Chapters 1-2, The Council at Caer Dallben, and The Naming of the Tasks Summary

Taran, Assistant Pig Keeper at Caer Dallben farm, goes on a quest with his friends to steal the evil Black Cauldron from Arawn, Death Lord, who is using it to create zombie-like minions who cannot be stopped. However, the cauldron has already been stolen, and Taran and his friends decide to search for it. They find it in a marsh, guarded by three witches who exchange it for Taran's magical brooch. Taran and his friends are taking the cauldron back to Caer Dallben when an ambitious young man called Ellidyr takes it from them, wanting the glory for himself. They are all captured by Morgant, a king who covets the power of the cauldron. Ellidyr feels sorry for his...