The character list in the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander expands as the series progresses.. This list considers only those characters, which are added in the novels Taran Wanderer and in The High King. To find about other characters in these books, see the lists of characters for the preceding books.
Aeddan
Aeddan is a farmer who rescues Taran when Lord Goryon’s stooges steal his horse, Melynlas. Taran spends the night with Aeddan and his wife and helps them work the land in return for shelter and food. Later after warring armies destroy Aeddan’s farm, Taran convinces King Smoit to give Aeddan the prize-winning cow, Cornillo, that the two groups were fighting over.
Lord Goryon
Lord Goryon is a liege of King Smoit. He and his neighbor Lord Gast are constantly bickering and battling. The current subject of their battle is a prize-winning cow named Cornillo. Lord Goryon refers to himself as Goryon the Valorous. Taran skillfully navigates the land-mines that surround Goryon’s easily insulted pride and manages to ride away on Melynlas.
Lord Gast
Lord Gast is a liege of King Smoit. He battles with Lord Gast over possession of the cow Cornillo. Gast refers to himself as Gast the Generous. When he shows off his treasure, it becomes clear that he doesn’t understand the true value of items in his treasure house.
The Sorcerer Morda
Morda is a Sorcerer who has poured his life into his finger and then cut it from his hand. By placing his life force in his finger and hiding it, he has achieved immortality. He now seeks to gain the power and wealth to control all of Prydain. In an effort to achieve complete power, he has begun to enchant Fair Folk. The companions find Doli near death in the enchanted form of a frog. During their visit with Morda, Taran discovers the fate of Angharad, Eilonwy’s mother. Taran is able to kill Morda by breaking the finger bone that Morda had hid.
Dorath
Dorath is a bandit. He waylays Taran and his companions and bullies them into allowing him and his band of thugs to accompany them. When the companions attempt to flee, Dorath challenges Taran to a fight. Dorath fights dirty and wins the challenge, taking Taran’s sword as his prize. The two battle again near the end of the book when Taran finds the Mirror of Llunet and seeks to find his answers in its depths.
Gloff
Gloff is a loud-mouthed obnoxious bandit in Dorath’s group.
Craddoc
Craddoc is a crippled old shepherd struggling to survive high in the mountains. When the companions meet Craddoc they realize that he will not survive much longer. Craddoc is desperate and takes advantage of Taran’s quest to pretend that he is Taran’s father. Taran feels angered and trapped. He wants to be of noble birth but he chooses to stay and help Craddoc despite his misgivings and resentment. Craddoc falls to his death and Taran nearly dies attempting to rescue him. Taran uses the magical horn that Eilonwy gave him to seek the help of the Fair Folk. When Taran leaves, he decides to go by the name Wanderer and gives up his quest and decides to learn to make his own living.
Llonio the Lucky
Llonio Son of Llonwen is a small homesteader who lives in expectation of what he needs and with an optimistic eye that always finds what he needs. When Taran leaves him Llonio tells him the secret of his luck “You need only sharpen your eyes to see your luck when it comes, and sharpen your wits to use what falls into your hands.” (505)
Hevydd the Smith
Hevydd is a blacksmith who plies his trade in the Free Commots. Taran apprentices himself to Hevydd who teaches Taran all aspects of the craft. After many failures, Taran succeeds in making an ugly but strong sword. Hevydd offers to employ him permanently but Taran decides that smithing is not for him. Hevydd tells Taran that “Life’s a forge…Face the pounding; don’t fear the proving; and you’ll stand well against any hammer and anvil!”
Dwyvach the Weaver-Woman
Dwyvach is an expert weaver. Taran apprentices himself to Dwyvach who teaches him how to weave. Taran learns the weaving process beginning to end. When he is finishes his project he owns a beautiful cloak of his own design. Dwyvach offers to employ him permanently. Taran refuses, however, Dwyvach leaves him with one piece of wisdom “…if life is a loom, the pattern you weave is not so easily unraveled.” (514)
Annlaw Clay-Shaper
Annlaw Clay-Shaper is one of the most renowned artisans in the Free Commots. Taran asks Annlaw to teach him pottery and Annlaw agrees. Taran discovers that he has a passion for pottery but not the talent to go with it. When he leaves Annlaw he is sorely disappointed.
Drudwas
Drudwas is a farmer and the leader of the men at Commot Asav.
Llassar
Llassar Son of Drudwas is young. He is anxious to join the battle that Taran leads against Dorath’s band who are plundering and terrorizing Commot Asav. He is injured but survives. He joins Taran’s army in The High King.
High King Math
The High King is mentioned in preceding books but the reader doesn’t meet him until The High King. A true noble he is gentle yet strong. However, he is old and tired and ready to die.
King Pryderi Son of Pwyll
King Pyderi is the last character introduced in the series and one of only two introduced in The High King. Pryderi is a powerful soldier and tired of the discord and strife among the kings and cantrev lords. He believes that by joining with Arawn he can bring unity to Prydain. He is arrogant and power hungry. He dies when he attempts to open The Book of Three.
Alexander, Lloyd. The Prydain Chronicles. ISBN 0-03-007431-2
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