The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander centers on a narrative of a farm boy called Taran who attempts to save the world from imminent doom. The nature of heroism is the main theme discussed in the book. Taran is yearning to have adventures so that he can be like the heroes he often hears of in stories. He doesn’t want to be a lad who tends pigs on a farm. His greatest wish is to leave the farm but Dallben and Coll keep him at his tedious activities and chores. Taran is tasked with monitoring Hen Wen, a magical pig. The Horned King threatens the land to ban Taran from leaving the farm. Nevertheless, Hen Wen leaves the farm forcing Taran to look for her. Taran manages to escape an attack by the Horned King where he is rescued by Prince Gwydion. Gwydion and Taran set out to look for Hen Wen.
Gwydion and Taran are captured by Achren, the evil witch. However, Taran is helped by a chatty girl named Eilonwy to escape. As they flee, the castle collapses. Taran assumes that Gwydion is in the next cell and requests Eilonwy to free him. Nonetheless, it turns out to be Fflewddur Fflam. Taran and his new friends believe that Gwydion is dead. The three journeyed experiencing hardships and torture in search of Hen Wen. Eventually, they locate Hen Wen and set out to Caer Dathyl. The armies of the Horned King attacked Caer Dathyl. The Horned King and his army were all killed. Here, Gwydion appears and Taran learns that he is the one who killed The Horned King. Gwydion explains to Taran and his friends how he had been taken to another place of torture by the time Spiral Castle was collapsing. Finally, Taran and his companions are rewarded for their efforts and Eilonwy and Gurgi decide to stay at Caer Dathyl.
As Taran experiences hardships, he discovers that heroes are made by their characters and not appearances. Heroes usually make tough decisions. Taran’s perceptions of objects and individuals are one-dimensional. The author has used characters who keep the book grounded. The story is imbedded in a myth that makes readers realize that real heroism is found in the journey and not the destination. Besides, the story indicates that heroes may not look like heroes and what appears brave may just be a bad perception.
