The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander is a collection of short stories set in the richly imagined fantasy world of Prydain, the same setting as Alexander’s acclaimed Chronicles of Prydain series (which begins with The Book of Three and culminates in the Newbery Medal–winning The High King). First published in 1973, this companion volume offers readers a deeper look into the myths, folklore, and everyday lives of Prydain’s inhabitants through humorous, poignant, and often wise folkloric tales.
The title story, “The Foundling,” tells the origin of Dallben the enchanter—one of the most important and mysterious figures in the main series—revealing how he was discovered as an infant in a field of cabbages and raised by kindly farmers before his magical destiny unfolded. Other stories feature familiar characters like Coll, Fflewddur Fflam, and even a young Taran, as well as original figures such as the mischievous bard Fflewdur Fflam or the clever pig-keeper Gwystyl. Each tale is crafted in the style of traditional Welsh mythology (which inspired the Prydain books), blending whimsy, moral lessons, and a touch of melancholy.
Written with Alexander’s signature warmth, wit, and lyrical prose, The Foundling enriches the Prydain saga by exploring its cultural fabric and offering moments of levity and reflection outside the epic arc of the novels. While not a sequel or a novel in itself, this collection is a treasured addition for fans of the series and an accessible entry point for new readers intrigued by a world where magic, honor, and humility shape the course of heroism.
