographical information
Other names
Arakorno (Q.), Estel, Thorongil, Elessar (Edhelharn), Telcontar, Envinyatar,
Strider, the Dúnadan, Wingfoot
Titles
Chieftain of the Dúnedain, Heir of Isildur
High King of the Dúnedain, King of Arnor, King of Gondor
Birth
March 1, TA 2931
Rule
TA 2933 – 3019 (86 years as a Chieftain)
TA 3019 – FO 120 (122 years as a King)
Death
FO 120 (aged 210)
Realms
Reunited Kingdom (Arnor and Gondor)
Spouse
Arwen Undómiel
Children
Eldarion & several daughters
Weapon
Andúril (sword), bow, spear
Physical description
Race
Men
Height
Tall
Hair
Dark, flecked with grey
Eyes
Grey
Culture
Dúnedain of the North (House of Isildur, founded the House of Telcontar)
Peter Jackson's films or other media
Actor
Viggo Mortensen (LOTR trilogy)
Voice
John Hurt (1978 film)
"I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dúnadan,
the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. Here is the sword that was broken and
is forged again! "
—Aragorn, speaking to Éomer in The Two Towers, The Riders of Rohan
Aragorn II, son of Arathorn II and Gilraen, also known as Elessar and Strider, was
the 16th and last Chieftain of the Dúnedain of the North; later crowned King
Elessar Telcontar (March 1, 2931 - FO 120 or SR 1541), the 26th King of Arnor and
35th King of Gondor - and first High King of Gondor and Arnor since the short reign
of Isildur. He was a great ranger and warrior, and as Isildur's heir he bore the
shards of Narsil, reforged and renamed Andúril, Flame of the West, in the War of
the Ring.
Contents
Biography
Early years
War of the Ring
Escorting the hobbits
Accompanying the Fellowship
Breaking of the Fellowship
The Three Hunters
Return of the King
Captain of the West
As Reunited King of Gondor and Arnor
Death and End of Reign
Character
Etymology
Other names
Titles
Behind the scenes
Concept and creation
Identity
Further character developments
Rejected names
History and mythology
House of Telcontar
Appearance in the books, films and video games
In the books
In the films
In the video games
Portrayal in adaptations
Lord of the Rings film trilogy
Non-Canonical weapons
The Hobbit film trilogy
Ralph Bakshi version
Rankin/Bass' Return of the King
Stage
Born of Hope
Radio
Video games
Voice dubbing actors
Trivia
Gallery
Translations
References
Biography
Early years
Aragorn as a toddler, portrayed by Luke Johnston in the fan film Born of Hope
He was Aragorn son of Arathorn, the nine and thirtieth heir in the right line
from Isildur, and yet more like Elendil than any before him.
—The Silmarillion, Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age
Aragorn was a descendant of Elros Tar-Minyatur through the line of the Lords of
Andúnië to Elendil, High King of Arnor and Gondor. His ancestor Arvedui was wedded
to Fíriel, who was descended from Anárion, who bore their son Aranarth, making
Aragorn the last descendant of Anárion as well.
When he was only two years old, his father Arathorn was killed while pursuing orcs.
Aragorn was afterwards fostered in Rivendell by Elrond. At the request of his
mother, his lineage was kept secret, as she feared he would be killed like his
father and grandfather if his true identity as the descendant of Elendil and Heir
of Isildur became known. Aragorn was renamed "Estel" and was not told about his
heritage until 2951.[1]
Young Aragorn with the shards of Narsil, by Anna Lee
Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry when he was twenty, and gave
to him the Ring of Barahir and the Shards of Narsil. Elrond withheld the Sceptre of
Annúminas from Aragorn until he "came of the right" to possess the item. It was
also around this time that Aragorn met and fell in love with Arwen, Elrond's
daughter, newly returned from her mother's homeland of Lórien where she had visited
her grandmother Galadriel.[1]
Aragorn thereafter assumed his proper role as the sixteenth Chieftain of the
Dúnedain and the Rangers of the North, and left the comforts of Rivendell for the
wild, where he lived with the remainder of his people, whose kingdom had been
destroyed through division and the Angmar Wars centuries before.[1]
Aragorn met Gandalf the Grey in 2956 and they became close friends. Heeding
Gandalf's advice, Aragorn and the Rangers began to guard a small land known as the
Shire inhabited by the diminutive and agrarian Hobbits, and he became known among
the peoples just outside the Shire's borders as Strider.
From TA 2957 to TA 2980, Aragorn undertook great journeys, serving in the armies of
King Thengel of Rohan, and Steward Ecthelion II of Gondor. Many of his tasks helped
to raise morale in the West and counter the growing threat of Sauron and his
allies, and he earned priceless experience which he would later put to use in the
War of the Ring. Aragorn served these lords in disguise and his name in Gondor and
Rohan during that time was Thorongil ("Eagle of the Star"). With a small squadron
of ships from Gondor, he led an assault on the long-standing Corsair province of
