In the year 674, Ecgberht the Cyning and his entire giseth were slaughtered in the Anderedsweald. Their defeat sent shock waves throughout Cant.In Thanatus, Almund, Smith and the surviving men are struggling with the trauma of their battle with the Draugr. An experience that changed each of them forever. With a handful of warriors, Almund and Smith enter the forest to hunt down the truth behind the horrors he suspects deep within the Anderedsweald.
When night took hold would he stand in awe at those bodies forever beyond his touch? The trunk was far wider than he was tall, black and shining, gnarled, at first glance it reminded him of an ancient yew with many trunks intertwined as one, like wide ropes, knots and boles, a parody of a tree with no leaves or needles but an array of small bones, none of its branches swayed in the breeze. It stood brooding, motionless like no other tree he had ever seen. Its trunk formed of faces screaming to be free, arms and legs entwined with bodies. Locked together for eternity, its main branches composed of long bones fused as one, branching off into smaller versions of themselves a grotesque mockery of natural trees, ending in bud-like structures of knuckles, small bones and teeth looking much like fruit and flowers. Prydain stood eighty feet tall, it's all-encompassing branches appeared just as wide casting a bone-chilling shadow across the snow. Almund took a deep breath as he stepped back, slipping on a half-buried pile of bones that crunched beneath his boot. At first glance, Prydain looked as though conjured by some mad sorcerer, not grown from this good earth, but this was no trick, for all its deathly stillness he could feel its energy not formed by man but planted, its roots deep within the earth, abet many years ago in this rich soil for the veneration of Achren.
Draugr, the first of three Novellas In The Chronicle of Achren Series.The Warbands returned safely as a civil war in Cant was averted.Almund and Smith after months away had returned to Thanatus to continue their training. While all enjoyed this period of peace. A new foe bent upon the destruction of Achren and Thanatus gathers in the Anderedsweald. When a boat laden with Saxon bodies are washed up on the beach, a young boy is found to be the only survivor. It falls to Almund along with Smith and his Mentor Rand to unravel the horrors described by the young Saxon. It's just the beginning of a struggle in a place where the essence holds no sway, between the forces of Achren against the Undead, sent by an enemy so tied to the dark it could mean the end.
The peaceful land of Prydain is under threat. The evil Lord of Annuvin is using the dark magic of the Black Cauldron to create a terrifying army of deathless warriors. The Cauldron must be destroyed, and Taran joins Prince Gwydion and his faithful knights, Ellidyr and Adaon, in this perilous quest. Taran is desperate to wear his first sword and prove his worth amongst such noble men. But their adventure will demand great sacrifices, as each warrior fulfils his destiny in totally unexpected ways. The second book in Lloyd Alexander's classic fantasy epic The Chronicles of Prydain. "Lloyd Alexander is the true High King of fantasy." - Garth Nix A Newbery Honour Book 1966
Taran is desperate for adventure. Being a lowly Assistant Pig-Keeper just isn't exciting. That is, until the magical pig, Hen Wen, disappears and Taran embarks on a death-defying quest to save her from the evil Horned King. His perilous adventures bring Taran many new friends: an irritable dwarf, an impulsive bard, a strange hairy beast and the hot-headed Princess Eilonwy. Together, they face many dangers, from the deathless Cauldron-Born warriors, dragons, witches and the terrifying Horned King himself. Taran learns much about his identity, but the mysterious Book of Three is yet to reveal his true destiny. "Lloyd Alexander is the true High King of fantasy." - Garth Nix
In this thrilling climax of the classic fantasy The Chronicles of Prydain, Death Lord Arawn has stolen the black sword Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom. At the request of Prince Gwydion, Taran rallies friends both old and new to raise an army to march against Arawn's terrible warriors. Together, they must battle through a frozen wasteland to Mount Dragon, where a deadly confrontation awaits and Taran's true destiny will at last be fulfilled. "Lloyd Alexander is the true High King of fantasy." - Garth Nix Winner of the Newbery Medal 1969
Taran Wanderer, the fourth book in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain Taran is an Assistant Pig-Keeper no longer--he has become a hero. Now he dreams of winning the hand of Princess Eilonwy, but how can someone who has spent his whole life caring for a pig hope to marry royalty? Taran must find out who he really is. Eager to learn his origins and hoping to discover noble roots, Taran sets off with the faithful Gurgi. The journey takes the companions to the three witches in the Marshes of Morva and through the many realms of Prydain. At last they reach the mystical Mirror of Llunet, which reveals a person's true identity. Yet Taran may not be ready to face the truth. . . . Includes a new pronunciation guide.
The Earliest Prose Literature of Britain “So they took the blossoms of the oak, and the blossoms of the broom, and the blossoms of the meadow-sweet, and produced from them a maiden, the fairest and most graceful that man ever saw. And they baptized her, and gave her the name of Blodeuwedd.” - Lady Charlotte, The Mabinogion Published by Lady Charlotte in the 19th century, The Mabinogion is a collection of 12 Welsh legends compiled initially by the Welsh authors in the 12th and 13th century. The legends include King Arthur and other medieval heroes who succeed against all odds every time they face great danger. Xist Publishing is a digital-first publisher. Xist Publishing creates books for the touchscreen generation and is dedicated to helping everyone develop a lifetime love of reading, no matter what form it takes
In 'The Mythology of the British Islands' by Charles Squire, readers are taken on a fascinating journey through the rich tapestry of myths and legends that have shaped the cultural landscape of the British Isles. Squire delves into the ancient tales of gods, heroes, and folklore from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England, providing a comprehensive look at the literary heritage of the region. His writing style is both informative and engaging, making this book a valuable resource for those interested in British mythology and its influence on literature and culture. The inclusion of original texts and translations adds depth to Squire's analysis, offering readers a deeper understanding of the stories and their significance. Charles Squire's meticulous research and scholarly approach to the subject make 'The Mythology of the British Islands' a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the enchanting world of Celtic and British folklore.
This sets the ancient tales of gods and heroes in the context of the burgeoning interest among spiritual seekers of all persuasions in the ancient celtic mythical and legendary traditions.
