Synopsis
Book 2 of 5 in the Prydain Chronicles. Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his friends are led into a mortal struggle with Arawn and his deathless warriors. Taran must wrest the black cauldron from them, for it is the cauldron that gives them their evil strength. But can he withstand the three enchantresses, who are determined to turn him and his companions into toads? Taran has not foreseen the awful price he will have to pay in his defence of Prydain.- ★★★★★
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- When the enchantresses ask a steep price in exchange for the cauldron, each companion willingly offers what is dearest to them: Gurgi his magic wallet, Eilonwy her bauble and her inheritance, Fflewddur his magic harp, and finally Taran the bardic brooch. Giving from that which you love is a sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ and his companions, whose immense sacrifices helped establish this deen for the rest of us. What would you be willing to sacrifice for others? Could you part with a dear possession?
- Adaon has a true dream that if he continues on the quest to destroy the cauldron, it will lead to his death. Yet he forges ahead, saying that there is a destiny laid on each of us, and that submission brings him peace. Muslims submit to the will of Allah ﷻ. We know that whatever Allah ﷻ has planned for us will lead to the best of outcomes and acceptance brings peace and contentment. Has anything unpleasant happened to you? Can you think of a way it benefited you?
- Ellidyr struggles with his ego, fighting with others and imagining insults when none were intended. His jealousy of Taran leads him to try to take credit for success by blackmailing others, threatening the entire mission. Jealousy and pride are destructive and dangerous. Satan’s downfall stemmed from these two vices. Have you ever felt envious of others? For their looks? Clothes? Popularity? What can we do to remove jealousy from our hearts? Our Prophet ﷺ taught us “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” Our scholars have instructed us to make heartfelt dua for those whom we feel envy toward.
Mindful Muslim Review
A compelling story about the power of sacrifice, the next book in this series follows Taran and his band of friends on a mission to destroy the evil magic of the Black Cauldron. In order to secure it, Taran offers his beloved brooch, whose powers gave him true dreams, enabled him to help others, save lives, learn about the natural world, and appreciate beauty at a higher level. Taran willingly makes this sacrifice to help his community.
The idea of self-sacrifice in post-modern times is held in suspicion as a type of humiliation, an unfair burden the individual should not be asked to bear on behalf of others. Children need to read stories of sacrifice, an integral part of our tradition as Muslims. Our Prophets, peace be upon them, made the greatest sacrifices—of wealth, family, and even life—to secure for us our greatest benefit—the preservation of Divine Revelation.
Mindful Muslim Reader recommends Books 1-5 in this series.
