6 Life-Changing Lessons from Chronicles of Narnia | 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!

24928
chronicles of narnia book
Photo by Tim Alex on Unsplash

In This Article:

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
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?

1064
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

16000
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.

3328
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