The High King

The High King is a 1968 epic fantasy novel for young adults by American author Lloyd Alexander. The fifth and final installment of the series The Chronicles of Prydain, it borrows from Welsh mythology, following the coming-of-age of Taran as he faces off against a devious autocrat Arawn Death-Lord. The book covers the land of Prydain’s final standoff against Arawn and the attempt to install a virtuous High King. The High King was considered a powerful ending to the series, especially for its depiction of the hero’s sacrifice and plot resonances with the devastation World War II inflicted on Europe.

The novel begins almost immediately after the end of the previous book, Taran Wanderer. Taran travels with Gurgi to Caer Dallben, having learned that Princess Eilonwy is back from the Isle of Mona. Taran intends to propose to her as soon as he can. The men meet her at her estate, as well as her protector-companion, King Rhun of Mona, and a giant named Glew, who had been shrunk to human size after drinking a magic potion. Taran’s proposal plans are cut short when Fflewddur Fflam arrives atop Llyan carrying the Prince of Don, Gwydion. They learn that Arawn’s soldiers ambushed the prince, stealing Dyrnwyn, a magical sword. Fflewddur reveals that Arawn himself participated in the attack; Achren discovers that he shapeshifted into the likeness of Taran to disguise himself, tricking Gwydion into falling for the trap. Gwydion resolves to reclaim the sword, and the party breaks up to search in different directions and run various errands.

Gwydion and Taran go to Caer Cedarn and are captured by Magg, a despotic steward. Eilonwy sends Fflewddur Fflam in disguise to Magg’s fortress, where he discovers their friends’ condition. They use Gwystyl’s magical weapons to bail out the prisoners. In the process, however, Rhun sacrifices himself.



Refusing to make another foolish mistake, Gwydion stops searching for the sword and prepares for a war at Caer Dathyl. Taran, Fflweddur, and Gwystyl leave in search of allies, and Kaw goes to Medwyn to plea for support from a host of elemental creatures, united by their common interest of defeating Arawn. The party’s efforts succeed, and forces begin to assemble at Caer Dathyl. During the preparations for war, King Pryderi returns from the west. He reveals that he now supports Arawn, because his war is intended to end all other wars. The council rejects him but allows him to return to his troops.

The following day, the war begins. The Sons of Don and their forces seem to have the upper hand at first, but soon lose ground, resulting in the total destruction of Caer Dathyl. High King Math is killed, causing Gwydion to become the next High King. He strategizes to attack Annuvin by sea with the Sons of Don, since the immortal Cauldron-Born are occupied elsewhere. Taran goes with an army of Commots to slow the Cauldron-Born’s return to Annuvin.

Along with his forces, Taran fends off the Cauldron-Born, driving them into the hills. Assisted by the Fair Folk, they defeat the Huntsmen in charge of a horde of undead. The Cauldron-Born progress to Annuvin, and Gwydion’s army charges to Arawn’s inner stronghold. Once Gwydion has nearly broken through, Taran spots the approach of the Cauldron-Born. He finds Dyrnwyn beneath a rock on a mountain, and kills an undead warrior, causing the destruction of the Cauldron-Born in a single chain reaction. Taran and his allies besiege Annuvin. Arawn shapeshifts into Gwydion’s form, almost stealing the sword from Taran. In the fortress’ Great Hall, Achren saves Taran from a sneak attack by Arawn, dying in the process. Taran slays Arwan using Dyrnwyn. Immediately, Annuvin explodes, collapsing along with almost all of its magical artifacts. Dyrnwyn loses its magical potency.



The victorious forces go to Caer Dallben. There, Gwydion announces that the Sons of Don, and all other individuals who possess magic, must go back to the Summer Country. Taran finally asks for Eilonwy’s hand in marriage, and she happily agrees. As the departure of the Sons of Don draws near, Taran questions his decision. Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch, a trio of witches, materialize before they depart the land, presenting him with a tapestry that predicts his life. Examining it, he senses that his purpose in Prydain is not over, and resolves to stay. Eilonwy relinquishes her magic to remain with him.

After Taran makes his decision public, the oracle Dallben announces that Taran is the next destined High King, citing a prophecy stating that an orphan would claim the throne. He reveals that he discovered Taran as an infant, lying helpless near a battlefield. Taran accepts a number of gifts and takes up the throne, as the people of Prydain celebrate.

A complex and lore-filled novel, with many characters whose stories have developed over the entirety of The Chronicles of Prydain, Alexander’s conclusion ties up the great struggle against Arawn, inaugurating a new era for Prydain.