Taran, through his own choices, had fulfilled a prophecy from The Book of Three which foretold that a boy of no known birth would rise up and, after defeating a serpent (a form taken by the Death Lord), choose a kingdom of sorrow over a kingdom of happiness. With this decision, Dallben and Gwydion revealed to Taran that he had earned more than his honor he had earned the title of High King of Prydain. Eilonwy, descendant of enchanters, was bound to the journey along with all those of magic lineage. Taran remained steadfast in his decision. Dallben warned Taran that he would give up eternal happiness for a difficult life that might end without any acknowledgement of his efforts. Invited on the voyage, Taran asked for Eilonwy's hand in marriage yet soon, after reflection, he made the hard decision to stay in Prydain, to rebuild the country and society that had nearly been destroyed. With the Lord of Death's defeat, most of Taran's Companions had to journey to the Summer Country where they would be granted eternal youth and happiness. Eventually he proved his worth, both as a warrior and a man, and did his part in the defeat of Arawn following a pitched battle.

Taran's adventures found him leading armies against Arawn, meeting a trio of witches, attempting to rescue the kidnapped Eilonwy from Achren's clutches, and struggling to come to terms with his own mysterious past. Indeed, much of the series centers on Taran's search for, and validation of, his own worth - as seen by both himself and others. He was sometimes seen to doubt himself in making important decisions. Personal honor, adhering to oaths and upholding a basic morality were also uppermost in Taran's mind and heart. He harbored an intense desire to prove his worth and heroism through noble and warrior-like acts. Taran was courageous, though occasionally (in his early youth) rash and foolhardy. For all we may know, however, Taran could have been black, brown, pink, golden-yellow or red as clay.

In the 1985 Disney film The Black Cauldron (see downpage), he has reddish-brown hair and brown eyes, and seems of about fourteen years of age.

In the early 1980s covers Taran's hair is shaggy and golden blonde. In Don Maitz's 1970s covers Taran's hair is wavy brown. In Evaline Ness's original 1960s cover illustrations, as in the 1990s covers by Jody Lee, Taran is depicted with lanky black hair. As a result, Taran has been depicted in a variety of ways. Nor are readers provided much description of the character's appearance, except hints that he was tall and strong, if somewhat skinny. Taran's age is never given in the series, though at the outset he seemed to be approximately thirteen years old.

The chronicles of prydain age level