As Taran ages, he wants to discover his heritage, with the hopes of proving he is of royal lineage, and consequently worthy of the hand of Eilonwy. Gurgi, his trusted companion travels with him. Taran never finds his heritage, although one man claims to be his father and uses Taran's work to restore his farm. What Taran does discover is more of who he is, and many friends. He visits King Smoit, and assists him in solving a cattle war that has been going on for years. He does this by rewarding the cows to a farmer, and the calves to the different parties. They encounter Fflewddurr Fflam who joins him. They meet Doli, of the Fair Folk, who is on a grave mission to discover how a wizard Morda has gained entry to the fair realm and stolen gold and jewels. Morda quickly turns Fflam and Gurgi into animals, but he fails to turn Taran, saying it is like fighting himself. Then Taran realizes that a bone the collected, is that of Morda, and into which he has put his life force so he could not be killed. However Taran is able to break the bone and the life force. Morda is no more, and all his enchantments melt away.
But Taran continues to travel. He meets many more interesting country folk, Hevydd the smith, Dwyvach the weaver, and Annlaw the potter. He learns the trade of each, but does not become a master. He realizes he has become who he is through hard work, and returns home, more confidant in himself.
Taran's character grows in this book. However I missed Eilonwy. She has been such a great part in the other books.
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