Major and recurring characters Characters are grouped by the book in which they first appear. The Book of Three Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper. The main protagonist of The Prydain Chronicles, he is a young man who grows from early adolescence to adulthood over the course of the series. Initially defensive, quick-tempered, and impulsive, he matures over the series and makes it a point to improve himself and increase his knowledge. His true parentage a mystery, Taran is mentored by the ancient enchanter Dallben and the two live together in Caer Dallben at a farm owned by the warrior-turned-farmer Coll. Initially unsatisfied with his life as a farmhand, Taran longs to be a hero who finds glory in adventures. By the end of the first book, he reconsiders this opinion and realizes he is happiest living a simple life on the farm Caer Dallben and wants to remain there. Despite this, he is later called back to adventure again. Dallben. When first introduced in The Book of Three, he is already 379 years old. Living on Coll's farm in Caer Dallben, he acts as the protector and mentor of Taran and helps protect the prophetic pig Hen Wen. Some recognize him as the most powerful enchanter in Prydain, and while his displays of power are quite potent they are used sparingly. Coll. A retired warrior of great skill, Coll now lives in his farm in Caer Dallben, acting as caretaker for the oracular pig Hen Wen. On meeting the enchanter Dallben, he allows the ancient man and Taran to take up residence at the farm. When Taran is in his mid-teens, Coll passes may of Hen Wen's responsibilities to him, naming the boy "Assistant Pig-Keeper." Hen Wen. A white oracular pig, blessed with the ability to prophesy future events and reveal hidden information. Hen Wen originally belongs to a simple farmer but the Death-Lord Arawn learns of her oracular power and captures her. She suffers for some time as a prisoner in the dark fortress Annuvin. The warrior Coll eventually journeys into Annuvin alone and rescues the pig, becoming her caretaker. When Coll retires, he keeps her on his farm. Taran and Dallben help look after her after they take residence at the farm. When Taran is a teenager, Coll jokingly bestows on him the official title of Assistant Pig-Keeper. Hen Wen is lost at the beginning of The Book of Three,