"The Black Cauldron" is a fantasy novel written by Lloyd Alexander, published in 1965. It is the second book in the Chronicles of Prydain series, which follows the adventures of a young pig-keeper named Taran. In this story, Taran and his friends embark on a quest to prevent the evil warlord Arawn from using a magical cauldron that can create an army of undead warriors. The novel explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. Taran, along with characters like Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam, faces various challenges as they seek to destroy the cauldron and protect their land, Prydain, from darkness.