Umbar in 2980, burning many of the Corsairs' ships and personally slaying their
lord during the battle on the Havens. After the victory at Umbar, "Thorongil" left
Gondor and, to the dismay of his men, went east.[2]
Later in 2980, he visited Lórien, and there once again met Arwen. He gave her the
heirloom of his House, the Ring of Barahir, and, on the hill of Cerin Amroth, Arwen
pledged her hand to him in marriage, renouncing her elvish lineage and accepting
the Gift of Men; death.[1]
Elrond withheld from Aragorn permission to marry his daughter until such a time as
his foster son should be king of "both" Gondor and Arnor. As both Elrond and
Aragorn knew, to marry a mortal, Arwen would be required to choose mortality, and
thus deprive the deathless Elrond of his daughter while the world lasted. Elrond
was also concerned for Arwen's own happiness, fearing that in the end she might
find death (her own and that of her beloved) too difficult to bear.[1]
Before the events of The Lord of the Rings properly take place, Aragorn traveled
widely through Middle Earth, entering the Dwarven mines of Moria via the East-gate
of Moria but exiting the same way. He also journeyed to Harad, where (in his own
words) "the stars are strange". Tolkien does not specify when these travels
occurred nor does he indicate what happened during Aragorn's visits.
Aragorn the Ranger in the wild, from the fan film The Hunt for Gollum
In TA 3009, Gandalf grew suspicious of the origin of the ring belonging to the
Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, which later turned out to be the One Ring, the key to the
Dark Lord Sauron's power. Aragorn went at his request into Rhovanion in search of
Gollum, who had once possessed the Ring. He caught the creature in the Dead Marshes
near Mordor, and brought him as a captive to Thranduil's halls in Mirkwood, where
Gandalf questioned him.[3] Gollum, however, escaped some time later with the aid of
Sauron's Orcs.
War of the Ring
What his right name is I've never heard: but he's known round here as Strider.
—Barliman Butterbur, speaking of Aragorn in The Fellowship of the Ring, "At the
Sign of the Prancing Pony"
Escorting the hobbits
Strider at The Prancing Pony in Bree
Aragorn returned with Gandalf in the spring of TA 3018, and then went away on his
own journey, and was not able to help when Gandalf discovered the Nazgul were
seeking for Frodo and the Ring in the Shire. After Frodo left Hobbiton, Gildor
informed Aragorn that the Nine were looking for him and Gandalf was missing.
Aragorn continued to watch the Great East Road until Tom Bombadil and the four
hobbits came from the Barrow Downs. Following them to Bree, he met Frodo at Inn of
the Prancing Pony under the name "Strider," as the Men of Bree called him.[4]
Though originally the hobbits were suspicious of him, Barliman Butterbur brought a
letter from Gandalf that made them trust him.[5] Aragorn was aged 87 at that time,
nearing the prime of life for one of royal Númenórean descent.
After the raid on Bree, Aragorn led the Hobbits out of Bree-land and through the
Midgewater Marshes. While there, he saw Gandalf's battle with the Nazgul on
Weathertop from a distance. When they themselves came to Weathertop, they
discovered five of the Nazgul had followed them, and during the later attack he
fought off the ringwraiths. After attempting to heal Frodo with athelas, he led
them across the Lone-lands towards the Trollshaws.[6] They met with the elf-lord
Glorfindel who led them to the Ford of Bruinen. When the Nazgul caught up with them
and Elrond released a flood, Aragorn and the Hobbits kindled fire and flushed out
those Nazgul that had remained on the western bank. He then accompanied Frodo to
Rivendell.[7]
During the feast of victory, Aragorn was gathering news from Elladan and Elrohir,
and later helped Bilbo compose his Lay of Earendil. During the Council of Elrond,
he revealed himself to Boromir as the heir of Isildur and described his capture of
Gollum. After Elrond decided that the Ring must be destroyed in Mordor, Frodo took
the burden upon himself. There, Aragorn chose to join Frodo, thus forming the
Fellowship of the Ring, tasked with accompanying Frodo in destroying the Ring in
the fires of Mount Doom in Mordor. Besides Aragorn, Gandalf, and Frodo, the company
included Frodo's cousins Pippin and Merry, his best friend Samwise Gamgee, Legolas
the elf, Gimli the Dwarf, and Boromir of Gondor.[3]
All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be Blade that was Broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
— Bilbo's poem about Aragorn[5]
Before the group set out, the shards of Narsil were re-forged, and the restored
blade was named Andúril.
Accompanying the Fellowship
Old Bilbo in Bag End.png "And while I can honestly say I have told you the
truth, I may not have told you all of it."
At least part of this article or section is of insufficient length or lacking

important details. Please expand it if you can.
Aragorn and Gandalf had been planning their journey to Mordor for weeks. He and
Gandalf guided the Fellowship south along the line of the Misty Mountains. When
they came to Hollin, Aragorn grew suspicious due to the lack of any sound he heard
and spotted the Crebain who were spying out the land for Saruman. He then convinced
Gandalf to try the pass over Caradhras. However, while they were still far down the
mountain, they were caught in a freak storm brought on by Saruman, and were forced
to retreat. Aragorn, together with Boromir, made a path through the snow for the
fellowship to escape.
After it was proposed to go through Moria, Aragorn reluctantly agreed to go and

helped fight off the wargs that attacked them during the night. During their
marches, Aragorn remained at the back and noticed Gollum beginning to follow the
company. After they were attacked in the Chamber of Mazarbul, Aragorn fought off
the attackers and killed the Orc-Chieftain, (or Cave-troll in the movies) that had
seemingly killed Frodo. During Gandalf's battle with the Balrog on the Bridge of
Khazad-dûm, Aragorn ran to his side and became the Fellowship's leader after
Gandalf fell, presumed dead.[8] Aragorn then led the company to Lórien, where he
visited Cerin Amroth for the last time. At their parting, Lady Galadriel gave him
the Elfstone.[9]
After Lórien, Aragorn and the Fellowship sailed down the river Anduin to the Falls
of Rauros. Aragorn attempted to catch Gollum several times. Though his original
plan was to set out for Gondor and aid its people in the war, he felt responsible
for Frodo after the loss of Gandalf and was conflicted about what path to take.[10]
Breaking of the Fellowship
Fear not! he said. "Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses of Isildur
and Anarion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar, the Elfstone son of
Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son heir of Elendil, has naught to
dread!
— Aragorn proclaiming his lineage[10]"
Aragorn saying goodbye to Boromir after his death
After passing into the Argonath, the Fellowship camped at Parth Galen. Frodo saw
that Boromir had been driven mad by the influence of the One Ring, trying to take
it. Frodo put the ring on, rendering him invisible, and ran away from Boromir.
Frodo climbed to the high seat on Amon Hen; from there he could see Sauron's eye
looking for him. The Hobbit felt the eye but it was distracted by Gandalf the
White.
Aragorn at Amon Hen
At this same time, the others were attacked by Saruman's Uruk-hai and a battle
ensued. During the ensuing battle, Boromir was killed defending Merry and Pippin,
expressing his remorse privately to Aragorn for trying to take the Ring. After
discovering that Frodo had left, Aragorn and the others decided that they would
leave Frodo and Sam to rescue Merry and Pippin. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn put
Boromir's body and war gear in one of the elven boats as a funeral boat and tribute
to Boromir for his bravery and courage. His body would be sent over the Falls of
Rauros.[11]
While Frodo continued his quest with Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli
went to Rohan to free Merry and Pippin, who had been captured by the Uruk-hai
working for Saruman.
The Three Hunters
The Three Hunters, by Ted Nasmith
Aragorn ran from Parth Galen across the width of Rohan in just four days. As they
approached Fangorn Forest, the Three Hunters Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli
encountered Éomer, who had recently been pursuing rumours of an orc raid in the
area. From Éomer, Aragorn learned that the Orcs who had kidnapped Merry and Pippin
had been destroyed and that the Hobbits had not been found. Dejected, he led
Legolas and Gimli to the site of the battle. Clues led Aragorn to believe that the
Hobbits might still be alive, and he led the Three Hunters into Fangorn Forest.[12]
They did not find the Hobbits, but they did find Gandalf the White, sent back from
Valinor to continue his struggle against Sauron. Gandalf told the Three Hunters
that the Hobbits were safe with the Ents of Fangorn.[13]
Where now are the Dunedain, Elessar, Elessar?

Where do thy kinsfolk wander afar?
Near is the hour when the lost should come forth,
And the Grey Company ride from the North.
But dark is the path appointed to thee:
The Dead watch the road that leads to the Sea.
- Galadriel's message to Aragorn[13]
Together, Gandalf and the Three Hunters travelled to Edoras, where Gandalf freed
Théoden from Saruman's enchantment and helped him organize the Rohirrim against
Saruman.[14] He allied with Théoden and led the refugees to Helm's Deep.
Night Battle on Helm's Deep, by Shin Lin
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli then helped the people of Rohan in the Battle of the
Hornburg, in which they conclusively defeated Saruman's army.[15] Afterward Aragorn
went with Gandalf to Isengard, only to find it in ruins by the work of the Ents.
Aragorn, being present with Gandalf, Theoden, Éomer, Legolas and Gimli, negotiated
in a final parley with Saruman. Saruman attempted to bend Theoden to his will, and
at first the king was almost swayed, but mastering his will he refused to join with
Saruman. Saruman also attempted to sway Gandalf, but failed in this also, and even
so Gandalf offered his counterpart the opportunity for forgiveness. Saruman refused
to repent out of pride and to avoid seeming a rebel to Sauron, and thus Gandalf
broke Saruman's staff and banished him from the Order of Wizards and The White
Council. After Saruman crawled away, Gríma Wormtongue threw the Palantír of Orthanc
at Gandalf as he and the others were leaving. He missed, however, unable to decide
if he hated Saruman or Gandalf more, and thus ended the Battle of the Hornburg and
the Battle of Isengard. After Pippin revealed himself to Sauron in the stone,
Gandalf gave the palantir back to Aragorn.[16]
When Aragorn returned to Helms Deep, he decided to draw Sauron out and used the
Stone to show himself and Andúril to the Dark Lord. However, this led Sauron to
swiftly send out the forces he had long prepared to attack Minas Tirith.
Return of the King
Aragorn and the Army of the Dead attacks the orcs
In order to defend the city, Aragorn travelled the Paths of the Dead, and summoned
the Dead Men of Dunharrow who owed allegiance to the Heir of Isildur. It had been
prophesied by Isildur and Malbeth the Seer that the Dead would be summoned once
more to pay their debt for betraying Gondor an age before. With their aid the
Corsairs of Umbar were defeated at the Battle of Pelargir.[17]
Aragorn, a small force of Rangers, and a large contingent of men and soldiers from
the southern regions then sailed up the Anduin to Minas Tirith. When they arrived
at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Aragorn unfurled a standard that Arwen had
made for him which showed both the White Tree of Gondor along with the jeweled
crown and seven stars of the House of Elendil. With the help of the southern forces
the armies of Gondor and Rohan rallied together and defeated Sauron's army.[18]
The Steward Denethor II declared that he would not bow to a descendant of Isildur
(years before, he had seen "Thorongil" as a rival to his father's favor and soon
discovered his true identity) and burned himself to death in despair. Aragorn
healed Faramir, Denethor's last heir, Eowyn and Merry, who together slew the Witch-
King as well as many others. This won him the immediate recognition of Faramir as
rightful heir to the throne; his humility and self-sacrifice gained him the hearts
of the inhabitants of Gondor's capital city. Aragorn's healing abilities, moreover,
were a sign to the people of Gondor of the identity of their true king; as Ioreth
said, "The hands of the King are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful
king be known." The people hailed him as King that same evening.[19]
Despite his immediate success and popularity, however, and despite his claim to the
throne through raising the royal banner, Aragorn decided to lay aside his claim for
the time being. He knew that if he aggressively promoted his claim, rival claimants
or debates as to his legitimacy were not out of the question, and this could be a
fatal distraction for Gondor at a time when the West needed to be united against
Sauron. So, to avoid conflict, after he had healed people during the following
nights of March 15–16, he left Minas Tirith and symbolically refused to enter it
again until he was crowned King on May first.
Captain of the West
Aragorn then led the Host of the West to Mordor as per the advice of Gandalf and
Elrond, to divert Sauron's attention from Frodo and Sam. They marched over the
River and came to Minas Morgul, and set fire to the fields there. Afterwards they
began to march north through Ithilien, and Aragorn won a skirmish against some Orcs
and Easterlings that tried to ambush them. They then reached the desert before
Mordor, and Aragorn allowed those who were afraid to depart to retake Cair Andros.
The Army of the West then reached the Black Gate, and Aragorn along with Gandalf,
Eomer, Imrahil, Pippin, Legolas and Gimli rode to the Black Gate and called for
Sauron to come forth. He then watched as the Mouth of Sauron revealed Sauron knew
about Frodo and Sam, and saw Gandalf's rejection of Sauron's terms. The Host of the
West was then encircled by Sauron's forces, a vast army of Orcs and Men. Aragorn
then arranged the Army of the West defensively on two hills and the Battle of the
Black Gate began.
After the destruction of the Ring and the defeat of Sauron, Aragorn presided over
the clearing out of the final Orcs in Mordor and the healing of the Host.
As Reunited King of Gondor and Arnor
Men of Gondor, hear now the Steward of this Realm! Behold! One has come to
claim the kingship again at last. Here is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, chieftain of
the Dúnedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the
North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hands bring
healing, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur's son, Elendil's
son of Numenor. Shall he be king and enter into the City and dwell there?" And all
the host and all the people cried yea with one voice.
—Faramir the Steward announces the coronation of King Elessar
Aragorn, son of Arathorn, King of Gondor
Upon Sauron's defeat, Aragorn was crowned as King Elessar, a name given to him by
Galadriel and adopted by the people of Gondor because of the Elfstone he wore. He
became the twenty-sixth King of Arnor, thirty-fifth King of Gondor, and the first
High King of the Reunited Kingdom, though it would be several years before his
authority was firmly re-established in Arnor. His line was referred to as the House
of Telcontar (Telcontar being Quenya for "Strider"). Aragorn married Arwen shortly
afterwards, and ruled the Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor until 120 of the Fourth Age.
His reign was marked by great harmony and prosperity within Gondor and Arnor, and
by a great renewal of cooperation and communication among Men, Elves, and Dwarves,
fostered by his vigorous rebuilding campaign following the war. Aragorn led the
forces of the Reunited Kingdom on military campaigns against some Easterlings and
Haradrim, re-establishing rule over all the territory that Gondor had lost in
previous centuries.
During his coronation, Aragorn spoke Elendil's Oath: "Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien.
Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta!" ("Out of the Great Sea to Middle-
earth I am come. In this place, I will abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the
world.")[20]
Death and End of Reign
Then a great beauty was revealed in him, so that all who after came there
looked on him in wonder; for they saw that the grace of his youth, and the valour
of his manhood, and the wisdom and majesty of his age were blended together. And
long there he lay, an image of the Kings of Men in glory undimmed before the
breaking of the world.
— Description of Aragorn's death.[1]
Aragorn's funeral
When in the year 120 of the Fourth Age, King Elessar realised his days were at an
end, he went to the House of the Kings in the Silent Street. He said farewell to
his son Eldarion and his daughters and gave Eldarion his crown and sceptre. Arwen
remained at Aragorn's side until he died. A year after Aragorn's death, Arwen died
in Lothlórien of a broken heart. Eldarion began his reign as the Second King of the
Reunited Kingdom after his father's death.[1]
Character
Was there ever anyone like him? Except Gandalf, of course. I think they must be
related.
—Peregrin Took on Aragorn[19]
An artist's conception of Aragorn at The Prancing Pony
Tolkien gives a brief but detailed description of him in The Lord of the Rings:
lean, dark, tall, with "a shaggy head of dark hair flecked with grey, and in a pale
stern face a pair of keen grey eyes."[4]
In The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen, he was said to be often grim and sad, with
unexpected moments of levity.[1] Some time after the publications of the books,
Tolkien wrote that he was six feet six inches tall.
Aragorn possessed Elven wisdom due to his childhood in Rivendell with Elrond and
the foresight of the Dúnedain. He was also a skilled healer, notably with the plant
Athelas (also known as Kingsfoil). He was also a mighty warrior and an unmatched
commander; after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, he, Éomer, and Imrahil were
said to be left unscathed, even though they had been in the thick of the fighting.
Though there is no indication of his ever doubting his role and destiny as the
future king of the Reunited Kingdom and one of the leaders of the war against
Sauron (as he did in Peter Jackson's film), he was not immune to self-doubt, as he
doubted the wisdom of his decisions while leading the Fellowship after the loss of
Gandalf in Moria, and blamed himself for many of their subsequent misfortunes.
On one occasion, his pride (or reverence for his heritage) led to complications, as
he refused to disarm and leave his sword Andúril (a priceless heirloom of Númenor
and one of the weapons which slew Sauron) at the door of Edoras, as Théoden had
required, and only did so after Gandalf left his own sword (also of high lineage)
behind. Even so, he swore that death would come to anyone else who touched it
(whether by his own hand or by some magic, it is left unsaid).
He also appeared to possess a nigh-indomitable will. At one point, he was able to

