The Horse and his boy
The Horse and His Boy is the fifth book published in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series, released in 1954. However, chronologically within the Narnia timeline, it is the third book, set during the Golden Age when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy ruled as Kings and Queens of Narnia.
Plot Summary
The story follows Shasta, a boy raised as a peasant in Calormen, a southern empire with a Middle Eastern-inspired culture. Shasta escapes northward toward Narnia with Bree, a talking warhorse who was captured from Narnia years earlier
During their journey, they join forces with Aravis, a Calormene noblewoman fleeing a forced marriage, and her talking horse Hwin. Together, they race to warn Narnia of an impending invasion while discovering their true identities and destinies.
Key Themes
- Freedom and escape from oppression
- Identity and self-discovery (Shasta learns he is not who he believed)
- Divine guidance through Aslan's interventions
- Friendship across social classes
The novel stands out in the Narnia series for featuring entirely new protagonists rather than the Pevensie children, though the Pevensies appear briefly as the ruling monarchs
Chapter 1: How Shasta Set Out On His Travels
Shasta, a peasant boy in Calormen, learns his "father" plans to sell him as a slave to a visiting Tarkaan (nobleman). He overhears the Tarkaan's horse, Bree, speak—revealing Bree is a captured Narnian talking horse. They decide to escape north to Narnia together.
Chapter 2: A Wayside Adventure
While fleeing, Shasta and Bree are chased by a lion and encounter Aravis, a Calormene noblewoman, and her talking horse Hwin, also escaping to Narnia. The four travelers join forces.
Chapter 3: At the Gates of Tashbaan
The group shares their stories: Aravis is fleeing a forced marriage to a cruel older man. They devise a plan to sneak through the capital city, Tashbaan, without drawing attention.
Chapter 4: Shasta Falls In With The Narnians
In Tashbaan, Narnian visitors mistake Shasta for Prince Corin (who looks identical to him). Shasta is taken to the palace, where he overhears King Edmund expressing grave concerns about a threat to Narnia.
Chapter 5: Prince Corin
After the Narnians plan their departure, the real Prince Corin appears. Shasta explains the confusion and slips away to rejoin his companions at the meeting point outside the city.
Chapter 6: Shasta Among the Tombs
Shasta reaches the ancient tombs outside Tashbaan but finds Aravis and the horses haven't arrived. He prepares to spend another night waiting when he finally sees Bree and Hwin approaching—with someone who is not Aravis.
Chapter 7: Aravis in Tashbaan
Aravis was delayed when her old friend Lasaraleen recognized her. Lasaraleen helps hide Aravis and aids her escape through the palace—where they become trapped in a room.
Chapter 8: In the House of the Tisroc
While hiding, Aravis and Lasaraleen overhear Prince Rabadash plotting with his father, the Tisroc, to conquer Archenland and then invade Narnia to capture Queen Susan. The Tisroc ensures he has an escape plan if Rabadash fails.
Chapter 9: Across the Desert
Aravis escapes and reunites with the others at the tombs. They cross the desert into Archenland, but oversleep at their resting point and must rush to warn King Lune of the invasion.
Chapter 10: The Hermit of the Southern March
Seeing Radish's army entering the valley, they race to the Hermit of the Southern March. The Hermit tells Shasta he must run on foot to reach King Lune at Anvard in time to deliver the warning.
Chapter 11: The Unwelcome Fellow Traveller
Shasta reaches King Lune and warns him. On the way to Anvard, he gets lost and feels utterly hopeless—until he meets Aslan, who reveals He was the lion who drove the travelers together and has been guiding Shasta all along.
Chapter 12: Shasta in Narnia
Shasta tries to alert Narnians and is found by three dwarfs who shelter him. He awakens to meet King Edmund, Queen Lucy, and Prince Corin, then joins the Narnian army riding to Archenland's aid.
Chapter 13: The Fight at Anvard
Shasta rides with the Narnian army and fights at the Battle of Anvard. Meanwhile, Aravis, Bree, and Hwin watch events unfold through the Hermit's magical pool. After the battle, a shocking revelation awaits Shasta.
Chapter 14: How Bree Became a Wiser Horse
Aravis, Bree, and Hwin plan their continued journey into Narnia when Shasta visits. He reveals the truth: he is actually Prince Cor, Corin's twin brother, kidnapped as an infant and raised in Calormen—making him the rightful heir to Archenland.
Chapter 15: Rabadash the Ridiculous
At a celebratory lunch, the Narnians and Archenlanders discuss Rabadash's fate. Aslan appears and transforms the defeated prince into a donkey, decreeing he must sit in Tashbaan's temple to learn humility. Peace is restored, and the companions settle into their new lives.