Aslan And His Religious Reference Essays Examples

C. S Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe if analyzed based on characters, motifs and representation deems similarities to the story of Jesus Christ. The character of Aslan, for example, has similarities to Christ’s embodiment in the bible. Aslan sacrificed himself to save Edmund despite Edmund’s earlier betrayal. Aslan’s death in order to save Edmund’s life and his resurrection shows its strong reference to the story of Christ. The representation of C.S Lewis of Aslan’s character is his method of attracting children towards Christ. Lewis re-created a timeless story by incorporating the elements of fiction in his novel in order for the readers to appreciate his creation in a different angle. He introduces Aslan as someone who is similar to Christ when he was here on Earth, someone who will interact with His people and not someone distant.
Throughout the novel, Aslan is identified as a dignified leader who embodies goodness and promotes justice in the kingdom of Narnia. Upon his introduction to the siblings, the three except for Edmund felt a strong feeling of pride and joy while Edmund who is aware of his betrayal was horrified by his presence. “ At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer (C.S Lewis, chapter 7).” What this specific scene is portraying is that even if the children had no previous encounter with Aslan, his presence alone created a strong impact in the emotions of the children. Christ, is identified as the champion of the children, He wants to be with the children in order to guide them towards the right path. Aslan, at some point, may have chosen the siblings, even if they were too young to rule Narnia, because like Christ, Aslan believed in the youth.
In chapter 14 (The triumph of the Witch), the reference of the novel to the Christian story becomes evident. During the scene where Aslan was experiencing despondency, it is observed to be similar to Jesus’ Agony in the Garden, wherein Aslan was waiting for his irrevocable death. When he mentioned that he may or not be present during the battle is a sign that he did not know that he will be resurrected. Aslan knew his fate was to die but did not know that he will again rise and join the battle against the White Witch. Despite this, Aslan willingly gave his life to Edmund even knowing of his sin towards his siblings and to Narnia. The army of the White Witch tortured and mocked Aslan before his death (again, a reference to what Jesus went through prior to His crucifixion). The chapter was filled with sadness and hopelessness because Aslan’s army felt that the death of their leader was the final blow to their chances of winning the battle.
For Narnia, Aslan was the vessel of their hope. “"Aslan?" said Mr. Beaver."Why, don't you know? He's the King. He's the Lord of the whole wood, but not often here, you understand. Never in my time or my father's time. But the word has reached us that he has come back. He is in Narnia at this moment. He'll settle the White Queen all right. It is he, not you, that will save Mr. Tumnus (C.S Lewis, chapter 8)." He was the only one stopping the White Witch from fully wreaking havoc in their lands. The people of Narnia thought that the death of Aslan was the beginning of the White Witch’s rule forever. The strategy of the author to make use of a lion to represent Aslan’s character worked well for the novel’s overall appeal. Children often identify a lion as an animal which is intimidating and ferocious, but in the novel, Aslan was gentle yet powerful. By making Aslan’s character more relatable, Lewis has given another take the Jesus Christ since he made Aslan tangible. At first, when Mr. Beaver was discussing Aslan to the children, he was described with so much mystery that the children did not even know whether he was real or not. “Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion""Safe?" said Mr Beaver "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you. (C.S Lewis Chapter 7)”  But despite not seeing him physically at first they believed that he will truly save Narnia.
The fate placed on Aslan was a testament to his impact as a ruler. After his death, despite feeling hopeless his army continued their battle in hopes that they will finish what Aslan has started. The four siblings were now fighting not only for Aslan but for Narnia, ““For Narnia and for Aslan! (C. S Lewis, Chapter 15)”. Aslan inspired people to not lose hope and fight against darkness. Aslan accepted death because he knew that it was for good cause, he proved that salvation if for everyone even the sinners. During the resurrection of Aslan, the readers would notice the stone stable is also shattered, a signification of an end to the traditional practices in Narnia. “that though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. (C.S Lewis, Chapter 15)The resurrection of Aslan is the turning point of the novel because it represents a start of new age in Narnia. Aslan was able to reform the old tradition and saved Narnia.