Children's Story: Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a classic children’s book series that ultimately tells the life of Jesus. It is especially portrayed in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Aslan represents Jesus Christ by his life, death, and resurrection in the book.

When the children first hear about Aslan from Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, they tell them how Aslan is the great lion and the son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea, but when Susan asks if he is safe, Mr. Beaver replies, “Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he is good. He’s the King, I tell you.” This statement about Aslan is parallel to the nature of God. Following him never grants one a safe and easy life. He is powerful and should be feared, but he is loving and good and wants the best for us.

Edmund betrays his family and Aslan when he tried to join the White Witch’s side, but was rescued by Aslan’s army. The White Witch claims that she should posses all traitors, and Edmund should die on the stone table, but Aslan decides to take his place and give his life instead. This scene represents how Christ took the punishment mankind deserved and was crucified. And just as Jesus was beaten and humiliated, Aslan suffered the same. The White Witch shaved him, laughed and bound him as her demon army cheered. She then stabbed him with a dagger, and he died on the stone table just as Christ died on the cross. As Christ took his last breath, there was an earthquake and the veil in the temple, separating man from God, was ripped from top to bottom. When Aslan rose from the dead, an earthquake cracked the stone table in half showing that the curse is broken, and there will be no more bare, cold winter but spring will take its place with love, warmth, and joy as Aslan reigns. Just as in the Bible, Mary Magdalene, and the mother Mary found Jesus’ empty tomb when he resurrected, Lucy and Susan found Aslan. Before Aslan and the sisters head off to war, he goes to the Witch’s castle and breathes life into his warriors. This act represents the Holy Spirit breathing life into Christians as they fight in a spiritual battle. Aslan ends the battle by killing the White Witch, and in Revelation God destroys Satan, everything evil, and sin.

When Aslan tells Edmond and Lucy they won’t be coming back to Narnia he says, “In your world I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia appeals to children by portraying Jesus as a talking lion that isn’t safe but good in a magical land that is full of joy and color, but without the lion, it is cold and bare. In the series good always wins over evil although the children in the books are faced with evil temptations and enemies. C.S Lewis said, “Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.”