It's about trying to do what's right. And failing, often.

You are reminding me how much I loved the Prydain books, and that I maybe ought to go read them again. (Because Hen Wen. 'nuff said.)

Narnia has been lauded and criticized because of its coziness- its static, perfect magical land (unless, of course, it's been overrun by Bad People). Thinking on it a little more, Prydain is almost a polar opposite - it's forever changing, a long way from perfect, downright dangerous in the right places, and somewhat less than magical.