Unit: The Chronicles of Narnia

 
Duration: Four weeks
 
Students should:
 Investigate parallels between Christian themes and the story of
Narnia.
 Understand that Aslan is a type of Jesus Christ.
 Explore Christian concepts such as temptation, resurrection and
sacrifice.
 
 

 
Imagining other worlds
 
1. What characters have we met? What has happened so far?
We have met the old professor, Mrs McReady, four children Peter, Susan,
Edmund and Lucy, Mr Tumnus, the White Witch (Queen of Narnia), Ginnabrik,
Beavers and Maugrim the wolf.

2. Can you think of three reasons why people enjoy stories about other
worlds?
Firstly because you can escape the real world and you use your imagination.
Secondly, my world can seem a little dull and boring. Finally, it’s good to get a
change every once in a while.

3. Why don’t the others believe Lucy, that there is another world behind
the wardrobe?
Lucy is small, a child, and is too young (she has made it up) so it must be a
figment of her imagination (dreams).
4. Lucy enters Narnia through a wardrobe. Can you invent a way to enter
another world?
Class Meredith’s locker #73
Home Old microwave in the garage
School Resource room
Bus Go card upside down 

5. What evidence has science found for other worlds?

In physics they have identified other dimensions to our universe (e.g. in black
holes). Possibly 11 dimensions?

6. Is belief in heaven (life after death) like believing in another world?

Yes, heaven could be like a portal into another world or dimension (“your
kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”)

7. Who is Mr Tumnus and what does he try to do?

Mr Tumnus is a ‘faun’ – half human half deer. Kidnap Lucy but then tries to
help her.

8. The Professor argues that if Lucy is not lying, or a lunatic, she must be
telling the truth. Discuss.
We need to remember that people who believe in heaven may be telling the
truth (e.g. Lucy was ridiculed by the others). If a person is not a liar, and not a
lunatic they may be telling the truth.
 

Edmund is tempted
Edmund follows Lucy into Narnia, and meets the White Witch ‘Queen of
Narnia’.
 
1. Why does the Witch want to capture all four children?
The witch wants to capture them because the prophecy says that four children
will rule Narnia (conquer evil). 

2. What does the Queen use to tempt Edmund?

She uses turkish delight and the idea of ruling over his brother (Edmund will be
‘king’ and Peter his servant).

3. What things tempt me to do the wrong thing?

Basically my greed, selfishness and desire for more.

4. According to the Bible, Romans 3:23 (GNB p.1251) what is sin?

Sin is letting others down, letting myself down and letting God down. Sin is
disobedience.

5. Who betrayed Lucy? Why?

Lucy was kidnapped initially by Mr Tumnus. Later she is betrayed by her
brother Edmund.

6. What happened to Mr Tumnus’ cave?

His cave was ruined by Maugrim, the Wolf Chief of Police.

7. How does God see me when I sin? Romans 5:8 (GNB p.1252)
Romans 5:8 says God loves us even when we sin.
 
8. What does God want me to do? 1 John 1:9 (GNB, p.1370)
1 John 1:9 says God expects us to confess our sin and ask for forgiveness.
 
9. In your opinion, do you think Aslan will forgive Edmund?
Yes, Aslan forgives Edmund but it costs Aslan his life.
 
Beaver’s House and Witches Castle
C.S. Lewis develops the idea of animals that can talk, "It all began with
images; a faun carrying an umbrella, a queen on a sledge, a magnificent lion.
What might Christ become like, if there really were a world like Narnia and
He chose live and die and rise again in that world as He has done in ours?”
 
1. What unusual animals/beasts appear in Narnia?
Faun, talking Beavers, talking Wolves, Centaurs, Unicorn, giants, dwarves,
griffins, phoenix, minatour…

2. What two animals try to help the children?

Beaver and fox.
 
3. How do the Beavers try to help the children?
The beavers show them the way to Aslan and his army.

4. The Beavers quote the prophecy, ‘…down at Cair Paravel there are four
thrones… when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve sit on those
four thrones, then it will be the end of the White Witch…’. Discuss what
this might mean.
The winter will cease because the humans are enthroned and rule with
justice and peace. The Witch is not human – sheis a (giant) –
pretending to be human.
5. The Bible describes a time when all animals will be at peace with each
other (Isaiah 11:6-9 p.757). What might this story represent? See also
Isaiah 65:25 (GNB, p.814).
The future, the end of time when God brings justice and peace to the
entire universe. Evil is defeated, ‘The Lion will lay down (rest) with
the Lamb.’(Isaiah)

6. What was the Witches’ castle like?

Icy, cold, dark and scary. 

7. What had the witch turned the animals, spirits, centaurs, dragons and
people into?
Frozen ice stones (represents death).
 
8. The Beavers give a clue as to one who cannot be turned to stone by the
Witch. Who?
Aslan cannot be turned into stone.
 
 
Wanted, ‘Sons of Adam and Daughters
of Eve’
 
1. Father Christmas provides the children with presents, ‘… and they are
tools, not toys. Bear them well.’ What were the presents?
Sword, shield, bow, arrow, horn, dagger and liquid medicine.
 
