Melynlas

Melynlas is a grey, silver-maned foal of Melyngar that serves Taran of Caer Dallben throughout most of his adventures in the Chronicles of Prydain novels.

Taran receives Melynlas at the end of The Book of Three as a gift from Prince Gwydion. Like Taran, Melynlas is headstrong and stubborn at times, sometimes finding himself in equal trouble. Yet, as time goes on, Melynlas matures with Taran and proves to be an invaluable ally and trusted friend.

Appearances

In The Book of Three, Prince Gwydion awards Taran with Melynlas, as a gift for helping to defeat the Horned King.

In The Black Cauldron, Melynlas carries Taran during his journeys to Annuvin and the Marshes of Morva. In an act of selflessness, Taran offers Melynlas to Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch in exchange for the Black Crochan, but the mysterious women refuse, stating that, with Orogoch around, it is difficult to keep pets.

In The Castle of Llyr, Melynlas is seen only briefly; he bears Taran to the harbor, where he will escort Princess Eilonwy to the Isle of Mona. Later, when Taran is on a quest to rescue Eilonwy from her abductor Achren, he is given a rather plodding mount and wishes keenly that he had The Swift-footed Melynlas with him.

In Taran Wanderer, Melynlas accompanies Taran in his voyage of self-discovery, and is captured at one point by the soldiers of Lord Goryon, in Cantrev Cadiffor. Using his wits instead of his fists, Taran recovers his beloved steed from the warlord.

In The High King (winner of the Newbery Medal), Melynlas is with Taran every step of the way on the companions' final quest to retrieve Dyrnwyn.