Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia
Aslan can be portrayed as a symbol of Christ because he is given the same characteristics Christ has and is involved in the same events Christ was in C.
S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. C. S. Lewis has written in a way to create an intruiging fairytale, as well as including a moral and chose to use Christ as an example for morality in his character, Aslan. Throughout the book, Aslan’s demeanor reflects Christ’s.
Aslan is portrayed as a symbol of Christ because he has been given the same characteristics as Christ, resembles Christ in his crucifixion and resurrection, and is portrayed as king of Narnia with the same intentions Christ had in being Lord of the Jews. Aslan can be portrayed as Christ because he has been given the same characteristics as Christ. When the Pevensies first met Aslan, he showed to be omniscient like Christ by acknowledging that Edmand was not amongst them. When they had retrieved Edmand and the White Witch came to request an audience with Aslan, he made a compromise with her knowing what the future events would hold. (Romans 3:23) Not only did he know that he would be severly treated and killed on the stone table, but he also knew that the next morning he would rise again because of the deep magic which the Witch had no true knowledge of. (Hammond) This is an example of the Jews rejecting the prophecy of Christ, and Christ knowing that it had to be fulfilled.
(Hebrews 9:22) Hand in hand with being omniscient, he has also been given the characteristic of true wisdom like Christ. Aslan always knew what was going to happen, what would be best, and what could be done to prevent unfortunate situations. Another way that Aslan has been portrayed as Christ is in his crucifixion and resurrection. Aslan took Edmand’s place for his betrayal just as Christ took the place of everyone’s sins. (Romans 5:8) Aslan was mocked, ridiculed, humiliated, and spat on by all of the White Witch’s subjects, who were once Aslan’s, just as Christ’s own people did the same to Him.
Aslan was dragged to the stone table where he would be killed, and Christ had to drag his cross up Golgotha. Aslan was offered milk when being teased as a mere kitty-cat and Christ was offered vinegar on hyssop when the Roman soldiers were calling Him a slave. Aslan’s main was torn to represent when Christ’s beard was plucked out. The White Witch sarcastically called him the ‘Great Cat’ in the same way that the Roman’s put the sign above Jesus’ head on the cross calling Him ‘the King of the Jews.’ (Winner) Finally, Aslan was killed with a giant knife or spear just as Christ was struck with a spear to ensure His death.
Another way Aslan has portrayed Christ, is in his intentions of being the correct king of Narnia just as Christ is the perfect Lord. In the book, Aslan was said to be good, but not tame. He was proved to be kind, loving, wise, father of his people, passionate, and caring; but also firm, just, judging, sovereign, and jealous. These are also just a few of Christ’s characteristics. (Lewis/spark notes) As Aslan’s character possessed these traits, he used them not only in daily practice when conversing and going about business (as the war with the White Witch was coming up soon), but also in how he desired to be the great ruler he was known to be. When Aslan was talking to Peter, he told him that he just wanted what was best for his people, his children, not what would comfort him most.
Christ was the same way; He didn’t have a penny to His name, or a place of His own. All of His suffering was sacrificed for His people. Aslan also loved and respected everyone, even the Witch and her followers, just as Christ even loves Satan and those who reject Him. However, Aslan demanded respect from everyone. He was jealous just like Christ and wanted the reverence he deserved as king, even though he would also humble himself instead of being prideful. (Lewis/spark notes) Christ is the same; man must show Him that they honor His authority as Lord.
He also humbled Himself though, by setting examples of equality among men to His disciples, the Pharisees, and anyone who was around to witness. Aslan is portrayed as a symbol of Christ because he has been given the same characteristics as Christ, resembles Christ in his crucifixion and resurrection, and is portrayed as king of Narnia with the same intentions Christ had in being Lord of the Jews. In these three ways Christ is seen in the character Aslan. C. S.
Lewis has done a tremendous job in conveying that, though some of the facts were changed a little to flow with the story. Works Cited Page Hammond, Peter. “Through the Wardrobe”. November 11, 2010 http://www.frontline.org.
za/articles/through_the_wardrobe.htm Lewis, C.S. The Chronicles of Narnia; the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. New York: Avenue of the Americas, 1978. Lewis, C.
S. “In Depth Analysis of Aslan”. November 11, 2010. http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/lion/canalysis.html Winner, Lauren. “What’s Christian About Narnia?” November 11, 2010. http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Movies/Narnia/Whats-Christian-About-Narnia.aspx
