When I saw THE BLACK CAULDRON I didn't know the original story at all, and not later either have I read the book, although I don't find the story completely miserable. However, I must confess that in fact the legend at the very beginning was the best part of the film. Of course I liked Taran and the pig, and Princess Elena was beautiful, but I was quite shocked when I noticed that there was not a single song in the whole film! For very often it's just the music that makes the Disney films so lovable!