The Characters and Events of the Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Have Symbolic Similarities to Events Described in the Bible.

Midterm Research Paper

Thesis Statement: The characters and events of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe have symbolic similarities to events described in the Bible.

In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe we discover a world of fantasy filled with the never-ending battle between good and evil. The children in the story, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy lived in London during the war and were sent to live with a professor because of the air-raids. The children quickly find a wardrobe, which is actually a passageway into the land of Narnia. Unbeknownst to them they are the son’s of Adam and the daughter’s of Eve that according to a prophecy will restore peace to Narnia and do away with the White Witch. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are symbolically connected to events described in the Bible.

The symbolic similarities are many, beginning with the character of Aslan (the Lion King of the land of Narnia) he is the creator of Narnia, he is also the redeemer of Narnia. The Biblical scriptures inform us that God is our creator and his son Jesus Christ is our redeemer and savior. Aslan is the figure of Christ in the Chronicles of Narnia. “Aslan is fittingly, a lion because the lion is traditionally labeled the king of beasts, in addition, Lion of the tribe of Judah is one of the biblical names for Christ, as in Revelation 5:5, where under that name Christ demonstrates his power by opening seven previously unbroken seals” (Hinten 15).

In the beginning of the story Edmund is portrayed as an angry and jealous boy. He is jealous of his older brother Peter and is always mean to his younger sister Lucy. Lucy is the first one to enter the wardrobe and encounter the land of Narnia. When she returns she tells the others what she saw and of her encounter with the faun, Mr. Tumnus, however they don’t believe her story. Edmund is more than curious and decides to enter the wardrobe. Contrary to Lucy’s encounter Edmund is confronted by the White Witch (the self proclaimed Queen of Narnia), who disguises her true intentions with trickery. She immediately senses Edmund’s jealousy and utilizes it to entrap the other three children. She offers Edmund anything he wants, he asks for Turkish delights, which she in turn delivers. She then tells him that he could be king and his siblings will be his servants, which is extremely appealing to Edmund. Edmund agrees to deliver his siblings and thus betrays them for worldly desires. “Edmund’s greed gets the better of his judgment; Proverbs 23: 1-3 cautions, when you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive” (Ditchfield 51).

Unfortunately due to Edmund’s treason the Witch confronts Aslan and claims her right to Edmund’s blood as described in the laws (Deep Magic) of Narnia. “As a traitor Edmund stands condemned” (Ditchfield 62). This is also the case in the Bible; “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law” (Romans 2:12). Another Biblical text explains, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). The White Witch warns Aslan of the consequences of ignoring the laws of Narnia. “If this is not accomplished, Narnia will be destroyed with fire and water, which immediately reminds biblically literate readers of Noah’s flood and the prophesied final destruction of the Earth by fire” (Hinten 18). Edmunds sin can’t go unpunished and the penalty is death.

One of the most significant events in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is when Aslan asks the White Witch for a word in private. He bargains with his own life in return Edmund’s life will be spared. “Fully aware of the cost of helping Edmund, Aslan looks sad; but he attends to the business of maturing Peter for the boy’s role as High King” (Ford 58). This is compared to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ who without guilt carried our sins and thus sparing us from eternal damnation. “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4).

Most significant is the slaying and resurrection of Aslan. According to the laws of Narnia the blood must be spilled over the Stone Table. Aslan keeps his word and is taken to the stone table and prepared for his killing. He is ridiculed and abused by the White Witch’s army of horrific creatures, and through it all he remains silent