Biblical Parallels in "The Chronicles of Narnia" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Biblical Parallels in "The Chronicles of Narnia"

How Edmund can be compared to different roles throughout the Bible

11982
Biblical Parallels in "The Chronicles of Narnia"
favim

Many people are familiar with C.S. Lewis’ books, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which also happen to be some of his best known works. It is interesting to examine the effect the author’s faith had within his writing, especially elements of religion within the series which pertained to Biblical structure. In particular, this can be seen most with the child, Edmund.

Out of all of the children in the first book of the series, “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” the most important one to look at when comparing to Biblical structure would be Edmund. Near the beginning of the story when Lucy first discovers the world behind the wardrobe none of the children believe her even after she tries to explain it to them. During this time, it is clear that all of the children, Edmund especially are representative of “Doubting Thomas.” In the Bible, Thomas was the one who denied that Christ had risen and refused to believe it until he had both seen and touched the wounds upon his hands, feet, and side. This can be seen in John 20:24-26.

“Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”’

In a very similar way, the children refused to believe that Narnia was in fact a real place until they were able to see it for themselves.

Once Edmund enters Narnia, when he followed Lucy, his character changes from being a “Doubting Thomas” to resembling Judas Iscariot. This is most prominent after Edmund meets the White Witch and especially when he is at the Beavers’ house with all of his siblings. When all of the children sit down to enjoy the dinner that Mrs. Beaver had prepared for all of them, Edmund was thinking of how to slip away to betray them to the White Witch.

The reason that this scene is so interesting is that it is an oddly perfect parallel to the night of the last dinner that is seen within the Bible. The children all could be representative of the holy apostles that were at the dinner, and Edmund is the Judas figure. Just as Judas leaves the meal to betray Jesus, Edmund leaves during the meal to betray his siblings to the White Witch.

Another similarity between the two could be the form of payment for the act of betrayal. In the Bible it says that Judas was given silver coins as payment for betraying Jesus, and in Edmund’s case, he was promised that he would be able to eat more of the magical Turkish Delight that the Witch gave him when he first met her.

Edmund can also be compared to the downfall of Adam and Eve. The Turkish Delight which is offered to him by the White Witch, could be representative of the forbidden fruit that was found on the tree of knowledge. Just as the devil took a different form and tempted Adam and Eve with all of the wonders which the fruit would provide if they were to eat it, so too does the witch tempt Edmund with the Turkish Delight. The White Witch even tells Edmund that it is magical Turkish Delight, and offers him more of the taste should he do as she says.

For me, it is interesting to examine these parallels, as it allows us to look at the books from a different perspective.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1213
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16119
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3367
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments