“The Chronicles of Prydain” by Lloyd Alexander was the first fantasy series I ever read, and it was also my first introduction to Welsh mythology. One book and I was hooked, plain and simple. Our hero is Taran. While we’re never told his exact age, we assume that as the series begins with “The Book of Three,” he’s around fifteen or so. He’s an orphan and was taken in by a wise old man named Dallben, who has not only given him a home but the position of “Assistant Pig-Keeper.” It may sound prestigious, but it’s really not. Taran would … Continue reading →