Summary
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a beloved children's fantasy novel by C.S. Lewis. Released in 1950, it is the first published book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. Set during World War II, the novel introduces the magical world of Narnia through the adventures of four siblings who stumble upon an enchanted wardrobe. While delighting young readers, it explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and courage in the face of evil. Since its publication, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been translated into 47 languages and sold more than 100 million copies. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous adaptations, most notably the 2005 feature film produced by Walt Disney Pictures.
Plot
During World War II, four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—are evacuated from London to the country home of Professor Kirke. While exploring the house, Lucy discovers a magical wardrobe that transports her to the land of Narnia. There she meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus. This gentle mythological creature explains that Narnia is ruled by the evil White Witch, who has cast the land into an eternal winter. Lucy returns home eager to tell her siblings, but they don't believe her.
Edmund follows Lucy into Narnia on her second visit and encounters the White Witch, who entices him with sweets and the promise of power if he brings his siblings to her. Eventually, all four Pevensie children enter Narnia together and learn that Mr. Tumnus has been arrested. They meet talking beavers who tell them about Aslan, the true king of Narnia, and a prophecy that four humans will help defeat the White Witch. Edmund sneaks away to betray his siblings to the Witch.
The children journey to meet Aslan as the witch prepares for battle. Aslan offers himself to be sacrificed in Edmund's place to satisfy the Deep Magic. He is killed on the Stone Table but is resurrected by Deeper Magic. Aslan then leads an army to battle against the Witch's forces. Fulfilling the prophecy, the four Pevensie siblings help defeat the Witch and are crowned kings and queens of Narnia.
After ruling Narnia for many years, the adult Pevensies stumble back through the wardrobe while hunting a magical white stag. They emerge as children again in England, with no time having passed since they first entered Narnia. They tell Professor Kirke about their adventures, and he believes them, hinting that he too has visited Narnia.
Themes
Good versus evil
Sacrifice and redemption
Faith and doubt
Leadership and courage
Family loyalty
The power of imagination
Coming of age
Setting
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe takes place during World War II in England. The four Pevensie children—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—are evacuated from London to escape the Blitz and sent to stay with an old professor in a large country house in rural England. This framing narrative reflects the real-life experiences of many British children who were relocated to the countryside during wartime.
The bulk of the story, however, is set in the magical land of Narnia. The children discover Narnia by entering through a wardrobe in a spare room of the professor's house. Narnia is depicted as a wintry fantasy world inhabited by talking animals and mythical creatures. It has been trapped in perpetual winter for 100 years under the rule of the evil White Witch.
Key locations within Narnia include the lamppost in the snowy woods where Lucy first enters, Mr. Tumnus's cozy cave home, the castle of Cair Paravel where the children are eventually crowned, and the Stone Table where Aslan sacrifices himself. The gradual melting of the endless winter as the children work to defeat the White Witch serves as a powerful metaphor for hope and renewal. Through its vivid depiction of this fantastical realm, Lewis creates an immersive setting that continues to captivate readers.
Characters
Lucy Pevensie: The youngest of the four Pevensie children. Lucy is the first to discover Narnia through the wardrobe and befriends the faun Mr. Tumnus. She has a pure, faithful heart and is crowned Queen Lucy the Valiant. Lucy embodies childlike faith and wonder throughout the story.
Edmund Pevensie: The second youngest Pevensie child. Edmund initially betrays his siblings to the White Witch, tempted by Turkish Delight and promises of power. He later realizes his mistake and is redeemed through Aslan's sacrifice. Edmund matures significantly and is crowned King Edmund the Just.
Susan Pevensie: The second oldest Pevensie child. Susan is practical and skeptical at first, but comes to believe in Narnia. She is gentle and motherly towards her siblings. Susan becomes an exceptional archer and is crowned Queen Susan the Gentle.
Peter Pevensie: The oldest Pevensie child. Peter takes on a leadership role among his siblings and in Narnia. He fights bravely in battle and is crowned High King Peter the Magnificent. Peter demonstrates courage and honor.
Aslan: The true king of Narnia, a wise and powerful lion. Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund and is resurrected. He guides and empowers the children in their quest. Aslan represents a Christ-like figure of love, guidance, and redemption.
The White Witch: The evil, self-proclaimed Queen of Narnia who has kept the land in perpetual winter. She tempts Edmund and tries to prevent the prophecy of her downfall. The White Witch embodies cruelty, deception, and the corrupting nature of power.
Mr. Tumnus: A kindhearted faun who befriends Lucy. He initially plans to kidnap her for the White Witch but has a change of heart. Tumnus helps the Pevensies and is eventually freed from being turned to stone.
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver: Helpful talking beavers who shelter and guide the Pevensie children. Along with providing exposition about Narnia's history and prophecies, the Beavers represent loyalty and the rewards of keeping the faith.
Quick facts
C.S. Lewis wrote The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in the span of about six weeks.
The story was inspired by a picture of a faun (a figure in Roman mythology similar to a satyr but gentler) carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood that had been in Lewis's mind since he was 16 years old.
Lewis dedicated the book to his goddaughter, Lucy Barfield.
The wardrobe that inspired the story's magical wardrobe was a real piece of furniture owned by Lewis's family.
Lewis chose Pauline Baynes to illustrate the book, likely on the recommendation of his close friend and a fellow fantasy author, J.R.R. Tolkien.
Lewis denied the book was an intentional Christian allegory, though many readers have interpreted it as such.
When first published in 1950, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe received mixed reviews from critics who thought fantasy stories could be harmful for children.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the first published book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, though chronologically it is the second in the series.
The book has inspired numerous adaptations, including stage plays, radio dramas, a 1979 animated movie, a 1998 BBC TV series, a 2005 Disney movie, featuring Tilda Swinton as the White Witch and Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, with editions in 47 languages.
About the Author
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the most imaginative authors and influential Christian scholars of the 20th century. He is best known for The Chronicles of Narnia, a beloved children's fantasy series with strong Christian themes. The seven Narnia books have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and been adapted into major films. Lewis also wrote nonfiction works dedicated to exploring spiritual questions and making theological concepts accessible, including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Problem of Pain. His science fiction Space Trilogy and allegorical novel The Great Divorce further showcase his creative storytelling abilities.
Born in Belfast, Lewis became a renowned academic at Oxford and Cambridge, specializing in medieval literature. In addition to his prolific writing career, he was a member of the informal literary group known as the Inklings, which included his close friend J.R.R. Tolkien. Their discussions and mutual encouragement played a key role in the creation of Lewis's Narnia series and Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Lewis's own spiritual journey from atheism to Christianity in his early 30s deeply informed his later writings and apologetics work defending and explaining the Christian faith.
C.S. Lewis's legacy as both a creative storyteller and Christian thinker continues to grow. His works remain widely read and studied, with Lewis societies founded around the world to discuss his ideas. In 2013, he was honored with a memorial in Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, cementing his place as one of Britain's most beloved writers.