2. Edmund says “Which is the right side? How do we know that the fauns
are in the right and the Queen…is in the wrong?” Why do people make
excuses?
To protect (defend) ourselves.

3. What does the Bible say about sin and its consequences? Romans 3:23,
6:23.
Sin brings death (in Narnia sin = winter).
4. Throughout the book there is a paradox about Aslan, which the beavers
especially talk about. They say he is both good and terrible, merciful
and a judge. Who is this really describing?
God is both merciful (kind) and just (a judge).
 
5. Maugrim is the cruel wolf Chief of Police works for the Witch. Write a
short biography.
‘I was rejected as a cub, and always felt angry abouteverything, so I turned
my hate into a career…’
 
6. Create a ‘wanted poster/identikit’ for the children the Witch is
searching for.
Later…
 
7. The dwarf exclaims, ‘This is spring. Winter has been destroyed. This is
Aslan’s doing’.  
Aslan’s return (God’s return) will change everything.
 
8. Reflect on the problems in our world; natural disasters, disease,
pollution, war and poverty. Write out Revelations 21:5a (p.1398)
‘Behold I make everything new!’ says God. It would all be good, and healed,
and restored.
 
The Exchange
Peter defeats Maurgim, the wolf Chief of Police and is knighted. With
Aslan’s help, the children rescue Edmund.
 
1. The Witch meets Aslan. Aslan offers an exchange of hostages, Edmund
for himself. Why?
He dies so Edmund could live.

2. Why did Aslan exchange his life for Edmunds?

He loves them (God loves us).
 
3. Write out 2 Corinthians 8:9 (p.1290).
‘He became poor so I could become rich’ (2 Corinthians).
 
4. The Bible argues that a divine exchange occurred at the cross. What was
exchanged?
‘Jesus died my death so I could live his life’ (Romans 6).
 
5. Aslan is executed on the stone table. The Witch screams….
..And she thinks she has defeated Aslan by killing him, ‘The great cat
is dead!’
 
6. Why do you think Aslan chooses not to resist as he is bound by the White
witch’s creatures, even though “one of those paws could have been the
death of them all”?
He wants Edmund to live.
 
7. Each year people are awarded a medal by the Prime Minister for their
bravery. Did Aslan die for Edmund or all of Narnia?
He dies in effect, for all of Narnia by saving the 4th human to fulfil
the prophecy.
 
The Resurrection
Christians believe in a physical resurrection of the body at the end of time.

1. What does the Phoenix represent?

The Phoenix represents resurrection. Life defeats death.
 
2. Aslan brings the stone statues back to life by breathing on them. (John
20:19-23). What is this a reference to?
God resurrects all humanity at the end of time.

3. The Lion, Aslan comes back from the dead and says… (John 19:30m
p.1199). What does this mean?
‘It is finished’, one of Jesus’ last words on the cross.

4. Investigate the raising of Lazarus from the dead. What do you find
interesting about this passage? (John 11:38-44, p.1187)
Lazarus was dead, but was brought back to life by Jesus.
 
5. The Bible has various descriptions of Jesus defeating his own death.
What do you find interesting about this passage? (John 20:1-10, p.1200)
Jesus was still human (i.e. had a physical body) – he was not a
Ghost/Spirit.
“He’ll be coming and going, one day you’ll see him and another you won’t.
He doesn’t like being tied down – and of course, he has other countries to
attend to. It’s quite all right. He’ll often drop in. Only you must not press him.
He’s wild you know. Not a tame lion”
 
6. The children are enthroned by Aslan and rule as Kings and Queens of
Narnia. What is this a picture of?
The end of time, when humanity is restored to its rightful place over
all of creation (enthroned). 
 
Beyond Narnia Documentary
 
Clive Staples Lewis was born in Ireland. Lewis had an older
brother called ‘Warren’. Lewis’ mother died when he was young,
and he suffered as a soldier in World War 1. As a result of
hardship, his faith in God was destroyed. However, when Lewis
went to University, he mixed with Christian students like J. R. R.
Tolkien (who wrote Lord of the Rings). As a result of the
influence of other Christian academics – Lewis became a
Christian - around the time he became a Professor.
As an academic, Lewis became well known as a Christian teacher,
speaker and author. His books on Christianity became world-
wide best sellers (and Lewis appeared on the cover of Time
magazine). When refugee children were evacuated from London –
he and his brother looked after a number of children. Lewis
began writing children’s stories for them. Later, he married a
dying American woman – Joy Gresham (who had two boys).
Eventually, when she died, Lewis and his brother raised the two
boys – and continued to write ‘The Narnia Chronicles’ for them.
 

‘Narnia’ and Bible parallels

 
Two women, Mark 16:1-3
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of
Mary and James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus'
Martha go to body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were
the tomb of on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the
Jesus stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" The tomb of Aslan
  

Jesus appears Matthew 28:8-10

8
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and
raised from the ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said.
dead, to the two They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to
women. them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there
they will see me." Aslan is raised from death
 

Jesus is Colossians 2:14-15

14 having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against
victorious over us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15
evil and sin And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public
through the spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
cross.  
Aslan defeats the White
Queen

As Jesus dies he John 19:30

30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he
says, ‘It is bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
finished’.

