The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – CS Lewis (1950)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, published in 1950, is the first book written in The Chronicles of Narnia series and the second in chronological order. Set during World War II, it follows four siblings who discover the magical land of Narnia within a wardrobe. They join Aslan, a noble lion, in a battle against the White Witch, who has cursed Narnia with eternal winter.

Plot Summary

Once there were four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who were sent away from London during the war to stay with an old professor in a sprawling countryside house. It was a strange, grand house, full of secrets and long corridors, perfect for exploration. One rainy day, the youngest, Lucy, stumbled upon a peculiar wardrobe in a spare room. Opening its door, she found not just rows of fur coats but an entire snow-covered forest inside. Stepping through, she entered a magical land called Narnia.

In this enchanted land, Lucy encountered a faun named Mr. Tumnus, who nervously invited her to tea. Over their conversation, he admitted that Narnia was under the cruel rule of the White Witch, who had cast a spell that made it always winter and never Christmas. Tumnus explained that the Witch had ordered all Narnians to capture any human they encountered. Feeling ashamed, he decided to help Lucy escape back to the wardrobe rather than turn her in.

When Lucy returned, she found that no time had passed in her world, and her siblings dismissed her tale as a game of make-believe. But things took a darker turn when Edmund, the next youngest, also stumbled into Narnia during a game of hide-and-seek. He met the White Witch herself, who was as imposing as she was beguiling. She tempted Edmund with enchanted Turkish Delight, a delicacy so addictive that it clouded his judgment. The Witch promised him more if he brought his siblings to her, filling his mind with visions of power and grandeur.

Lucy, delighted to see Edmund in Narnia, took him to meet Tumnus. But Edmund, feeling both guilty and spiteful, denied the existence of Narnia to the others upon their return. Lucy’s joy turned to despair as her siblings continued to think her story a fabrication.

Fate intervened when all four children eventually stepped through the wardrobe together while hiding from the housekeeper. They found themselves in Narnia, where the snow-covered trees stood still and quiet. Lucy led them to Tumnus’s home, but they discovered it ransacked, with a notice declaring him a traitor for aiding humans. Determined to help, they set off to find someone who could guide them.

The siblings soon encountered a beaver, who brought them to his dam and introduced them to his wife. The beavers explained the true gravity of their presence in Narnia: according to prophecy, two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve would end the Witch’s reign and restore peace to the land. The beavers also spoke of Aslan, the great lion and rightful king, who had returned to Narnia after a long absence. He was preparing to meet them at the Stone Table.

But Edmund, drawn by the Witch’s promises, slipped away from the beavers’ home. He trudged through the snow to her castle, where he was met not with warmth but with cold cruelty. The Witch, now aware of the prophecy, was furious to learn that Edmund had come alone. Instead of the promised rewards, she took him prisoner and set out to capture the others.

The remaining siblings, realizing Edmund’s betrayal, hurried with the beavers toward the Stone Table, hoping to warn Aslan. Along the way, the Witch’s magic began to falter. The snow started melting, revealing green fields and blooming flowers. Father Christmas appeared, a sign that her power was weakening, and he gifted the children with tools for the battles ahead.

Finally, the children reached the Stone Table and met Aslan. The lion’s presence was both awe-inspiring and comforting. He promised to protect them and began rallying an army to challenge the Witch. Meanwhile, the Witch prepared for war, her grip on Edmund tightening.

Aslan orchestrated Edmund’s rescue, and though the boy was deeply ashamed, Aslan forgave him and welcomed him back to his family. The siblings were overjoyed, but their relief was short-lived. The Witch demanded her right to Edmund’s life, citing the Deep Magic that decreed all traitors belonged to her. She claimed he was hers to kill.

Aslan negotiated with the Witch, striking a mysterious bargain that spared Edmund. That night, however, he left the camp in solemn silence. Lucy and Susan, who secretly followed him, witnessed the terrible price of the bargain. Aslan surrendered himself to the Witch in Edmund’s place. At the Stone Table, the Witch’s minions humiliated, bound, and killed the great lion.

Heartbroken, Lucy and Susan stayed with Aslan’s body until morning. At dawn, a miracle occurred. The Stone Table cracked, and Aslan returned to life, explaining that a deeper magic existed before the Witch’s laws. Because he had sacrificed himself for an innocent, death itself was reversed.

With renewed strength, Aslan led the sisters to the Witch’s castle, where he freed the creatures she had turned to stone. Together, they stormed the battlefield where Peter and Edmund were leading the Narnians against the Witch’s forces. Edmund, in a moment of bravery, destroyed the Witch’s wand, rendering her powerless. Aslan arrived and defeated her, ending her reign of terror.

The children were crowned kings and queens at Cair Paravel, ruling Narnia for many years in a time of peace and prosperity. They became known as the Golden Age rulers, wise and just.

One day, while hunting the legendary White Stag, they stumbled upon the wardrobe again, though they had long forgotten its existence. Passing through, they found themselves back in the spare room, children once more, as though no time had passed at all.

The professor welcomed them back without surprise, hinting that their adventures might not be over. And so, the children’s hearts remained full of wonder, knowing that Narnia was waiting for them, just beyond the wardrobe door.

Main Characters

• Lucy Pevensie: The youngest sibling, Lucy is curious, kind-hearted, and brave. She is the first to discover Narnia and forms a deep bond with its magical inhabitants, particularly Mr. Tumnus and Aslan.

• Edmund Pevensie: The third sibling, Edmund is initially selfish and susceptible to temptation. His journey from betrayal to redemption is central to the story’s moral core.

• Peter Pevensie: The eldest sibling, Peter is responsible and courageous. As the story progresses, he grows into a strong and noble leader, earning the title “High King.”

• Susan Pevensie: The second eldest, Susan is practical and nurturing. While she participates in the adventure, she often acts as a voice of caution.

• Aslan: The great lion, Aslan represents hope, justice, and sacrifice. His wisdom and power guide the Pevensies and Narnia in their fight against evil.

• The White Witch (Jadis): The story’s antagonist, she enforces eternal winter in Narnia and lures Edmund into betraying his siblings. She is cruel, manipulative, and power-hungry.

• Mr. Tumnus: A faun who befriends Lucy, Tumnus is torn between loyalty to the White Witch and his conscience. His kindness sets the story in motion.

• Professor Kirke: The wise and eccentric owner of the house where the wardrobe resides. He subtly supports the children’s belief in Narnia.

Theme

• Good vs. Evil: The central conflict of the story, represented by Aslan’s forces and the White Witch, reflects timeless battles between light and darkness, hope and despair.

• Sacrifice and Redemption: Aslan’s self-sacrifice to save Edmund is a poignant allegory of forgiveness and redemption, showcasing the transformative power of love and mercy.

• Courage and Leadership: The Pevensie siblings, particularly Peter and Lucy, exemplify bravery and growth as they embrace their roles in the fight for Narnia’s freedom.

• Faith and Belief: The story emphasizes trust in the unseen and the power of belief, particularly through Lucy’s unwavering conviction in Narnia’s magic.

• The Natural World and Seasons: Narnia’s perpetual winter symbolizes despair, while Aslan’s return and the arrival of spring signal hope and renewal.

Writing Style and Tone

C.S. Lewis’s writing is richly imaginative and accessible, weaving vivid descriptions with allegorical depth. He employs a narrative style that feels intimate, often addressing the reader directly, which adds warmth and immediacy to the tale. The blend of simple, engaging language with profound moral and spiritual themes makes the story resonant for readers of all ages.

The tone shifts seamlessly between whimsical and somber. Lewis captures the wonder of Narnia’s magic while delving into darker moments of betrayal, sacrifice, and war. His balance of lighthearted adventure with serious undertones creates a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.