He was sometimes seen to doubt himself in making important decisions. Personal honor, adhering to oaths and upholding a basic morality were also uppermost in Taran's mind and heart. He harbored an intense desire to prove his worth and heroism through noble and warrior-like acts. Taran was courageous, though occasionally (in his early youth) rash and foolhardy. For all we may know, however, Taran could have been black, brown, pink, golden-yellow or red as clay. In the 1985 Disney film The Black Cauldron (see downpage), he has reddish-brown hair and brown eyes, and seems of about fourteen years of age. In the early 1980s covers Taran's hair is shaggy and golden blonde.

In Don Maitz's 1970s covers Taran's hair is wavy brown. In Evaline Ness's original 1960s cover illustrations, as in the 1990s covers by Jody Lee, Taran is depicted with lanky black hair.

As a result, Taran has been depicted in a variety of ways. Nor are readers provided much description of the character's appearance, except hints that he was tall and strong, if somewhat skinny. In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.Taran's age is never given in the series, though at the outset he seemed to be approximately thirteen years old. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today’s generation of young fantasy lovers. The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for “the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.”Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander’s beautifully written tales not only captured children’s imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard the ever-faithful Gurgi and the curmudgeonly Doli-all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Annotation: The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions! Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero.Series Title: The Chronicles of Prydain.

The chronicles of prydain age level