The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950) is the first and most iconic book in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia series. It introduces readers to the magical world of Narnia through the adventures of four Pevensie siblings.
Plot Summary
During World War II, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are evacuated from London to the countryside home of an elderly professor. While exploring, young Lucy discovers a wardrobe that serves as a portal to Narnia—a land trapped in eternal winter by the tyrannical White Witch.
The children learn of an ancient prophecy stating that when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve sit on the four thrones at Cair Paravel, the Witch's reign will end. The great lion Aslan—the true king of Narnia—returns to fulfill this prophecy, but Edmund's betrayal complicates matters. Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund's life, then miraculously resurrects, ultimately defeating the White Witch and restoring Narnia.
Key Characters
- Aslan — The majestic talking lion and true ruler of Narnia; represents courage, wisdom, and sacrifice
- The White Witch (Jadis) — The cruel usurper who has plunged Narnia into endless winter
- Mr. Tumnus — A kind faun who befriends Lucy
- The Professor — The eccentric owner of the wardrobe in the real world
Significance
The novel is widely recognized as a Christian allegory, with Aslan's sacrificial death and resurrection paralleling the story of Jesus Christ 4. Beyond its religious symbolism, the book explores themes of bravery, betrayal and redemption, the wisdom of children, and the triumph of good over evil.
Chapter 1: Lucy Looks into a Wardrobe
The four Pevensie children—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—are evacuated from London during WWII to a professor's country house. While exploring, Lucy discovers a wardrobe in an empty room. Stepping inside, she finds herself in a snowy forest.
Chapter 2: What Lucy Found There
Lucy meets Mr. Tumnus, a faun, who invites her to tea. He tearfully confesses that the White Witch has ordered all humans to be captured. He decides not to betray Lucy and helps her return home. When Lucy tells her siblings, they don't believe her.
Chapter 3: Edmund and the Wardrobe
Edmund follows Lucy into the wardrobe and encounters the White Witch, who offers him enchanted Turkish Delight and promises to make him a king if he brings his siblings to her.
Chapter 4: Turkish Delight
Edmund continues meeting the Witch secretly, growing addicted to the enchanted candy. He resents Peter and Lucy's closeness and becomes increasingly selfish and cruel.
Chapter 5: Back on This Side of the Door
All four children hide in the wardrobe to avoid the housekeeper. They find themselves together in Narnia. Edmund reveals his treachery by claiming Narnia doesn't exist.
Chapter 6: Into the Forest
The children set out to find Mr. Tumnus but discover his home ransacked and a note indicating his arrest for "fraternizing with humans." They decide to rescue him.
Chapter 7: A Day with the Beavers
The children meet Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, who explain that Aslan—the great lion and true King of Narnia—is returning to end the Witch's winter and fulfill a prophecy about two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve ruling at Cair Paravel.
Chapter 8: What Happened After Dinner
During dinner with the Beavers, Edmund slips away to betray his siblings to the Witch, hoping to become king and get more Turkish Delight.
Chapter 9: In the Witch's House
Edmund reaches the Witch's castle, where he sees creatures turned to stone. The Witch is furious that Aslan has arrived and sets out with Edmund as her prisoner.
Chapter 10: The Spell Begins to Break
The other three children travel with the Beavers toward Aslan. Spring arrives—the Witch's magic weakening. They meet Father Christmas, who gives them gifts: a sword for Peter, a bow for Susan, a healing cordial for Lucy, and a horn for emergencies.
Chapter 11: Aslan Is Nearer
Peter, Susan, and Lucy arrive at the Stone Table where Aslan's army is camped. They finally meet the majestic lion, who promises to help rescue Edmund.
Chapter 12: Peter's First Battle
Peter kills a wolf threatening Susan, earning his knighthood from Aslan. The Witch's forces attack, but Aslan's army prevails.
Chapter 13: Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time
The Witch arrives to claim Edmund as a traitor—"a kill for every treachery" according to ancient law. Aslan privately negotiates with her. She renounces her claim, and Edmund is freed.
Chapter 14: The Triumph of the Witch
That night, Aslan allows himself to be captured, bound, shaved, and mocked by the Witch's followers. He is killed on the Stone Table as a sacrifice for Edmund's treachery. Susan and Lucy watch in horror.
Chapter 15: Deeper Magic from Before the Dawn of Time
At dawn, the Stone Table cracks and Aslan resurrects. He explains that the Witch didn't know about "Deeper Magic"—when a willing victim who committed no treachery dies for a traitor, death works backwards.
Chapter 16: What Happened About the Statues
Aslan, Susan, and Lucy raid the Witch's castle, breathing life back into the stone statues—including Mr. Tumnus. They assemble an army to attack the Witch.
Chapter 17: The Hunting of the White Stag
In the final battle, Aslan kills the White Witch. The four children are crowned Kings and Queens of Narnia at Cair Paravel. Years later, hunting a white stag, they stumble back through the wardrobe—finding no time has passed in England.