The Black Cauldron is the second book in Lloyd Alexander's The Chronicles of Prydain series. The story begins with the protagonist, Taran, who dreams of becoming a hero and gaining recognition, attending a council of war at the castle of Caer Dallben. At the council, it's decided that the Black Cauldron, a magical object that the evil King Arawn uses to create undead warriors known as Cauldron-Born, must be stolen and destroyed to prevent Arawn from using it.
The mission to retrieve the Cauldron is fraught with challenges and dangers. Along the way, the group loses one of its members, Ellidyr, who, consumed by pride and a desire for glory, steals the Cauldron for himself. However, he is unable to control the Cauldron's power and dies. As a result, makes him an unintended hero of sorts. His death is a sobering moment for Taran, who begins to realize that heroism isn't about glory but self-sacrifice and doing what's right, even when it's difficult.
The group then learns that the only way to destroy the Cauldron is for a living being to willingly jump into it, a sacrifice that will result in death. Taran offers himself, willing to sacrifice his life to ensure the Cauldron's destruction and the safety of Prydain. However, before he can do so, Gurgi, a loyal creature who has become one of Taran's dearest friends, jumps into the Cauldron instead.
In the end, the Cauldron is destroyed, and Gurgi is miraculously restored to life by three enchantresses who had previously owned the Cauldron, leaving Taran and his friends to return to Caer Dallben. The victory is bittersweet, with the group grieving for Ellidyr but grateful for Gurgi's survival. Now understanding the true meaning of heroism, Taran is a changed person, one step closer to becoming the leader he aspires to be.
