Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Henry Holt & Company (2006), Paperback, 98 pages
Description
Six short stories dealing with events that preceded the birth of Taran, a key figure in the author's five works on the Kingdom of Prydain.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Crowyhead
A definite must-read for those who are feeling bereft after finishing the Prydain Chronicles.
LibraryThing member tapestry100
Nothing more than a series of short stories to help flesh out the characters and events in the Chronicles of Prydain series, the Foundling is not a necessary read, but does help fill in some of the blanks from the original series.
LibraryThing member mariacle
The final book set in the land of Prydain is not a continuation of Taran's story but a short collection of stories filling in some of the history of Prydain. We learn about Dyrnwyn's history, Dallben's time spent living in the Marshes or Morva, how Fflewdurr got his harp, and Eilonwy's parents
Show More
courtship. A nice collection of stories for those looking to revisit Prydain. Show Less
LibraryThing member badgenome
A short collection of stories that serves as a sort of prequel to the Chronicles. Not really essential, but it's pleasant light reading and a welcome return to Prydain.
LibraryThing member auntieknickers
For all who loved Alexander's series about the Assistant Pig-Keeper, here are stories that provide some of the "back-story" to characters in those books.
LibraryThing member StormRaven
The Foundling is a collection of short stories set in the same fictional world as The Chronbicles of Prydain, and featuring several of the same characters (or, in some cases, their ancestors). The stories in this book are not stricltly necessary, but offer back story and character development for
While this collection is not as good as the series it supports, all of the tales are well-told, and each adds a little bit to the overall picture of Prydain. As a person who loved the five book series, the only thing I didn't like about this book is that there weren't more stories to read.
Show More
several of the secondary characters. Stories featuring Dallben, Coll, Fflewddur Flam, Doli, and Kaw as well as Eilonwy's mother appear. A dark story concerning the sword Dwrnwyn, and a fairy tale like story involving Arawn's theft of human knowledge are also featured.While this collection is not as good as the series it supports, all of the tales are well-told, and each adds a little bit to the overall picture of Prydain. As a person who loved the five book series, the only thing I didn't like about this book is that there weren't more stories to read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member meggie
The Foundling is a wonderful collection of short stories and an absolute must for anyone who enjoyed reading The Chronicles of Prydain as a child, or to a child they know. The Foundling includes a number of the tales referenced in Prydain but never elaborated on, including the story of how Dallben
Show More
found his way into ownership of the Book of Three. Even as an adult, it's a charming read sure to please those who wanted a bit more time with Taran, Eilonwy, and their companions. Show Less
LibraryThing member HippieLunatic
As an avid fan of short stories and the Prydain world, though not so much a fan of the battles with the Death Lord, this collection was a terrific fit for me. I wanted to know about characters, and each of these stories helps to fill out the background of many of my favorites from the other Prydain
My favorites were "The Foundling" and "The True Enchanter," giving me greater access to Dallben and Eilonwy's heritage, my two favorite characters from the other books.
This is certainly not required reading to enjoy Prydain to the fullest for most readers, but it helped to solidify the characters in my heart and mind. I would say it has the highest re-read potential of them all for me.
Show More
characters.My favorites were "The Foundling" and "The True Enchanter," giving me greater access to Dallben and Eilonwy's heritage, my two favorite characters from the other books.
This is certainly not required reading to enjoy Prydain to the fullest for most readers, but it helped to solidify the characters in my heart and mind. I would say it has the highest re-read potential of them all for me.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PatrickNavas
Alexander, L. (1996). The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain; New York: Puffin Books.
What are the fantasy elements of the story?
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander are a highly imaginative collection of short stories (8 in total) designed to teach moral principles to
All the stories revolve around the fanciful world of Prydain, a world of witches (hags), kings, heroes, magical instruments, talking animals, and evil characters like “the Lord of Death.”
How has the author made the story believable?
The author has made the stories believable in the sense that, despite their fanciful nature, they have an easy-to-grasp message that children can understand and hopefully benefit from.
The author also helpfully gives very vivid and detailed descriptions of the environment and characters, making the tales seem more authentic to readers. For example in The Foundling, Alexander writes: “Orddu was a short, plump woman with a round, lumpy face and sharp black eyes” (p. 15).
