Synopsis
Book 4 of 5 in the Prydain Chronicles. Taran is an Assistant Pig-Keeper no longer; he has become a hero. Now he dreams of winning the hand of the Princess Eilonwy. Eager to find his origins, Taran sets off with the faithful Gurgi on a quest across the marvelous land of Prydain. Their journey takes them to the three witches in the Marshes of Morva, through the many realms of Prydain, and finally to the mystical Mirror of Llunet, which may hold a truth about Taran's identity that he cannot bear to face. In the course of his travels, Taran will learn much about his world and the good and bad people in it but will also discover much about himself. After many hard lessons, Taran learns the secret of the Mirror Llunet and of the past--and finds not an ending but a beginning.- ★★★★★
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- Taran starts his journey with the belief that noble blood makes one superior to ordinary working people. As he interacts with the potters, farmers, and blacksmiths he meets during his travels, how do his views change? What actually makes a person superior to another? The only characteristic that elevates one person over another is taqwa (God consciousness) and good deeds,, not family, race, wealth, power, or fame.
- Reflect on the following statement of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during his farewell sermon: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.”
- Taran works hard to learn pottery, however he does not succeed. He learns that while he may have a passion for pottery, he does not have the natural talent for it. This is a valuable lesson to cultivate your talents and not necessarily ‘follow’ your passions. Instead take your passion with you in whatever you do—a recipe for ihsan (excellence).
- Taran travels to gain knowledge of his family background and of himself. Imam Ghazali, may Allah have mercy on him, noted three reasons to travel: to gain knowledge of the religious sciences, one’s own character and attributes (self-knowledge), or God’s signs and marvels on the earth.
- What does Taran learn from his travels? He learns that it takes many years of hard work to master any new skill, that he is capable of hard work and perseverance, and that it is the actions of people and not their lineage that is admirable, and that a positive attitude and perseverance can overcome major obstacles and smooth one’s path.
- Taran works extensively to learn blacksmithing. He discovers that he is talented and picks up techniques quickly yet he dislikes the work. Are you good at something you don’t like? How did you find out?
Mindful Muslim Review
In the series’ fourth book, we find Taran bitter and angry at his father for abandoning him as a baby, ashamed of his father’s humble status, and desperate to continue his quest to win the hand of Princess Eilonwy. Yet his father needs him on the farm, so Taran, despite his anger, sacrifices his dreams and stays behind to support his father.
This book is a compelling read about traveling to gain self-knowledge. Follow Taran as he meets ordinary people and learns to appreciate their character and manners while growing in maturity, strength, and self-discipline. This book earns our Gold Star because in the guise of a fantastic story, we learn the virtues of hard work, knowing yourself, perseverance, helping those in need but above all serving one’s parents with kindness and respect.
Mindful Muslim Reader recommends Books 1-5 in this series.