psychically challenge Sauron for control of the Palantir of Orthanc, and proved
victorious in that struggle. It should be noted that even Gandalf the White was
reluctant to use the Palantir for fear of challenging Sauron directly and revealing
himself to the Dark Lord. His fortitude in the face of the Army of the Dead was
unwavering and his companions remarked that he was mighty indeed in the strength of
his will. He was accounted as "the hardiest of living Men" during his lifetime.
Aragorn with Andúril, Flame of the West

Etymology
The name Aragorn means "Revered King", from the Sindarin ara ("king") and (n)gorn
("revered")[21]. Aragorn was named after Aragorn I.
Other names
Elessar - Aragorn's name as king (Quenya)

Edhelharn - Sindarin translation of Elessar
Elfstone - Westron translation of Elessar
Estel - Aragorn's nickname during his childhood in Rivendell. It means
"Hope"[21]
Longshanks - Used by Samwise Gamgee and some of the Men of Bree[6]
Stick-at-naught Strider - Used by the Men of Bree, in particular Bill Ferny [6]
Strider - Used by the Men of Bree
Telcontar - Quenya translation of Strider and the name of his House
Thorongil - Aragorn's alias during his travels to Rohan and Gondor. It means
"Eagle of the Star"[2]
Wingfoot - Given by Éomer[22]
Titles
As king, Aragorn had many titles:
The Dúnadan
Chieftain of the Dúnedain
Heir of Isildur
Heir of Elendil
King of all the Dúnedain
King of the West
Lord of the Dúnedain
Envinyatar - "the Renewer"[18]
King of Gondor
King of Arnor
High King of Gondor and Arnor
Lord of the House of Telcontar
Behind the scenes
The restoration of the line of Elendil to the throne of Gondor is a subplot of The
Lord of the Rings; Aragorn's adventures not only aid Frodo in his Quest, but also
bring him closer to his own kingship which, though his by right and lineage, has
been left open for centuries due to historical, legal, and military circumstances.
The people of Gondor have been under the rule of the Stewards of Gondor for
centuries, as it was widely doubted that any of the royal line still lived. After
the Disaster of the Gladden Fields, Meneldil, son of Anárion, had severed Gondor
from Arnor politically, although the formal title of High King remained with the
northern line (as Isildur was Elendil's eldest son). This arrangement had been
reinforced by the Steward Pelendur in nearly 2,000 years before when he rejected
Arvedui's claim to the Throne of Gondor during a succession crisis (Eärnil, a
member of the House of Anárion, was eventually chosen as King instead). It is worth
noting, however, that Arvedui had also based his claim on the fact that he had
married a descendant of Anárion: thus, Aragorn was technically a descendant of not
only Elendil and Isildur but of Anárion as well.
Concept and creation
Identity
The "first term" of the character that later evolved into Aragorn or Strider was a
peculiar hobbit met by Bingo Bolger-Baggins (precursor of Frodo Baggins) at the inn
of The Prancing Pony. His description and behavior, however, was already quite
close to the final story, with the difference that the hobbit wore wooden shoes,
and was nicknamed Trotter for the "clitter-clap" sound that they produced. He was
also accounted to be "one of the wild folk — rangers", and he played the same role
in Frodo's journey to Rivendell as in The Lord of the Rings.
Later Tolkien hesitated about the true identity of "Trotter" for a long time. One
of his notes suggested that the Rangers should not be hobbits as originally
planned, and that this would mean that Trotter was either a Man or a hobbit who
associated himself with the Rangers and was "very well known" (within the story).
The latter suggestion was linked to an early comment of Bingo: "I keep on feeling
that I have seen him somewhere before". Tolkien made a proposal that Trotter might
be Bilbo Baggins himself, but rejected that idea.
Another suggestion was that Trotter was "Fosco Took (Bilbo's first cousin), who
vanished when a lad, owing to Gandalf". This story was further elaborated, making
Trotter a nephew of Bilbo, named Peregrin Boffin, and an elder cousin of Frodo. He
was said to have run away after he came of age, some twenty years before Bilbo's
party, and had helped Gandalf in tracking Gollum later. A hint was also given as to
why Trotter wore wooden shoes: he had been captured by the Dark Lord in Mordor and
tortured, but saved by Gandalf; a note was added by Tolkien in the margin, saying
that it would later be revealed that Trotter had wooden feet.
The conception of Trotter being a hobbit was discarded with the following
recommencing of writing; another short-lived idea was to make Trotter "a disguised
elf − friend of Bilbo's in Rivendell", and a scout from Rivendell who "pretends to
be a ranger".[23]
Quite soon Tolkien finally settled on the Mannish identity of Trotter, from the
beginning introducing him as a "descendant of the ancient men of the North, and one
of Elrond's household", as well as the name Aragorn. While the history of Númenor
and the descendants of Elros and Elendil were not fully developed, the terms of it
were in existence, and would come to be connected with The Lord of the Rings as the
character of Aragorn developed. Thus the evolution of the history of the Second and
Third Ages was dependent on the bringing of Trotter to association with them.
Further character developments
The development of Aragorn's connection to Gondor was long and complex, as was his
association with Boromir. Initially it is said that Aragorn's forefathers were the
exiles of Númenor who ruled over the people of Ond (the early name of Gondor), but
were driven out by the Wizard King "when Sauron raised a rebellion". The story of
the two branches of Elendil's descendants ruling over two kingdoms of Men through
many generations only emerged gradually; at one time, Tolkien even seems to have
conceived only three generations between Isildur and Aragorn.
One significant feature which was not established until late stages was Aragorn's
relationship with Arwen. When Tolkien first introduced Éowyn, the interest which
she showed towards Aragorn was not one-sided, with suggestions in notes that they
would marry at the end of the story. Another proposal was done soon, that Éowyn
would die to save or avenge Théoden, and Aragorn would never marry after her death.
The first mention of Elrond's daughter, named Arwen Undomiel, was in reference to
the banner which she made for Aragorn, but Tolkien did not give any hint whether
she had any further part to play. The references to her marriage with Aragorn were
made later, but it was explicitly stated only near the completion of the book. It
is only in his working on the appendices for The Lord of the Rings that Tolkien
recorded the full tale of Aragorn and Arwen.
A passing idea was that Galadriel gave her Ring to Aragorn, and that he would
accordingly be titled the "Lord of the Ring".
Rejected names
The original nickname Trotter was retained for a long while, and Tolkien decided to
change it to Strider only after the story was completed. There were also several
experimental translations of Trotter to Sindarin: Padathir, Du-finnion and
Rimbedir, with Ecthelion possibly being equivalent to Peregrin (Boffin). Instead of
the latter title "the Dúnadan", Quenya Tarkil ("Noble Man") was first used, synonym
with Númenórean.
Tolkien hesitated for some time about Trotter's "real" name. Although Aragorn was
the first suggestion when the Mannish descent was settled, it was changed a number
of times. At one point Tolkien decided that an Elvish name does not suit a Man, and
thus altered it from Aragorn via Elfstone to Ingold, where the last one is an Old
English name with ing- representing "west". Later, however, a new plot element was
introduced: Galadriel's gift of a green stone, and Tolkien reverted the usage to
Elfstone in order to make an additional connection. This was retained into the
final version of the legendarium as a side name and a translation of Elessar.
Among other names to be used instead of Elfstone Tolkien considered Elfstan,

Elfmere, Elf-friend, Elfspear, Elfwold and Erkenbrand, with various Elvish forms:
Eldamir, Eldavel, Eledon, and Qendemir. The name of Aragorn's father also passed
through many transient forms: Tolkien intended Aramir or Celegorn to go in pair
with Aragorn before settling upon Arathorn; Elfhelm and Eldakar with Elfstone and
Eldamir; and Ingrim with Ingold.[24]
History and mythology
Richard J. Finn presented a paper entitled "Arthur and Aragorn - Arthurian

Influence in LOTR at the Forty-First International Congress on Medieval Studies".
The are additional similarities between Aragorn and Arthur beyond those pointed out
by Finn. Arthur is descended from Kings of Goddodin - Coel Hen, Aragorn becomes
King of Gondor. Kings of the period in Goddodin lived at both Traprain Law and Din
Eidyn (Edinburgh, still known as Dùn Éideann in Scottish Gaelic) remarkably similar
to Dúnadan. For "Men of the North", Goddodin was a far northern kingdom. Arthur was
crowned by St. Dubriticus, who wore a long gray robe for which he was called "His
Grey Eminence" - Gandalf the White also wore a gray robe at Aragorn's coronation to
indicate he at one time was Gandalf the Grey.
House of Telcontar
House of
Fingolfin
Huor
Rian
House of Bëor
Melian
Thingol
Idril
Tuor
Beren
Lúthien
Eärendil
Elwing
Elros
Elrond
Celebrían
Kings of
Númenor
Lords of
Andúnië
Elendil
Isildur
Anárion
Kings of Arnor
Kings of Gondor
Kings of
Arthedain
Ondoher
Arvedui
Fíriel
Chieftains of
the Dúnedain
Arathorn II
Gilraen
Aragorn II
Arwen
Elladan
Elrohir
Eldarion
Unnamed
daughters
Appearance in the books, films and video games
In the books
The Fellowship of the Ring

The Two Towers
The Return of the King
The Silmarillion (Mentioned only)
In the films
The Lord of the Rings (1978)

The Return of the King (1980)
The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The Two Towers (2002)
The Return of the King (2003)
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) (Indirect mention only)
In the video games
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Vol. I 1994 (video game), at some point
in the game Aragorn will lead the party instead of Frodo and can fight enemies.
The Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring (video game) 2002 (voiced by Daran
Norris) Aragorn is a playable character that fights in the game while traveling a
linear path.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game) 2002 (voiced by Viggo
Mortensen) is a playable character that the player can choose to fight in the
campaign missions.
War of the Ring (video game) 2003 (voiced byJamieson Price) is a playable unit
that the player controls in the campaign map missions.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game) 2003 (voiced by
Viggo Mortensen) is a playable character that the player can choose to fight in the
campaign missions.
The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest 2010 (voiced by Viggo Mortensen) is a
playable character that the player uses to fight in the action combat campaign
missions.
LEGO The Lord of the Rings 2012 (voiced by Viggo Mortensen) is a playable Lego
character that the player can choose to fight in the campaign missions.
Portrayal in adaptations
Lord of the Rings film trilogy
Sons of Gondor, of Rohan! My brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that
would take the heart of me! A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we
forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day! An
hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down! But
it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good
earth, I BID YOU STAND, MEN OF THE WEST!!
—Aragorn encouraging the Men of Rohan and Gondor
Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn II
In The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy (2001 – 2003) directed by Peter Jackson,
Aragorn is played by Danish-American actor Viggo Mortensen, who took over the role
from Stuart Townsend after a month of rehearsals. In these movies, Aragorn must
overcome his self-doubt to claim the kingship. This specific element of self-doubt
is not present in Tolkien's books, where Aragorn intends to claim the throne all
along. Daniel Day-Lewis was offered the role, but declined.
In order to ensure safe passage across Mordor for Frodo to fulfill his quest,
Aragorn then led the Army of the West out from Minas Tirith to make a diversionary
feint on the Black Gate of Mordor itself in the Battle of the Morannon. Gandalf had
been given supreme command of the war effort after the Pelennor Fields, and acted
as chief spokesman in the parley with the Mouth of Sauron; but Aragorn commanded
the Allied troops during the battle and its aftermath.
Non-Canonical weapons
In the film adaptation, Aragorn never carries the shards of Narsil as he did in the
books, and only receives the reforged Andúril before entering the Paths of the
Dead. Up until this time, Aragorn uses a different, more basic sword that is never
given a name. Attached to the scabbard of this sword is a small utility knife that
Aragorn uses in the wild country.
Dagger
Aragorn's dagger given by Celeborn
Aragorn also uses a long, curved dagger in battle, though a lot less frequently
than his sword. This dagger is used for close combat and as a last resort if the
sword is useless in a particular situation, such as when Aragorn is knocked down or
assassinating Sauron's servants. He received a curved dagger from Celeborn in the
movie, upon leaving Lorien. In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video
game), Aragorn uses his dagger as a finishing blow for his Final Judgment and
Warrior Bane combos.
Bow and arrows
Aragorn with a bow in the Balin's Tomb sequence
Aragorn's next weapon in his arsenal is his bow. This bow is rarely used at all.
Aragorn only uses it in Moria, shooting Goblins in the beginning of the Fight in
Balin's Tomb and while fleeing the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. During these few scenes,
Aragorn shows that, though he does not have the expert bow skill and speed that
Legolas possesses, he is still an effective shooter when he successfully brings
down two goblins through small cracks in the door.
In "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King" video games, Aragorn's missile weapon
is his bow and arrows. In each case, Aragorn has 30 arrows.
The Black Stone
Aragorn with the Palantir
Aragorn's final weapon is the Black Stone. He uses it once in The Return of the
King to summon the Oathbreakers and defeat the Corsairs of Umbar. He is not shown
using it in the movie adaptation.
In LOTR: Conquest, Aragorn's special, heavy attack is to summon the Army of the
Dead.
In The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II, Aragorn's most powerful
ability is to summon the Army of the Dead, which appears as four abnormally large,
invincible ghost units, who can kill infantry almost instantly, though they are
weak against buildings. The only units capable of doing any sort of damage to the
Dead are heroes, which even then get immediately wiped out.
The Hobbit film trilogy
While not appearing physically in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy, he is alluded
to by Thranduil to Legolas in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. In a
departure from the books, he is stated to already be a Ranger and well known among
his people, rather than a ten year old child. Thranduil only told him that the
Ranger's name was Strider and that he was the son of Arathorn, telling him that he
would have to find out Strider's true name for himself.
Given that Aragorn was 87 in The Two Towers, he would have been 27 during the
Hobbit film series, since the original trilogy omitted the 17 year gap between
where Gandalf leaves Frodo and finds out about the Ring's origin.
Ralph Bakshi version
Aragorn was voiced by John Hurt in Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated film version of The
Lord of the Rings. Bakshi's Aragorn, unlike all other portrayals that were to
follow to date, has no beard. This actually conforms to a statement appearing in
Unfinished Tales that implicitly says that Aragorn was not supposed to have one,
due to his Elvish ancestry (Elves did not grow beards). In a note written in 1972
or later, among the last writings of my father's on the subject of Middle-earth,
there is a discussion of the Elvish strain in Men, as to its being observable in
the beardlessness of those who were so descended (it was a characteristic of all
Elves to be beardless. However, Tolkien actually wrote elsewhere that Elves did
have beards; in The Lord of the Rings itself Círdan is described as having a beard.
Also, some viewers and critics have said that this version of Aragorn looks Native
American though not necessarily to the detriment of the film.
Rankin/Bass' Return of the King
Aragorn was voiced by Theodore Bikel in the 1980 Rankin/Bass animated version of
The Return of the King, made for television. He first appears at the Battle of the
Pelennor Fields, leading the reinforcements from southern Gondor.
Stage
(See the stage article: The Lord of the Rings)
Aragorn was portrayed by Evan Buliung in the three-hour production of The Lord of
the Rings, which opened in 2006 in Toronto, Canada.
In the United States, Aragorn was portrayed by Josh Beshears in the Cincinnati,
Ohio production of The Return of the King (2003) for Clear Stage Cincinnati. At
Chicago's Lifeline Theatre, Aragorn was played by Robert McLean in the 1999
production of The Two Towers.
Born of Hope
In the fan-film Born of Hope, Aragorn appears as a two-year-old toddler played by