In the story Rascal Crow, the character Medwyn, described as the “ancient guardian and protector of animals,” is presented in one scene as follows: “Before them stood Medwyn garbed in a coarse brown robe, his white beard reaching to his waist, his white hair about his shoulders, his only ornament a golden band, set with a blue gem, circling his weathered brow. He spread his gnarled and knotted arms in welcome…” (p. 55).
These colorful descriptions paint a vivid picture of the characters and events for readers to envision, helpfully bringing the stories to life and making the characters seem more real and believable.
Is the story logical and consistent within the framework established by the author? Explain why or why not.
The stories are logical and consistent with the author’s framework—the imaginative and magical world of Prydain. However, it is really helpful if readers have already read the previous “Prydain Chronicles” since they do give some needed background into the series of stories and their colorful characters.
Is the plot original and ingenious? What elements are particularly original?
Most of the plots in these short stories have a familiar ring. For example, the first story called the Foundling, begins with the classic idea of a baby found floating in a body of water (like Moses). The novelty of the story lies in the fact that, instead of Pharaoh’s daughter finding Moses floating in a river, you have three “hags” who find a baby at the edges of the “Marshes of Morva.”
By and large the stories are characterized by the classic themes of good vs. evil. The sinister “Arawan, Lord of death,” for example, wants to keep all the magical tools and instruments (harp, hammer, etc.) of Prydain for himself and lock them away in his treasure house. In the end the protagonist, Menwy, boldly rebukes the Lord of death. When the Lord of death tries to attack, he misses, and the song of birds, chiming brooks and melodies of the wind make music that is more beautiful than ever and which causes the Lord of death to flee for his life—a classic case of the forces of good overpowering the forces evil.
Is there a universal truth underlying the metaphor of the fantasy? What universal truth does the fantasy convey?
One thing the Tales of Prydain definitely do is communicate universal truths through the medium of fantasy. Through their actions and examples, the good characters clearly denounce the destructive effects of selfishness while magnifying the principles of generosity, honor, the value of togetherness, and the importance of friendship. That is why, in my opinion, these stories are so valuable. The stories are interesting and entertaining, but they always have an edifying effect on readers by promoting the virtues of compassion, honesty, and integrity.
How does the story compare with other books of the same kind or by the same author?
The stories generally follow a predictable pattern and always seem to have a familiar ring. They are entirely consistent with Alexander’s other books about the world of Prydain. They have the same kinds of characters and always seem to communicate important moral lessons that significantly enhance their value.
What are the fantasy elements of the story?
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander are a highly imaginative collection of short stories (8 in total) designed to teach moral principles to
Show More
children.All the stories revolve around the fanciful world of Prydain, a world of witches (hags), kings, heroes, magical instruments, talking animals, and evil characters like “the Lord of Death.”
How has the author made the story believable?
The author has made the stories believable in the sense that, despite their fanciful nature, they have an easy-to-grasp message that children can understand and hopefully benefit from.
The author also helpfully gives very vivid and detailed descriptions of the environment and characters, making the tales seem more authentic to readers. For example in The Foundling, Alexander writes: “Orddu was a short, plump woman with a round, lumpy face and sharp black eyes” (p. 15).
In the story Rascal Crow, the character Medwyn, described as the “ancient guardian and protector of animals,” is presented in one scene as follows: “Before them stood Medwyn garbed in a coarse brown robe, his white beard reaching to his waist, his white hair about his shoulders, his only ornament a golden band, set with a blue gem, circling his weathered brow. He spread his gnarled and knotted arms in welcome…” (p. 55).
These colorful descriptions paint a vivid picture of the characters and events for readers to envision, helpfully bringing the stories to life and making the characters seem more real and believable.
Is the story logical and consistent within the framework established by the author? Explain why or why not.
The stories are logical and consistent with the author’s framework—the imaginative and magical world of Prydain. However, it is really helpful if readers have already read the previous “Prydain Chronicles” since they do give some needed background into the series of stories and their colorful characters.
Is the plot original and ingenious? What elements are particularly original?
Most of the plots in these short stories have a familiar ring. For example, the first story called the Foundling, begins with the classic idea of a baby found floating in a body of water (like Moses). The novelty of the story lies in the fact that, instead of Pharaoh’s daughter finding Moses floating in a river, you have three “hags” who find a baby at the edges of the “Marshes of Morva.”
