Dallben is the wise old wizard that lives in Caer Dallben. Dallben is Taran's mentor and foster-father. Dallben is also the owner of the pig, Hen Wen, and knows how to use her powers. The movie character Dallben is a mix between of the two characters of Dallben and Coll from the original books.
Dallben is a very interesting character. He cares very deeply for Taran, but is willing to risk his life ( and Taran's for that matter ) for the good of Prydain. He is a very solid character, husky, with white hair, and balding. He bears a great resemblance to Fflewddur Fflam: same round nose, bushy eyebrows, and chin. About the only difference is where Dallben is round all over, Fflewddur is skinny except for his pot-belly.
Dallben in the books is very much the same character. He is old, wise, only one who knows how to use Hen's powers, and cares for Taran and Hen Wen. But this Dallben gets all his wisdom from The Book of Three. Dallben was raised by the Witches of Morva. He was found in a basket in the marshed one day. Orddu and Orwen wanted to raise him while Orgoch wanted to eat him. They raised Dallben into a fine young boy, but one day he accidently swallowed some potion for wisdom, thus becoming as wise as the three witches. They decided he could no longer stay with them. As a going away gift, they gave him a choice between a sword, a harp, and a book. Dallben chose the book and aged with the knowledge when he read from it. He then learned of Hen Wen, and tried to save her from danger. The Coll invited Dallben to stay with him on his farm. Then it became known as Caer Dallben.
