The Black Cauldron

Picking up where The Book of Three leaves off, The Black Cauldron is a tale that is on a torrid pace, compared to its predecessor.

Adaon (moral ideal) and Ellidyr (morally corrupt) serve as foils to each other, with Taran somewhere in the middle, and with the potential to become one or the other, depending on the choices he makes. Or, in psychology terms, Id, Ego, Superego, though not in that order.

Adaon's brooch adds an interesting aspect to the story. SpoilerWhile I was sad that Adaon died (and died willingly, at that), it allowed Taran the opportunity to bear the brooch - the wonders of dreaming a cryptic future, as well as the responsibility and burden of owning this knowledge.

SpoilerIn contrast, Ellidyr is a miserable, selfish character, and yet, his redemption is complete when he sacrifices himself in order to destroy the cauldron... but really, who did not see that coming?

I enjoy the nonsensical banter that we get upon entering the Marshes of Morva. It adds a lighthearted dimension to an otherwise serious tale of high stakes. It is somewhat refreshing that the witches are outside of time, and are less concerned with what these mortals are so consumed by - Orwen, Orddu, and Orgoch don't have a vested interest (or at least, they don't let on that they do) in the outcome of that which happens outside their Marsh, and yet, readers get the feeling that they have the potential to be a great ally to Taran and his Companions. Perhaps, in their own way they are.

In terms of adventure and excitement within the Chronicles of Prydain, I would say that The Black Cauldron is second only to that of The High King.