The Majesty Of Aslan
by Peter R. Rancie with Kristen S. Borchers
C.S. LEWIS, in The Chronicles of Narnia, meticulously crafts an alternate universe to share his testimony of Jesus Christ through the persona of Aslan. Aslan, a lion regal and divine, becomes the embodiment of Christian doctrines, symbolizing Jesus Christ in His teaching, sacrifice, and resurrection. Lewis’s representation of Aslan as a metaphor for Jesus Christ, allows him to explore intertwined narratives laden with spiritual significance and theological undertones in a manner that transcends the partisan divide.
I. The Embodiment of Good: Aslan as the Christ Figure: In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan’s sacrifice unmistakably parallels the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Speaking of the Deep Magic that governs Narnia, Aslan explains to Edmund and Peter, “Though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned … She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward.”1 The portrayal of Aslan’s voluntary sacrifice and triumphant resurrection resonates with the fundamental Christian belief of Christ’s victory over death.
II. Guidance and Moral Teaching: Aslan as the Light of the World: Aslan, much like Christ, actively engages in guiding and teaching characters, nurturing spiritual and moral growth. In Prince Caspian, his interaction with Lucy embodies the essence of spiritual guidance. When Lucy misses Aslan’s path, he tenderly admonishes her, enhancing her spiritual discernment: “Yes, wasn’t it a shame?” said Lucy. “I saw you all right. They wouldn’t believe me. They’re all so—” From somewhere deep inside Aslan’s body there came the faintest suggestion of a growl. “I’m sorry,” said Lucy, who understood some of his moods. “I didn’t mean to start slanging the others. But it wasn’t my fault anyway, was it?” The Lion looked straight into her eyes. “Oh, Aslan,” said Lucy. “You don’t mean it was? How could I — I couldn’t have left the others and come up to you alone, how could I? Don’t look at me like that … oh well, I suppose I could. Yes, and it wouldn’t have been alone, I know, not if I was with you. But what would have been the good?” Aslan said nothing. “You mean,” said Lucy rather faintly, “that it would have turned out all right — somehow?”2 Millennia later in Narnian time, Aslan instructs Jill Pole of what is to come and patiently walks her through memorizing and repeating His important instructions, the guidance that the small company of Narnians will need to fulfill the mission on which He is sending Jill and her compatriots. “But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain, the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia, the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the signs and believe the signs. Nothing else matters.”3 The parallel with remembering (or figuring out) our purpose on this planet is obvious: remember, remember.
III. The Universality of Aslan’s Appeal: Transcending Religious and Cultural Boundaries: Aslan’s words and actions reverberate with universal appeal, reaching beyond the confines of Christian and other theological creeds. In The Last Battle, Aslan sends a call to all the good folk, the for-Aslan characters, and even to many others, the not against-but-not-for-Aslan folk, to gather and move closer to Aslan’s presence. The colorful and magical folk of Narnia, the Centaurs, Fauns, Dryads, Naiads, Dwarfs, Beavers, Badgers and many other talking beasts, plus Unicorns, Pegasi, Giants, Eagles, Trees, Satyrs, Mermaids, Mermen, and Marsh-wiggles, represent the various racial, ethnic, language and cultural divisions of humanity. Aslan calls to them all: “The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”4 His call, an inclusive invitation that symbolizes the universality of human hope and divine fulfillment, is inclusive of all people in all times and circumstances. Aslan’s call also symbolizes Christ’s invitation to transition from a self-centered and worldly view in anticipation of that which is to come. His invitation is to every person of every era.
Conclusions: 1. C.S. Lewis’s portrayal of Aslan as a metaphor for Jesus Christ in The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the many ways in which C.S. Lewis, having transitioned from atheism to Christianity, delivered his personal witness of Jesus Christ to the world. The character of Aslan is masterfully woven into the narrative, with his words and actions mirroring the life, teachings, and divine nature of Jesus Christ, allowing readers to embark on their own spiritual journey through the imaginative landscapes of Narnia. 2. The objectives and stories being gathered and published at VeritasChronicles.org are consonant with the very same faith in Christ espoused by C.S. Lewis. The organization’s principals and its contributors may come from different walks of life and different Christian traditions. No matter. For the purpose of focusing on that which unites us, rather than that which divides us, Veritas Chronicles is committed to publishing good stories of good people solving real-world problems, wherever they are and by whomever is doing the problem-solving. Lewis used fiction as one of his literary tools to draw people’s attention to Jesus Christ and His mission. Though Veritas Chronicles does not concentrate on publishing fiction, its words and works are liberally sprinkled with Lewisisms, including his fictional characters.5 We believe that Veritas Chronicles Publishing Good Stories of Good, all real-life stories about people doing good things in hard times and hard places, will resonate universally, in the same way, and for the same reasons as C.S. Lewis’s majestic Aslan. §