the child actor Luke Johnston.
Radio
Robert Stephens voiced the character in the 1981 BBC Radio serial of The Lord of
the Rings.
Video games
Aragorn appears in LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game and its associated
toy line, LEGO The Lord of the Rings, as a minifigure; Viggo Mortenson once again
voices him through archived audio recordings.
Voice dubbing actors
Foreign Language Voice dubbing artist
Japanese Hōchū Ōtsuka (大塚芳忠)
Korean (SBS TV Edition) An Ji Hwan (안지환)
French (Québec) Jacques Lavallée
French (France) Bernard Gabay
Spanish (Latin America) Sergio Gutiérrez Coto
Spanish (Spain) Juan Antonio Bernal
Catalan
German Jacques Breuer
Italian Pino Insegno
Polish Marek Barbasiewicz (1978)
Portuguese (Brazil) (Television/DVD) Affonso Amajones
Turkish Boğaçhan Sözmen
Czech Michal Dlouhý
Slovak Pavel Višňovský
Hungarian Selmeczi Roland †
Russian Aleksei Ryazantesv (Рязанцев, Алексей Анатольевич)
Ukrainian Michael Zhonin (Михайло Жонін)
Mandarian Chinese (China / Taiwan) Kui Lu (陆揆)
Cantonese Chinese (Hong Kong) Luo Ooa (羅偉傑)
Thai Uttaporn Teemakorn (อรรถพร ธีมากร) (Kapook, Films 2-3)
Wanchai Paowiboon (วั นชั ย เผา่ วิบูลย)
์ (Channel 7)
Persian Saeed Mozafari (‫)سعید مظفری‬
Trivia
Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any
relevant information into appropriate sections or articles.
Aragorn is also descended from the House of Finwë, since Idril is his ancestor
Elros' grandmother, Turgon is his grandfather, and Fingolfin is his great-
grandfather.
Near the end of the first movie The Fellowship of the Ring, in the scene where
Aragorn fights the Uruk-hai Captain Lurtz, Aragorn uses his sword to deflect his
Elvish dagger, which Lurtz threw at him after he stabbed him in the leg with it.
This was not meant to happen as in the original script the knife was supposed to
miss and hit the tree behind Aragorn, though the mask Lurtz's actor was wearing
restricted his vision, causing him to miss his mark and throw the knife directly at
Aragorn. Luckily he was able to use his sword to deflect the knife just in time.
The director decided to keep that scene rather than the originally planned scene,
as he did just barely manage to knock the dagger away.
At one point, Viggo Mortensen is approached by one of the producers of The

Hobbit film, asking him if he would like to reprise his role as Aragorn. Viggo
replies that, "You do know, don’t you, that Aragorn isn’t in The Hobbit? That there
is a 60-year gap between the books?"
Although Aragorn does not appear in the The Hobbit trilogy, he is briefly
mentioned by King Thranduil towards the end of the third installment, The Battle of
the Five Armies. He is referred to as "Strider", a member of the Dúnedain Rangers,
and a son of Arathorn.
He has been speculated to be a member of the ISTJ personality type.[25]
However, many believe him to be an INFJ or ISTP.
Gallery
Aragorn3.jpg
Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
Aragorn and Hasufel.jpg
Aragorn and Hasufel
Aragorn2.jpg
Aragorn as the King of Men
Aragorn and Arwen.jpg
Aragorn and Arwen
STAGE ARAGORN.jpg
Aragorn in the 2003 Cincinnati stage production of The Return of the King.
AAA.png
Aragorn and the Eye of Sauron
BakshiAragorn.jpg
Aragorn in the 1978 animated film based on The Lord of the Rings.
ROTKTVAragorn.jpg
Aragorn in the 1980 animated TV special based on The Return of the King.
Aragorn-The Hunt for Gollum.jpg
Aragorn/Strider (Adrian Webster) in the Fan film The Hunt for Gollum.
Lego Aragorn.jpg
LEGO Minifigure of Aragorn
The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg
Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings Online
Translations
Foreign Language Translated name
Arabic ‫آراغون الثاني ىليسسار‬
Armenian Արագորն II Ելեսսար
Azerbaijani II Araqorn Elessar
Belarusian Cyrillic Арагорн ІІ Элесар
Bengali এলসার দ্বিতীয় আরাগর্ন
Bulgarian Cyrillic Арагорн II Елесар
Catalan Àragorn II Eléssar
Chinese (Hong Kong) 亞拉岡
Chinese (China) 阿拉贡
Georgian არაგორნ II ელესარი
Greek Αραγορν ΙΙ Ελεσσαρ
Gujarati રાગોરન બીજું એલેસ્સાર
Hebrew ‫אראגורן שנית יליססאר‬
Hindi आरगोर्न द्वितीय एलेस्सर
Japanese アラゴルン 2 世エレッサール
Kannada ಏಲ್ಸ್ಸರ ಎರಡನೇ ಅರಾಗೊರ್ನ್
Kazakh II Арагон Элесар (Cyrillic) II Aragon Élesar (Latin)
Korean 아라고른 2 세 엘렛사르
Kyrgyz Cyrillic Арагорн II Элесар
Lithuanian Aragornas II Elessar
Macedonian Cyrillic Арагорн II Елесар
Marathi एरगॉर्न ग्रेट अरागोन
Mongolian Cyrillic Арагорн II Элесар
Nepalese आरगोर्न द्वितीय एलेस्सर
Persian ‫آراگورن دوم عاقل‬
Russian Арагорн II Элессар
Serbian Арагорн II Елесар (Cyrillic) Aragorn II Elesar (Latin)
Sinhalese ආරගොර්න් දෙවැනි ඒලෙස්සර්
Tajik Cyrillic Арагорн II Елесар
Tamil அரகோர்ன் வினாடி எலெஸ்ஸர்
Telugu అర్గోర్న్ రెండవ ఎలెస్సర్
Thai อารากอร์น
Ukrainian Cyrillic Араґорн ІІ Елесар
Urdu ‫ایراگورن دوم ایلیسار‬
Uzbek Арагорн II Элессар (Cyrillic) Aragorn II Elessar (Latin)
Yiddish ‫ַארַאגָארן סעקונדע עלעססַאר‬
Chieftain of the Dúnedain
Preceded by
Arathorn II Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
None
TA 2933 - TA 3019
King of all the Dúnedain
Preceded by
Isildur Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
TA 3019 - FO 120
Lord of the Dúnedain
Preceded by
None
TA 2933 - TA 3019
Heir of Isildur
Preceded by
None
TA 2933 - TA 3019
King of the West
Preceded by
None Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
TA 3019 - FO 120
High King of Gondor and Arnor
Preceded by
Isildur Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
TA 3019 - FO 120
King of Gondor
Preceded by
Eärnur Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
TA 3019 - FO 120
King of Arnor
Preceded by
Arvedui, King of Arthedain Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
TA 3019 - FO 120
King of the Reunited Kingdom
Preceded by
None Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
TA 3019 - FO 120
Lord of the House of Telcontar
Preceded by
None, House and Title newly created Aragorn II Elessar Succeeded by
Eldarion
FO 120 - ?
Chieftains of the Dúnedain
Aranarth • Arahael • Aranuir • Aravir • Aragorn I • Araglas • Arahad I • Aragost •
Aravorn • Arahad II • Arassuil • Arathorn I • Argonui • Arador • Arathorn II •
Aragorn II (Elessar)
The Fellowship of the Ring
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Frodo · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Legolas · Gimli · Boromir
Kings of Arnor & Kings of Arthedain