By and large the stories are characterized by the classic themes of good vs. evil. The sinister “Arawan, Lord of death,” for example, wants to keep all the magical tools and instruments (harp, hammer, etc.) of Prydain for himself and lock them away in his treasure house. In the end the protagonist, Menwy, boldly rebukes the Lord of death. When the Lord of death tries to attack, he misses, and the song of birds, chiming brooks and melodies of the wind make music that is more beautiful than ever and which causes the Lord of death to flee for his life—a classic case of the forces of good overpowering the forces evil.
Is there a universal truth underlying the metaphor of the fantasy? What universal truth does the fantasy convey?
One thing the Tales of Prydain definitely do is communicate universal truths through the medium of fantasy. Through their actions and examples, the good characters clearly denounce the destructive effects of selfishness while magnifying the principles of generosity, honor, the value of togetherness, and the importance of friendship. That is why, in my opinion, these stories are so valuable. The stories are interesting and entertaining, but they always have an edifying effect on readers by promoting the virtues of compassion, honesty, and integrity.
How does the story compare with other books of the same kind or by the same author?
The stories generally follow a predictable pattern and always seem to have a familiar ring. They are entirely consistent with Alexander’s other books about the world of Prydain. They have the same kinds of characters and always seem to communicate important moral lessons that significantly enhance their value.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Diwanna
A collection of short stories that precede the Prydain series. Cute and very quick to read, like little moral tales, in the vain of Grimm or Aesop. I really enjoyed these short stories.
LibraryThing member MeditationesMartini
I figured I'd go "pointlessish" and give it three stars on general goodwill to Prydain, but these are really pointless. The one about King Rhitta and evil by degrees had some bite, and the one about Eilonwy's parents had some wonderment, and the others had less.
LibraryThing member imyril
A delight for any fan of Prydain - an opportunity to revisit the world, get a glimpse into some of the stories behind the stories, and generally enjoy Alexander's prose.
My only beef would be that this feels more heavily borrowed from the mythologies it is rooted in, so that while the tales of young
Nonetheless, a delight. And I'm not just saying that because I love hanging out with Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch.
My only beef would be that this feels more heavily borrowed from the mythologies it is rooted in, so that while the tales of young
Show More
Dallben, Angharad and to a certain extent Dyrnwyn feel consistent with the Chronicles (although even Angharad and Dyrnwyn are very clearly channelling their origins), others feel more clumsily lifted and dropped into Prydain (I didn't feel this fairytale version of Coll's heroic rescue of Hen Wen from Annuvin chimed with the way it is referenced in the Chronicles).Nonetheless, a delight. And I'm not just saying that because I love hanging out with Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch.
Show Less
LibraryThing member aharey
These short stories provide a good setting and background for Lloyd Alexander's epic Chronicles of Prydain. I gave it three stars because the stories are just too short for my taste (I really prefer novels). However, I enjoyed the story of Dallben's childhood and the story of Angharad, future
Show More
mother of Eilonwy the best. I recommend you read it after the series if you've never read the series before, although I now read it prior to rereading the series (if you are a newbie to the series, the stories won't mean as much to you). Show Less
LibraryThing member aharey
These short stories provide a good setting and background for Lloyd Alexander's epic Chronicles of Prydain. I gave it three stars because the stories are just too short for my taste (I really prefer novels). However, I enjoyed the story of Dallben's childhood and the story of Angharad, future
Show More
mother of Eilonwy the best. I recommend you read it after the series if you've never read the series before, although I now read it prior to rereading the series (if you are a newbie to the series, the stories won't mean as much to you). Show Less
LibraryThing member themulhern
These short stories aren't as engaging as Alexander's full length efforts. Those should certainly be read first.
LibraryThing member SweetKokoro
Pretty simple extra little stories to add to the lore of Pyrdain. I didn't like one more than the other or hate one more than the other. They all were pretty basic and I appreciate the work to create a little more lore.
Awards
Language
Original publication date
1973
1973-11-12
Physical description
98 p.; 7.5 inches
ISBN
0805080538 / 9780805080537
Local notes
A last visit to the world of Prydain, a fleshing out of various small bits of the backstory, and a set of Aesop-like fables.