3. Fighting for what you believe in | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

From Narnia to Reality: 6 Life Lessons I Learned From C.S. Lewis's Masterpiece

Life lessons are important, surely it is more magical when they come from Narnia, so here is what can be learned!

24843
chronicles of narnia book
Photo by Tim Alex on Unsplash

Being an English student, it is safe to say that I have a vivid imagination. However, this love for words and books started with a certain book series — C.S. Lewis' masterpiece in form of "The Chronicles of Narnia" book series.

Admittedly, back in 2005, my 7-year-old self first came across the Disney adaption of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" starring Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell and Skandar Keynes. I remember how I saw it at the cinema with my grandparents, I was transfixed on this magical land.

Fast forward, of course I wanted the book to go with the movie. Alas, I finally got it. This was the first book I ever read from cover to cover. It changed my life, this book with its magical land taught me so much.

1. Courage

a picture of a vase with flowers and a sign
"You doubt your value, don't run from who you are."

This quote from Aslan stresses the value that we mustn't doubt ourselves, even when it feels like hope is lost. My younger self really adored this line. It was very important and it still remains important today.

Another key element of bravery in this book is Peter saving Susan and Lucy from Maugrim the wolf, he also saves the beavers. This develops throughout as his courage grows. For me, this emphasized no matter where you come from, no matter how old you are, courage and bravery can be a good thing, especially when it comes to helping or aiding those you love the most.

2. The importance of friendship

four person hands wrap around shoulders while looking at sunset

This book taught me the importance of friendship. It fell that no matter what happens, friendship is one of the most important things. This was evident in the form of Mr. Tumnus and Lucy's relationship. Tumnus initially saves Lucy from the white witch, later, Lucy does the same for Tumnus. This heartwarming friendship still makes me smile when I think of it.

3. Fighting for what you believe in

toddler looking at believe in yourself graffiti

As a young child, it taught the importance of standing up for your beliefs and never letting anyone else steer you away from them. This was present in the character of Lucy, when finding Narnia, her siblings failed to believe her. But instead, she still knows it's true and even though she wishes them to believe at the beginning of the novel, she does stop telling them about it to a degree — until Susan and Peter then find themselves in Narnia.

4. To have faith

person's hand reaching for light

When Professor Kirk urges Susan and Peter to believe their younger sister about the magical land she has found, he encourages them to open their minds. You can see this initially changes their way of thinking, for me, this was a pivotal point in the novel as Professor Kirk had been to Narnia before. Therefore, he urges Susan and Peter to believe their younger sister.

5. Lying is never good (Yes, Edmund)

pair of black shoesPhoto by Oksana Manych on Unsplash

When Edmund lies about entering Narnia it has a startling impact. Due to lying, he doesn't tell anyone of the White Witch or how he came to tell her of Lucy's meeting with Tumnus. Edmund's act of not telling anyone the truth means he ends up facing the consequences in the form of being imprisoned by the witch. This doesn't only impact Edmund, but it impacts Tumnus too. For me, this scared me — I thought if I lied about anything the witch would come for me!

This also demonstrates the importance of family as the three siblings embark on a journey to save their brother. The whole reason they stay in Narnia is to retrieve Edmund. So, it is him we have to thank because if they hadn't stayed there they never would have become kings and queens.

6. Magic opens minds

child amazed by magic

Magic, for children, is vital. It teaches to stretch the imagination and think outside the box. For me, growing up it was so important that I stretched my mind and explored possibilities, because of C.S. Lewis and this one book, I decided I loved English, I am now studying English and creative writing. So, this book taught me to keep an open mind and explore my imagination.

This novel is the reason that I fell in love with literature, it will always have a special place in my heart. I owe so much to this one novel.

Report this Content
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

2273
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

5067
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

3124
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

202527
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments