“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: A Summary

Kortland Book Club
6 min readSep 12, 2023

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C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is the second book in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series and a timeless classic of children’s literature. Published in 1950, it has captivated readers of all ages with its enchanting tale of adventure, courage, and the battle between good and evil.

The White Witch

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The story takes place in the magical land of Narnia, a world inhabited by talking animals, mythical creatures, and governed by a magical system. Narnia is under the rule of the White Witch, who has plunged the land into an eternal winter without Christmas, using her powerful magic.

Characters:

1. Lucy Pevensie: The youngest of the four Pevensie siblings and the first to discover Narnia through a magical wardrobe.

2. Edmund Pevensie: The second youngest sibling, initially tempted by the White Witch.

3. Susan Pevensie: The second oldest Pevensie sibling, known for her practicality and logic.

4. Peter Pevensie: The oldest Pevensie sibling, who becomes the leader of the group.

5. Aslan: The majestic and wise lion who is the true ruler of Narnia and represents good and justice.

6. The White Witch (Jadis): The story’s primary antagonist, who rules Narnia with an iron fist and is responsible for the endless winter.

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The story begins during World War II in England, where the Pevensie siblings are evacuated to the countryside to escape the bombings in London. They are placed in the care of Professor Kirke, who owns a vast and mysterious country estate. The youngest sibling, Lucy, stumbles upon a magical wardrobe in an empty room, which transports her to the snowy world of Narnia.

Lucy meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus, who tells her about Narnia’s plight under the rule of the White Witch. When Lucy returns to the real world, her siblings don’t believe her fantastical tale. However, later, Edmund, the second youngest, also enters Narnia and meets the White Witch. She seduces him with promises of power and Turkish delight, using him as a pawn in her sinister plans.

Eventually, all four Pevensie siblings find themselves in Narnia and are reunited. They meet Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, who inform them of a prophecy that foretells the arrival of four human children who will overthrow the White Witch. The siblings learn of Aslan, the great lion, who can help them in their quest.

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Their journey to meet Aslan is fraught with challenges and dangers, including encounters with mythical creatures and facing the relentless winter. Along the way, they encounter Father Christmas, who gives them magical gifts to aid in their battle against the White Witch.

As the Pevensie siblings draw closer to Aslan, they learn of the deep magic that the White Witch has used to maintain her rule over Narnia. According to this magic, she believes that she has the right to claim the life of a traitor. Edmund, having betrayed his siblings to the White Witch, is in grave danger.

The climax of the story occurs when the White Witch confronts Aslan, demanding Edmund’s life as a traitor. To the shock of the Pevensie children, Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund. This powerful and moving moment in the story reflects themes of self-sacrifice and redemption.

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The White Witch believes she has won, but her triumph is short-lived. With the help of Aslan’s sacrifice, the deep magic is broken, and he is resurrected. Aslan and the Pevensie siblings gather an army of creatures, both mythical and talking animals, to engage in the decisive battle against the White Witch and her forces.

The epic battle unfolds, with the forces of good led by Aslan and the Pevensie children, and the White Witch’s army of evil creatures. Aslan ultimately defeats the White Witch, and Narnia is freed from her tyranny. Spring returns to the land, and Narnia begins to flourish once more.

In the aftermath of the battle, the Pevensie siblings are crowned as the rulers of Narnia, with Peter as King, Susan as Queen, Edmund as Duke of Lantern Waste, and Lucy as Queen Lucy the Valiant. Aslan departs, leaving the siblings with the responsibility of ruling Narnia justly.

The story concludes with the Pevensie siblings ruling Narnia for many years, until they stumble upon the magical wardrobe once again and return to the real world, where no time has passed.

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Themes:

1. Good vs. Evil: The central theme of the story is the timeless struggle between good and evil, embodied by the battle between Aslan and the White Witch.

2. Sacrifice and Redemption: Aslan’s willingness to sacrifice himself for Edmund’s redemption illustrates the themes of selflessness, forgiveness, and redemption.

3. Coming of Age: The Pevensie children’s journey in Narnia represents their coming of age, as they mature, take on leadership roles, and learn valuable life lessons.

4. Power of Belief: The story underscores the power of belief, imagination, and faith, as the siblings must believe in Narnia and Aslan to overcome their challenges.

5. Cycles of Time: The cyclical nature of time in Narnia, with the repeating seasons, reflects the idea that history tends to repeat itself, and that good can triumph over evil in each new era.

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“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a beloved classic that continues to enchant readers of all ages with its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and profound themes. C.S. Lewis’s imaginative world of Narnia provides a magical backdrop for exploring complex moral and ethical concepts, making it a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature. This story’s enduring popularity and universal appeal attest to its enduring status as a literary masterpiece.

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Kortland Book Club

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