• The Black Cauldron

  • The Prydain Chronicles, Book 2
  • By: Lloyd Alexander
  • Narrated by: James Langton
  • Length: 5 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (648 ratings)

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The Black Cauldron  By  cover art

The Black Cauldron

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

Peace reigns in Caer Dallben, where Taran works as Assistant Pig-Keeper, but evil threatens the rest of Prydain. The diabolical Arawn's army grows every day, and his terrible warriors never die. They are born in the Black Cauldron from the stolen bodies of slain soldiers. If evil is to be defeated, the cauldron must be destroyed. Taran volunteers to travel to Arawn's stronghold and assist in the destruction of the dreaded cauldron. With his faithful friends reassembled, Taran marches off to face great danger with a courageous heart.
Don't miss the rest of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles.
©1965 Lloyd Alexander (P)2004 Random House, Inc, Listening Library, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A wise and wondrous tale written in epic fashion." (Booklist)

What listeners say about The Black Cauldron

Average customer ratings
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Prydain Chronicles

Great book, the narrator was also great, can’t wait to listen to the next one

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The black Cauldron

Audio book review

This was a very interesting story. I really loved the magic, mystery, drama, adventure and dialogue. A pity Disney wasn’t more faithful to the books in the series. This is got me interested in reading the remaining three.

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great narrator and excellent story, of course!

been meaning to give this series a listen for a bit minute... wonderful! didn't disappoint at all!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great Book

My only complaint is the voice actors depiction of Morgant. He sounds like a snake, which cheapens his betrayal by foreshadowing it in a way the author never intended and robbing him of honor earned prior to it.

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One of my favorite books of the series.

Little does Karen know that he will be meeting those three hags again, nor does he know how important they will be to him in the future. this book is full of suspense companionship trials and tribulations and so much more. I love this series & wish they would make it these into a movie.

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Outstanding storytelling!

Timeless classic of that sets the standard for much of the contemporary high fantasy literature and programs we see today. A must read for children, YA and adults.

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Excellent coming of age story for boys

An epic fantasy that follows the struggles of a boy on the brink of manhood and his discovery of the cost of honor.

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Loved it

An incredible story that’s full of magic and mystery, an amazing plot and bittersweet ending.

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Much Better than the Disney Movie

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 book might be a bit scary for very young children but most ages 7 and up will enjoy the magic and adventure. Of all five books in the series, this one is probably the most disturbing for younger children.

My only complaint is that after buying book 1, I discovered that there was an option to buy book 1 and book 2 in the series together as one book, so it ended up costing me an extra credit to get the entire series.

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Better than Book 1

A darker story than book 1, with fantastic character development and a serious look at the shades of good and evil.

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