Coll is a good-natured, former warrior who has retired to a quiet life as a gardener and farmer. His beloved white pig, Hen Wen, is abducted in the middle of the night by mysterious horsemen working for the Dark Lord of Prydain (the Lord of the Land of Death.) Hen Wen possesses magical, oracular powers that the dark forces want to use for evil. Coll leaves his peaceful farm and journeys with forest friends to rescue her and prevent disaster.
The story takes place years before the events of The Book of Three and long before Coll meets Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper. t was later included as a story in the 1983 and later editions of Alexander's short story collection The Foundling and Other Tales of Pryda.
This copy is in mint condition signed by the author: "For Harry with the friendliest wishes, Lloyd. 13 Nov. 1965."