Arnor Elendil • Isildur • Valandil • Eldacar • Arantar • Tarcil • Tarondor •
Valandur • Elendur • Eärendur
Restoration Period Aragorn II Elessar • Eldarion
Arthedain Amlaith • Beleg • Mallor • Celepharn • Celebrindor • Malvegil • Argeleb
I • Arveleg I • Araphor • Argeleb II • Arvegil • Arveleg II • Araval • Araphant •
Arvedui
Kings of Gondor
Elendil | Isildur | Meneldil | Cemendur | Eärendil | Anardil | Ostoher | Rómendacil

I | Turambar | Atanatar I | Siriondil | Tarannon Falastur | Eärnil I | Ciryandil |
Hyarmendacil I | Atanatar II Alcarin | Narmacil I | Calmacil | Rómendacil II |
Valacar | Eldacar | Castamir the Usurper | Eldacar (restored) | Aldamir |
Hyarmendacil II | Minardil | Telemnar | Tarondor | Telumehtar Umbardacil | Narmacil
II | Calimehtar | Ondoher | Eärnil II | Eärnur | Aragorn II Elessar | Eldarion
The one ring animated.gif Lord of the Rings Wiki Featured articles The one ring
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People: Faramir · Sauron · Witch-king of Angmar · Gollum · Elrond · Frodo Baggins ·
Samwise Gamgee · Meriadoc Brandybuck · Peregrin Took · Gandalf · Aragorn II Elessar
· Legolas · Gimli · Boromir · Galadriel · Elves · Hobbits
Locations: Middle-earth · Gondor · Mordor · Rohan
Other: Mithril · The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game · The Fellowship of the
Ring (novel) · Works inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien · The Lord of the Rings · The
Lord of the Rings (1978 film) · Ainulindalë · Tolkien vs. Jackson · Tengwar ·
Quenya
References
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: Annals of the Kings and Rulers, I: The
Númenórean Kings, (v): "The tale of Aragorn and Arwen"
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: Annals of the Kings and Rulers, I: The
Númenórean Kings, (iv): "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion", The Stewards
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter II: "The
Council of Elrond"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One, Chapter IX: "At
the Sign of the Prancing Pony"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One, Chapter X:
"Strider"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One, Chapter XI: "A
Knife in the Dark"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book One, Chapter XII:
"Flight to the Ford"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter V: "The
Bridge of Khazad-dûm"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter VIII:
"Farewell to Lorien"
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter IX: "The
Great River
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Book Two, Chapter X: "The
Breaking of the Fellowship"
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter II: "The Riders of
Rohan"
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter V: "The White Rider"
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter VI: "The King of the
Golden Hall"
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter VII: "Helm's Deep"
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter VIII: "The Road to
Isengard"
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Five, Chapter II: "The
Passing of the Gray Company"
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Five, Chapter VI: "The
Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Five, Chapter VIII: "The
Houses of Healing"
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, Book Six, Chapter V: "The
Steward and the King"
Parma Eldalamberon, Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord
of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Book Three, Chapter II: "The Riders of
Rohan"
The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard, I: "Gandalf's
Delay"
The History of Middle-earth, Vol. 7: The Treason of Isengard, XIV: "Farewell to
Lórien"
https://www.personalityclub.com/blog/lord-of-the-rings-personality-chart/
Categories:
Featured articles
Articles to be expanded
Cleanup
Dúnedain of the North
Men of Gondor
Elf friends
Fellowship members
Kings of Gondor
Kings of Arnor
The Lord of the Rings Characters
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (film) Characters
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (film) Characters
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film) Characters
Characters in Born of Hope
Characters in The Hunt for Gollum
Major characters (The Lord of the Rings)
Kings
Battle of helm's deep members
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Black Cauldron

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The Chronicles of Prydain

The Chronicles of Prydain is a pentalogy of children's high fantasy Bildungsroman

The Book of Three (1964)

In 1989, Greenwood Publishing Group published The Prydain Companion: A Reference

Characters are grouped by the book where they first appear.

Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper. The main protagonist of The Prydain Chronicles, he is

Fflewddur Fflam, son of Godo. A cantrev lord of Prydain, he is considered a minor

King Morgant. Ruler of the kingdom of Madoc.[27]

Glew. Resentful of his diminutive stature, Glew turns to magical potions to

Dorath. A treacherous bandit and mercenary. His unofficial second-in-command is the

Craddoc. An old shepherd who claims a connection to Taran.

Llassar, son of Drudwas. Young and enthusiastic to prove himself as a man, he is a

Morda. An evil sorcerer who wishes to attain ultimate power.

The High King

The Book of Three

Content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.

The Book of Three

The Chronicles of Prydain

Series of children's fantasy novels by Lloyd Alexander

Content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.

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The Black Cauldron (novel)

The High King

The Book of Three

Content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.

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The Castle of Llyr

The High King

The Book of Three

Content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.

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All of the proper names in Prydain are historical or mythological.[2] A few

The High King

The Book of Three

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The High King

For other uses, see High King (disambiguation).

The Castle of Llyr

1966 novel by Lloyd Alexander

Content is available under CC BY-SA 3.0 unless otherwise noted.

Arwen is aragorns beloved,a daughter of elrond

Young Aragorn with the shards of Narsil, by Anna Lee

Escorting the hobbits

Strider at The Prancing Pony in Bree

All that is gold does not glitter,

— Bilbo's poem about Aragorn[5]

At least part of this article or section is of insufficient length or lacking

After it was proposed to go through Moria, Aragorn reluctantly agreed to go and

Aragorn saying goodbye to Boromir after his death

Aragorn at Amon Hen

The Three Hunters, by Ted Nasmith

Where now are the Dunedain, Elessar, Elessar?

- Galadriel's message to Aragorn[13]

Night Battle on Helm's Deep, by Shin Lin

Aragorn and the Army of the Dead attacks the orcs

Aragorn, son of Arathorn, King of Gondor

An artist's conception of Aragorn at The Prancing Pony

He also appeared to possess a nigh-indomitable will. At one point, he was able to

Aragorn with Andúril, Flame of the West

Elessar - Aragorn's name as king (Quenya)

As king, Aragorn had many titles: