• Taran Wanderer

  • The Prydain Chronicles, Book 4
  • By: Lloyd Alexander
  • Narrated by: James Langton
  • Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (979 ratings)

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Taran Wanderer  By  cover art

Taran Wanderer

By: Lloyd Alexander
Narrated by: James Langton
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Publisher's summary

Taran, the assistant pig-keeper who wants to be a hero, goes questing for knowledge of his parentage, hoping that his journey will ennoble him in the eyes of Eilonwy, the princess with the red-gold hair. Accompanied by several loyal friends, Taran begins his search when three wily enchantresses of the Marshes of Morva send him to consult the Mirror of Llunet for the answers he is seeking, cryptically promising that "the finding takes no more than the looking". During his adventures he meets Craddoc, the shepherd, and the common people of Prydain, whom he comes to respect and admire. With their help, he continues his mission to learn the secret of the Mirror and the truth about himself.

Don't miss the rest of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles.
©1967 Lloyd Alexander (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"James Langton's narration is outstanding. The earnestness of Taran in both joy and anguish, as well the liveliness of the supporting characters, is memorable." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Taran Wanderer

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Timeless classic

I cannot count the number of times we have listened to this treasure of an audiobook (the whole series is magical). Every member of our family has enjoyed them, kids and parents alike.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wayfarers still journeying for Wanderers at rest

This installment to the Pyrdain Chronicles is my least favorite, The story seemed a little disjointed with him learning the new crafts at the end, but this was all important for him to learn for the next book.

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Remarkable

This is a truely remarkable collection of short stories woven or shaped around the main character. All who would dare to wander should give this book a read.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A philosophical journey through Magical and AdventurousLands

The least, or perhaps the greatest of the Five TARAN TALES, WONDERER takes the Assistant Pig Keeper through 8 Adventures filled with danger and hints of Enchantment on a quest of self discovery.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truly a joy to hear

A story easy to follow and always fulfilling. Tons of thought provoking ideas and wanders you away on its wind

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It’s a good story, but it doesn’t add a lot to the overarching story

I wish this story had more to do with what was happening in pyrdain from the previous books. I still enjoyed it though

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Best of the Series

The Prydain Chronicles was one of my favorite fantasy series as a child. I decided to listen to it again largely out of nostalgia. The story incorporates many old Welsh myths to weave an exciting fantasy world that centers on a boy who dreams of accomplishing big deeds but learns both humanity and courage.

This is my favorite book in the series. Taran has to discover himself through taking on new challenges ranging from farming to blacksmithing to weaving. In the process, he learns more about himself and the value of other people--even those that aren't great heroes.

This book might be a bit scary for very young children but most ages 7 and up will enjoy the magic and adventure.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A tale of manhood and finding oneself

Taran Wanderer is not an adventure story in the same vein as the previous 3 tales. It follows Taran as he quests to find his parentage. While not a traditional adventure tale as the previous stories there are nonetheless some timeless lessons Taran learns along the way and, of course, adventures.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Harry Potter, Percy Jackson Fans This Is For You!

I highly recommend all the Chronicles of Prydain and Taran Wanderer in particular. If you love great adventures, well drawn lovable characters, and profound life lessons, you will love Taran Wanderer. Lloyd Alexander creates the world of Prydain loosely based on Welsh mythology. This is the 4th book in the Chronicles of Prydain, and I recommend reading them in order. The last chapter is wonderful. We listened to it several times. LOVE the advice given to Taran: "trust to luck, but don't forget to put out your nets." Excellent! For those who have listened to Harry Potter, James Langton does as good a job as Jim Dale. It was wonderful to listen to him bring Taran and his friends to life. This is a book written for younger readers (middle school and late elementary) but high schoolers and adults will take much from it also. Do yourself a favor--read these books!

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Excellent read and story!

I originally read these books when I was 12 to 13 and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and coming of age of Taran the main character of the story. At the time it represented want I as a young man was going through. Now, 35 years later, I read this story and connect even more as a person searching for who he truly is. Taran’s travels connected with me and I think can connect with many others in the world today.

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1 person found this helpful