Taran Wanderer (The Chronicles of Prydain, #4)

Taran Wanderer (1967) is a high fantasy novel by American writer Lloyd Alexander, the fourth of five volumes in The Chronicles of Prydain. The series follows Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he nears manhood while helping to resist the forces of Arawn Death-Lord. The story follows Taran as he "wanders" with Gurgi, but without most of his former companions from the other Chronicles. He searches for his noble or common lineage in the eastern regions of Prydain, far from both the realm and forces of Arawn and the demesne of the High King. Along the way, he meets many people, learns new skills and crafts, and confronts some rough characters. According to the author, "he learns to reshape his life out of his own inner resources, for there must not only be an end to childhood but also a beginning of manhood."