The Chronicles of Narnia is a much-loved series of books by C.S. Lewis, and it has been adapted into both a film series and a musical. The stories focus around the adventures of four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, as they explore the world of Narnia. Narnia is a magical world filled with mythical creatures and enchanting locations. In the books and films, it is easy to miss some of the secrets and hidden details of this world. Here are the top 7 Narnia secrets that you may have overlooked.
1. Narnia Was Not Always Cold and Snowy
One of the most iconic images of Narnia is of a cold and snowy winter, but this was not always the case. In the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we are introduced to Narnia in the midst of a perpetual winter. However, the books tell us that Narnia was once a much different place. In The Magician’s Nephew, we learn that before the White Witch’s rule, Narnia was a land of lush forests and meadows, with warm summers and mild winters.
2. Aslan is a Jesus-like Figure
In the books and films, Aslan is a lion who serves as the protector of Narnia and is a powerful source of good. Many readers have noticed that Aslan’s story is reminiscent of the story of Jesus in the Bible. Aslan’s death and resurrection serve as a powerful allegory for the Christian belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
3. The Magic of Narnia is Based on Greek Mythology
The magic of Narnia is based, in part, on Greek mythology. The characters of Bacchus, Emeth, and the Fauns are all based on the gods and figures from Greek mythology. The White Witch is also based on the Greek goddess Hecate, a goddess of witchcraft.
4. The Pevensie Children Represent Archetypes
The four Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, each represent an archetype. Peter is the brave leader, Susan is the wise and responsible sister, Edmund is the troublemaker, and Lucy is the adventurous one. This is a common trope in fantasy stories and is used to represent different aspects of the human experience.
5. The Narnia Series is a Series of Allegories
The Chronicles of Narnia is not just a series of books about a magical world, it is also a series of allegories. Lewis was a Christian and many of the themes in the books are based on Christian beliefs and teachings. The battle between Aslan and the White Witch is a representation of the battle between good and evil, while the death and resurrection of Aslan is a representation of the Christian belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
6. The Narnia Series is a Series of Parables
The Narnia series is also a series of parables. Lewis used the stories to illustrate spiritual truths. For example, in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the story of Edmund’s betrayal of his siblings illustrates the consequences of sin. In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the story of Eustace’s transformation from a dragon back into a boy illustrates the power of repentance.
7. There is a Secret Room in the Wardrobe
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the children discover a secret room in the back of the wardrobe that leads to Narnia. This room is not mentioned in the film adaptations, but it is a key part of the story in the book. The secret room serves as a metaphor for faith; just like the children must take a leap of faith to enter the room, so too must we take a leap of faith to enter into a relationship with God.
These are just a few of the secrets that are hidden in the Chronicles of Narnia. From Greek mythology to Christian allegories, there is much to discover in this beloved series of books. So, next time you watch the films or read the books, take a closer look and you may just discover something new about this magical world.