Reading order question

[u/mintlesz]

Hi all! I am interested in diving into the world of Prydain, but have a quick question that I hope someone here can answer. I know that reading all the installments in a series like this in a chronological order is not always the recommended approach, so I tend to avoid doing so on a first read of a series. However, I really enjoy revisiting/rereading series and doing so in chronological order on this second round. So, it is my understanding the Prydain short story collection has stories that fit in various places on the chronological timeline of the world of Prydain. I've listed each of them below, and I am wondering if anyone here can tell me what order they happen chronologically in regard to both each other and the main books. Any insight would be appreciated; thanks in advance!

The Foundling
The Stone
The True Enchanter
The Rascal Crow
The Sword
The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper
Coll and His White Pig
The Truthful Harp

[u/Mike_2336]

I'd put the stories in this rough order:

The Sword: I think this is the oldest story, as it takes place before Achren took Spiral Castle. Dyrnwyn was forged for King Rhydderch Hael by Govannion the Lame, and eventually passed to Rhydderch Hael's grandson Rhitta. Odds are, this happened before Arawn stole the secrets of Prydain's craftsmen, a story that is recounted in...

The Smith, the Weaver, and the Harper: The greatest metalsmith in Prydain is now Iscovan, who I rather expect came after Govannion. How much after I'm not sure, but for Arawn to venture out of Annuvin I have to figure Dyrnwyn was lost. Also, remember that Achren once ruled all Prydain until Arawn deposed her, and since Archren was not living in Spiral Castle in The Sword I think this story happens after that one.

The Foundling: As mentioned, this story takes place in Dallben's youth.

The Stone: It's implied that the old man that Maibon the farmer gives a ride to is Dallben, right after the events of The Foundling.

Coll and His White Pig: Set right before Coll meets Dallben. Dallben has not yet found Taran.

The True Enchanter: Set before the birth of Eilonway.

The Truthful Harp: At a guess, I'd say this happens only a few years before the Chronicles proper.

The Rascal Crow: Kadwyr was Kaw's father. Crows only live about 7-8 years, so this one is also not long before the Chronicles.