The Black Cauldron

In the mystical realm of Prydain, a youthful Taran (Taran) harbors aspirations of becoming a renowned warrior on the sun-kissed farm of Caer Dallben, home to the enigmatic Dallben the Enchanter. The wise and venerable Dallben becomes aware that the malevolent Horned King is relentlessly searching for the ancient and powerful Black Cauldron, an artifact capable of conjuring an unbeatable legion of undead warriors known as the Cauldron-Born. Fearing the Horned King's intentions, Dallben instructs Taran to safeguard Hen Wen, a wise and oracular pig with the gift of prophecy, but she is captured by Gwythaints, the Horned King's wyvern-like minions.

Taran embarks on a perilous journey to rescue Hen Wen, encountering the affable yet pestering badger-like creature Gurgi along the way. He assists Hen Wen in her escape from the clutches of the Horned King, but is subsequently captured and imprisoned within the dungeons of the castle. Meanwhile, Princess Eilonwy, another captive, frees Taran and together they stumble upon an ancient burial chamber deep within the catacombs. Taran claims the sword of a long-departed king, imbued with magic that enables him to vanquish the Horned King's minions.

As Taran and Eilonwy make their escape, they are joined by Fflewddur Fflam, a comically inept bard. They find themselves reunited with Gurgi, who has been tracking their journey. The Horned King dispatches his Gwythaints to apprehend the trio. Following Hen Wen's trail, they unwittingly stumble into the subterranean kingdom of the benevolent Fair Folk, who have taken Hen Wen under their protection.

King Eidilleg reveals the location of the Black Cauldron, prompting Taran to decide that its destruction is his duty. However, Eidilleg assigns Doli, his obnoxious right-hand man, to escort the trio to the Marshes of Morva while the Fair Folk ensure Hen Wen's safe return to Caer Dallben. Upon reaching the marshes, they discover that the Black Cauldron is in the possession of three powerful witches - Orddu, Orgoch, and the benevolent Orwen.

Orddu agrees to trade the cauldron for Taran's sword, a decision he soon regrets as the witches reveal that the cauldron is indestructible and its power can only be broken if someone willingly climbs into it, resulting in their own demise. Though Taran feels foolish for his earlier actions, his companions rally behind him, buoying his spirits. However, they are soon captured by the Horned King's minions, and Gurgi flees, leaving the others to face the consequences of their actions.

As the Horned King employs the Black Cauldron to resurrect the dead, his Cauldron-Born army begins to pour out into the world, threatening the very fabric of Prydain.

As Gurgi's unyielding spirit takes hold, he boldly intervenes, rescuing his companions from the clutches of doom. Taran, driven by a sense of selflessness, prepares to plunge into the abyss-like cauldron, intent on saving all who are about to be consumed. However, Gurgi, with unwavering loyalty, seizes the moment, sacrificing himself to save their friends and, inadvertently, destroying the very essence of evil that had threatened them - the Cauldron-born creatures. As the cauldron's dark energy begins to ravage everything in its path, Taran is confronted by the malevolent Horned King, who seeks to offer him as a gruesome sacrifice to the all-devouring vessel.

Just as the Horned King's sinister intentions seem poised to come to fruition, fate intervenes, and the tyrant is brutally torn apart, his dark kingdom crumbling in the process. In the aftermath of this cataclysmic event, three enigmatic witches arrive on the scene, seeking to claim the dormant Black Cauldron for their own purposes.

Taran, now aware of Gurgi's profound friendship, makes a selfless decision, offering the witches the cauldron in exchange for the gift of life, which they agree to grant. With tears of joy streaming down his face, Taran watches as Gurgi is brought back to life, reuniting with their companions in an outpouring of jubilation. As Eilonwy and Taran share a tender moment, sealing their bond, the four friends embark on their journey home to Dallben's care.

Meanwhile, Hen Wen, through her mystical abilities, conjures a vision for Dallben and Doli, allowing them to bear witness to Taran's unyielding courage and ultimate triumph. In this moment of redemption, Dallben finally bestows his praise upon the young hero, acknowledging the depth of his character and the selflessness that has defined his journey.