The High King

Good old Doli!

The last of the Prydain chronicles completes its tale as one would expect - with a final battle between enemies. As in any war, there is loss, even in victory.

SpoilerThose who survive - and not everyone does - get what they deserve (others, more or less); and those who are lost along the way do not die in vain. Each fallen comrade is acknowledged, even if their send-off is hasty, as time presses on, and pushes our Companions to the inevitable End.

QUIBBLES:
SpoilerThe one thing I disliked was that GLEW of all people was rewarded for his poor behaviour. I would have felt it more just to have left him in a cave of treasures by himself. Also, as I have mentioned in other reviews on this series, I feel that the story involving the Ladies of Morva is never truly resolved, as they don't make good on their promise to take from Taran that which he loves most.

FAVOURITE MOMENT:
SpoilerOne of the more heartwarming scenes is the one in which Fflewddur selflessly gives up his beloved harp(p. 232-3). A mainstay throughout the series, and a comedic tool as much as anything, Fflewddur's musical accompaniment was just one of a number of things that would not remain intact at the end of the tale.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
SpoilerThe ending is bittersweet; our Companions celebrate victory, even as they must say goodbye and make difficult choices. Our band of adventurers must part ways, making noble sacrifices (Eilonwy)and admirable decisions (Taran). It is fitting that as Taran bids farewell to many of his peers, the journey also ends for the reader. The High King is a lovely ending to the Prydain chronicles.