With its enchanting and vividly described magical world, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” penned by C.S. Lewis, continues to captivate me. Although I was born long after the passing of the author, I will briefly share a few reasons why I continue to re-read the series over and over. 

The hidden mysteries woven throughout the series is the first of many reasons I adore these books. C.S. Lewis, a scholar of mediaeval literature, subtly wove the seven planets of mediaeval astrology into the chronicle. For example, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is associated with Jupiter, symbolising themes of kingship and joy, while "Prince Caspian" corresponds to Mars, reflecting on war and courage. Lewis also incorporates elements from various mythologies, including Greek, Roman, and Norse myths. Characters such as fauns, centaurs, and dryads populate Narnia. It is a universe governed by a mediaeval cosmological order, where the heavens influence earthly events, but this was not obvious to me upon my first few readings. Many minor details in the books carry deeper symbolic meanings, too. For example, the lamp-post in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" marks the boundary between the magical world and the ordinary world, symbolising enlightenment and the transition from ignorance to knowledge. I love searching for new riddles to solve each time I restart the series. 

I personally appreciate the strong moral themes which explore the timeless battles between good and evil. The nature of free will and predestination is a recurring theme, particularly evident in "The Horse and His Boy," where characters’ choices and their destinies are intertwined in complex ways. Central to Narnia's story is Aslan, a character offering profound insight into the nature of Christ and what following him can be like, adding a significant and moving spiritual depth. 

For myself and many others, Narnia evokes a sense of nostalgia, as it is a cherished part of childhood reading. Despite the serious themes, moments of humour and wit are sprinkled throughout, making the series even more enjoyable. I love the opening line of "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" which says, "There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it." This character is hilarious to me, and the opening hints at his disagreeable nature in a humorous and memorable way. Most satisfyingly, Eustace’s arc is a powerful story of the transformative power of repentance and redemption.

If you’d like to read or discuss the chronicle with me, I would be absolutely delighted! I hope to see you soon on Skype, Zoom or in the comments.