The Book of Three

by Lloyd Alexander

Grades 5-8; Genre - Fantasy; GRL U; AR pts. 7.0

This the first of five in a series about Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his lively companions as they seek to save Prydain from evil.

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1

1. Summarize the introduction to this story. Taran is a young man and pig keeper; he wants to learn to sword fight but is told it isn’t time yet; his mentor and protector, Dallben, told him about the Horned King, an evil man who has risen to power; bees came through the farm and spooked the animals; the oracular pig escaped and Taran went after her, even though he was told not to go into the forest p.11

Chapter 2

1. Describe Taran. Assistant pig-keeper; young man who is anxious to experience the world; wants to learn to sword fight but isn’t allowed; persistent; loyal p.24

Chapter 3

1. Describe Gurgi. A hairy humanoid creature that can talk p.37

Chapter 4

1. Summarize this chapter. Gurgi shows Taran and Gwydion where the Horned King is, and they learn his plans; Hen Wen isn’t to be found; they were attacked p.43

Chapter 5

1. Describe Achren. A queen who has sided with Arawn; she’s evil but pretends to be nice to get what she wants; beautiful, pale and strong p.54

Chapter 6

1. Describe Eilonwy. A girl two years younger than Taran and as tall as him; reddish gold hair to her waist; has a delicate and elfin face with high cheekbones; descends from the Sea King; is Achren’s niece; will help Taran to get back at her aunt for whipping her p.65

Chapter 7

1. Summarize this chapter. Eilonwy came back to free Taran and started to lead him outside to meet Gwydion, but he fell into a chamber; Eilonwy joined him and will hopefully lead him out of the castle p.74

Chapter 8

1. Describe the room Taran and Eilonwy found. A burial ground and treasury for the past king; it held jewels, weapons and bodies laid there from long ago p.87

Chapter 9

1. Predict what Taran will do? Go after Hen Wen or warn the Sons of Don? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer

Chapter 10

1. Why do the harp strings break? Fflewddur lies p.109

Chapter 11

1. What helped Taran’s attitude toward Gurgi? Gurgi tried to give back his portion of food p.122

Chapter 12

1. Summarize this chapter. The companions were forced to revise the path they took to Caer Dathyl; Gurgi was hurt; Melygnar found his way through the pass; wolves were following them to get to Gurgi; they were above the horse and Gurgi and sprang at the end of this chapter p.124

Chapter 13

1. Describe Medwyn. An old man who lives in a valley hidden from the world; animals are kind to each other in the valley; he’s possibly the man who built a boat during a flood and saved two of each animal p.136

Chapter 14

1. Summarize this chapter and predict what will happen to Taran and his companions. The companions set out following Medwyn’s instructions, they decide to go down to the valet instead of go along the cliffs, they get sucked into the lake; listen to your child’s answer p.147

Chapter 15

1. Describe King Eiddileg. Dwarven King; yellow beard; plump; wore a red and green robe and rings on his fingers; impatient; frustrated with Taran and his companions for coming to their land; doesn’t want to let them go; magical p.162

Chapter 16

1. Describe Doli; dwarf who was asked to be their guide; grumpy; feels inadequate because he can’t turn invisible; very good guide; red eyes p.175

Chapter 17

1. Why is Taran upset at the end of this chapter? Hen Wen is gone, and the companions are being hunted by Gwyn the Hunter p.192

Chapter 18

1. How is Fllewder courageous in this chapter? He puts Taran and Eilonwy on the horse to send them to Caer Dathyl as he stands to fight p.198

Chapter 19

1. Summarize the reunion between Taran and Gwydion. They thought each other was dead, but they learned what happened to each other; Taran wept when he saw him p.207

Chapter 20

1. Name one way Taran developed as a character in this book. He shows humility and takes responsibility; he realizes his mistakes.