Aslan says, “It is finished’

Christians are 1 Thessalonians 4:16

16
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command,
raised from with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the
death. dead in Christ will rise first.

Edmund is raised from death.

Statues are brought back to
life.

Jesus is Ephesians 1:20-22

20
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated
enthroned him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and
authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only
in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things
under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything… Aslan is victorious over evil
  and death.

Believers are Ephesians 2:4-7

4
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us
enthroned alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by
grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated
us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the
Aslan’s followers are
coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,
crowned.
expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
 

Jesus will come Revelations 1:7

7
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even
again those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn
because of him. So shall it be! Amen.

Aslan disappears, but will

‘come again’.
 
 

Examination practice questions

 
1. Why did Mr Tumnus mean by ‘AsIan is not a tame lion, but he is good!’
Mr Tumnus meant several things. Firstly,
What did they mean? Aslan is not a tame lion. God cannot be
controlled by any human effort. For example, Aslan is the only animal
in Narnia that cannot be turned to stone. Secondly, even though Aslan
is incredibly powerful, he is still good. He does not use his power to
control others, or force others to do his will.  Aslan even gives up his
own life, to save Edmund’s. Consequently, Mr Tumnus testified that
Aslan is both ‘untamed’ (unable to be controlled) and ‘good’ (unable
to be corrupted).
 
 
2. Why is Narnia still such a popular story, even though it was written 50
years ago?
Narnia is still a popular story for several reasons. Firstly,
Narnia is popular. Why? Firstly, because it involves ‘escaping’ out of
this world, and into another one. We all need to escape sometimes.
Secondly, young children are given the opportunity to ‘save’ another
world and become ‘heroes’. Thirdly, Narnia has a range of exciting
animals and mythical beasts and a bad ‘baddie’ (White Witch). A
variety of interesting talking animals and characters give the plot a
sense of colour and excitement. Fourth the drama, plot and action
scenes keep the world of Narnia on a knife’s edge. In conclusion,
Narnia continues to be a popular story because its characters, plot and
drama make it so enduring and exciting.
 
 
3. In your opinion what makes Narnia a ‘Christian’ story?
Narnia is a Christian story for a variety of reasons. For example…
Narnia is a Christian story. Why? Firstly, Narnia involves the idea of
another world/dimension (‘heaven’) – accessed through a secret portal
in the back of a wardrobe. Secondly, humans (Edmund) sin and
destroy the possibility of fulfilling the prophecy. Evil takes control,
and nature is turned to ice, and all living things are turned to stone. 
Thirdly, Aslan (God) intervenes and sacrifices himself so humans can
be saved. Then, Aslan is able to resurrect those who have been turned
to stone (death). Fourth, there is a battle between good and evil,
representing the struggle between forces on earth. Finally, only Aslan
(God) can defeat evil. Without his help, humanity cannot succeed.
When Aslan defeated the witch, he says, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30).
Consequently, the story of Narnia is a Christian story.
 
 
4. ‘Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead us to our
destiny’. Do you agree? Yes, some journeys do take us far from our homes.
For example…
I believe that yes, ‘Some journeys take us far from home. Some adventures lead
us to our destiny’, because sometimes when you leave home you might go far,
far away, but these journeys might lead you to experiences that help you find
your true self, and discover new passion’s and people that you may never want
to give up on. So consequently, I believe that that yes, ‘Some journeys take us
far from home. Some adventures lead us to our destiny’.

5. Lewis intended to translate Christian ideas and concepts into another

world. In your opinion, was his effort successful?
If think he was successful in translating Christian ideas and concepts into
another world, because many times throughout the story, we saw elements of
the Christian stories in a new perspective. For example, Narnia involves the idea
of another world/dimension (‘heaven’) – accessed through a secret portal in the
back of a wardrobe. Secondly, humans (Edmund) sin and destroy the possibility
of fulfilling the prophecy. Evil takes control, and nature is turned to ice, and all
living things are turned to stone.  Thirdly, Aslan (God) intervenes and sacrifices
himself so humans can be saved. Then, Aslan is able to resurrect those who
have been turned to stone (death). Fourth, there is a battle between good and
evil, representing the struggle between forces on earth. Finally, only Aslan
(God) can defeat evil. Without his help, humanity cannot succeed. When Aslan
defeated the witch, he says, ‘It is finished’ (John 19:30). Consequently, I believe
Lewis’s effort to capture the Christian story was successful and worthwhile.

 
CS Lewis wrote, ‘“Let us suppose that there were a land like Narnia, with
talking animals, and that it fell into sin, as our world has, and that the Son of
God, as He became a man in our world, became a lion there, and then
imagine what would happen.””
 
 
CRITERIA A B C D E

Knowledge and research          

Understanding and reflection          

Communication and creativity          

Participation (work ethic)          

 
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