The Arkadians (Lloyd Alexander)

Author Biography

Lloyd Alexander (1924-2007) was the widely renowned author of numerous fantasy novels, most famously The Chronicles of Prydain. His honors include a 1966 Newbery Honor for The Black Cauldron and the 1969 Newbery Medal for The High King.

Published By: Dutton Children’s Books

Year: 1995

ISBN: 0-525-45415-2

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

A runaway bean counter, a mystical girl, a poet-turned-jackass, a village scapegoat, a king in disguise, a goat boy, a cunning sailor, mighty riders and wise women… Fate and adventure bring all these characters together in this witty reimagining of Greek mythology.

Plot Summary:

The land of Arkadia was once governed by wise women, until the Bear tribe conquered and established their patriarchy. The tribe now maintains an uneasy peace with the followers of the old ways. That is until King Bromios visits the oracle Woman-Who-Talks-to-Snakes, who utters a prophecy that seems to foretell his doom. In reply, he forbids all of the old, sacred women’s practices on pain of death.

Meanwhile, young palace clerk Lucian uncovers corruption in the court and barely escapes with his life. In doing so, he gains three new friends: a poet transformed into a donkey named Fronto, chieftain-turned-scapegoat Argeus Ops, and Joy-in-the-Dance, a spirited young woman well-versed in old lore, medicine and magic. Together they set out to visit the legendary Lady of Wild Things, in hopes that she can provide the answers each craves. This journey brings them still more colorful friends (mischievous Goat Prince Catch-a-Tick, crafty shipmaster Oudeis, and others), sends them through mountains and palaces and over the sea, and leads to the telling and the making of grand stories. Might it also lead to the end of persecution and restore the ancient wisdom’s place of honor?

Critical Evaluation:

Readers of Lloyd Alexander’s renowned Chronicles of Prydain will undoubtedly be eager to explore this lesser-known and more lighthearted novel, which draws on Greek mythology much as the Prydain books draw on Welsh legends. Medusa, Narcissus, Pandora, Atalanta, Theseus and the Minotaur, Jason and the Argonauts, centaurs, satyrs, the Trojan War, the wanderings of Odysseus… All these myths and more have equivalents here, combined in the Wizard of Oz-like journey of a brave yet bumbling young hero, a quirky and feisty girl with whom he bickers yet eventually falls in love (strong shades of Prydain’s Taran and Eilonwy), and a motley crew of companions both comic and noble. Alexander deftly hints that the myths we know today are embellished retellings of the “true” stories found in this book: stories much more down-to-earth and comedic than the familiar ones, with less conventionally heroic heroes and much more intelligent, competent women.

The feminist slant that Alexander brings to the old tales, and the theme of wise, peaceful ancient matriarchy vs. destructive conquering patriarchy, will be much appreciated by many readers. Granted, it leans toward “sitcom” feminism, applying the stock Women Are Wiser trope yet featuring only two major female characters, a love interest and a mother. All the same, the well-intentioned message shines forth, as does wit, charm and excitement. Young readers, especially lovers of Greek mythology who can recognize the myriad references to and reworkings of the ancient legends, should find something to smile about on every page.

Curriculum Ties:

*Greek mythology

*Fantasy worlds
*Feminism

Challenge Issues:

*Violence

*The word “jackass”

Why This Book?

Part loving homage to Greek legend and part parody, this adventure book is a rollicking good time for any lover of mythology and storytelling.