This is it. This is the blog we've all been waiting for: this is my Narnia blog! (Well, the first of many, haha!)In case you don't already know, I have what many call an "obsession" with The Chronicles of Narnia. Also, I have been married to High King Peter since, like, fourth or fifth grade so don't even think about thinking about it!
It seems only fitting to start with a blog post about The High King of Narnia, Sir Peter Wolfsbane, Peter Pevensie, originally from Finchley, England.
Now that you sort-of have the Biblical background behind Peter, allow me to delve deeper into the character of Peter Pevensie in the book "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe".
Peter Pevensie is the oldest of the four Pevensie children, and he has to step us as the father figure because their father is fighting in World War Two. He feels the responsibility of a father, having to watch over his siblings as they travel to a strange new house in order to flee the air raids. In Narnia, he makes sure to admit he was wrong to deny that Lucy had been to a magical land in the wardrobe. He even tries to send his siblings home while he stays in Narnia to fight the war. The gifts he receives from Father Christmas are a sword (named Rhindon) and a shield-- protection. (Ephesians 6:16 "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.")
What does all this mean?
Peter is a superb leader. He is sure to assume responsibility, he is sure to care for the ones he loves, and he is sure to do the right thing. Peter the Apostle would help spread the story of Jesus Christ, and he is one of eleven Apostles who would lead the church through the ages (he wrote a couple books of the Bible). Peter the Apostle was picked by Jesus for this job. Peter Pevensie fought Maugrim by himself because Aslan prevented other soldiers from assisting him. Aslan wanted him man-up. Aslan himself coronated Peter, proclaiming him High King over Narnia and "Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen." Aslan chose to rebuild Narnia on the reign of Peter and his siblings.Don't get me wrong, both Peters have their flaws. Peter Pevensie had a bit of a stubborn, arrogant streak, and Peter the Apostle denied Jesus three times on Good Friday. Good leaders with flaws-- after all, they are human-- that's just another parallel between the two men.
What is the significance of all of this? Well, The Chronicles help us learn morals through the lives of very relatable children. Peter Pevensie is a fine (literally and figuratively) example that it IS possible for even a boy from England to be a great leader. The character of Peter and his biblical parallels show readers that there is a great leader inside of all of us waiting to be awakened. Let's let the cute, blond, British High King of Narnia lead the way*.
*Keep in mind he's still mine.
Detailed and insightful. Witty, ..and a little scary. "Narnia" is in interesting case of art inspiring art, and how understanding something like the Bible can increase our appreciation for a story like "Narnia." I bet that people who know and like the Bible are drawn forward to "Narnia" and people who know and like Narnia backward to the Bible. It's interesting how old stories can inspire new stories, and how those new stories can breathe new life into the old stories that they were inspired by.
ReplyDeleteHaha I knew I'd be reading this post sooner or later. I've always found it interesting how much C.S. Lewis alludes to the Bible in the Narnia books. Peter definitley embodies many of the same characteristics of Peter the Apostle, even in their flaws. I find it particularly interesting how Narnia is like a metaphor or microcosm (I don't know which, but you get my point) of Earth and Earth's relationship with Heaven and Hell. To me, and to many others as well, Aslan represents God, and Jadis the White Witch is obviously the devil. I think the Narnia books can be a great tool for teaching kids about the Bible and Christianity, or they can just be a great story that teaches you lessons about love and faith, regardless of your religion. By the way, this was my favorite post of yours so far! Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Jadis is definitely the devil, especially in The Silver Chair when possibly she is a serpent. Also, Aslan could be Jesus and The Emperor Across the Sea could be God (He's Aslan's father). That's what's so great about The Chronicles: they can relate however you want!:)
DeleteVery interesting. I find it funny, because I see you as C.S Lewish and me as Tolkien sitting here thinking about both of our worlds. I never knew the religious aspects of Narnia. People criticize Tolkien's work for speculation about Nazi's and Jews and all that. It's pretty crazy, but apparently Tolkien was a devote Catholic. I also read somewhere that Tolkien was one of the main reasons C.S Lewis converted from atheism to Christianity. I love your post and your love for Narnia!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! And I've heard that too, about Tolkien getting Lewis back on track!:). I've actually heard that Tolkien, too, had religious references, such as the weak leading the strong (small Hobbits ending up victorious). It gets me excited that we're in the same English class because of our Tolkien-Lewis-ness!:)
ReplyDeleteI always thought it was interesting how C.S. Lewis wrote the Chronicles of Narnia with a religious perspective. Although I only read the first book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, years ago too, I remember enjoying every minute of it. I was aware of his religious content in the books, but you make it so much easier to break down exactly what he was thinking when writing the book. For me the book is a classic and its lessons, just as Chelsea hit on, can be utilized by any type of audience regardless of age, religion, etc. Personally, I think the series will continue to be around for years to come due to its timeless lessons and engaging storyline. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! I really appreciate that persepctive-- someone who enjoyed every minute of it years ago!:) There's definitely something we can take from each book.
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