The Chronicles of Narnia: A Christian Allegory You Might Not Have Noticed

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: More Than Just a Children's Story

C.S. Lewis's beloved children's classic "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" appears to be a simple fantasy adventure, but beneath its magical surface lies a profound Christian allegory that many viewers miss.

The Christ Figure: Aslan the Lion

Aslan, the noble lion who sacrifices himself to save Edmund, is widely recognized as a representation of Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, Aslan:

• Voluntarily sacrifices himself for the sake of others, just as Jesus died on the cross for humanity's sins
• Rises from the dead in a triumphant resurrection, mirroring Christ's victory over death
• Shows infinite mercy and love, forgiving even those who betray him
• Creates a new world order through his sacrifice, much like Christ's establishment of God's kingdom

The Deeper Symbolism

Lewis, who was both an atheist turned Christian and a close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, intentionally wove Christian themes throughout the story:

• The White Witch represents Satan or evil forces that hold the world in bondage
• The Stone Table symbolizes the cold, unyielding law that Christ fulfilled
• The Deep Magic represents God's unchanging moral law
• The Wardrobe serves as a portal between worlds, much like baptism or conversion

While the story works beautifully as pure fantasy entertainment, its deeper Christian meanings add layers of richness for those who recognize them. Lewis himself stated that he wanted to create a story that would be enjoyed by children but contain truths that would speak to adults.

This subtle approach makes Narnia accessible to everyone while hiding profound spiritual truths in plain sight - a masterful example of Christian storytelling that doesn't preach but invites discovery.