C.S. Lewis: Unveiling the Brilliance of Aslan and the Power of Storyt

When you look into the eyes of a child captivated by a story, you can see the magic happening. Their focus is unwavering, their anticipation palpable. This is the power of storytelling, and no one understood this better than C.S. Lewis.

More than fifty years after his death, the brilliance of C.S. Lewis continues to captivate readers, young and old. I witnessed this firsthand as I watched my twin four-year-old boys engrossed in the story of Narnia. It was as if Lewis had cast a spell on them, drawing them into the world of Aslan, the great lion.

I had underestimated Lewis's ability to engage young minds with his captivating and accessible storytelling. We started with "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, and it proved to be the perfect introduction to Lewis's world.

The title of the book is a clever play on words, with the mention of "Lion" first and foremost. But as you dive into the story, you realize that the lion is not immediately present. Lewis builds the suspense, introducing the wardrobe and the witch before teasing us with the possibility of encountering the lion.

In chapter 7, the children, lost in the woods, catch a glimpse of an animal. Is this the lion they have been waiting for? Lewis describes the creature in such a way that we are left wondering. But then he reveals that it is just a beaver. The seed has been planted, and the longing for Aslan, the lion, grows.

As the story progresses, we learn more about Aslan through the character of Mr. Beaver. He mentions the name "Aslan," and something inexplicable happens. The children, who had never heard of Aslan before, feel a deep resonance within them. Lewis beautifully describes this feeling, comparing it to a dream where something is said that holds immense meaning, either terrifying or lovely. The name of Aslan evokes a sense of awe and wonder in the children, and in us as readers.

But who is Aslan? In chapter 8, Beaver reveals that Aslan is the King, the Lord of the woods, and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. He is not a man, but a lion – the great Lion. The children are taken aback by this revelation. They ask if Aslan is safe, to which Beaver responds with a memorable line, "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

Lewis leaves us hanging, eagerly awaiting the moment when we will finally see Aslan. We journey with the children through encounters with Father Christmas and the Witch, always longing for that glimpse of the Lion. And then, in chapter 12, it happens. Aslan stands before them, his presence overwhelming and awe-inspiring. Lewis paints a vivid picture of Aslan, with his golden mane and majestic eyes. The children find themselves trembling in his presence, unable to look directly at him. His voice soothes them, and they feel a sense of peace and awe.

In chapter 13, Aslan speaks with the Witch and sacrifices himself in place of the rebel Edmund. The children are devastated by his death, but they hold onto hope. They know that there is something more, something beyond death. And in chapter 15, their hope is realized as they witness Aslan's resurrection. He stands before them, shining in the sunrise, larger and more glorious than ever before. The children rejoice, their faith in Aslan restored.

As I read this part of the story to my boys, their excitement was palpable. They couldn't contain their joy when they realized that Aslan was alive again. And as I explained to them that Aslan's resurrection was like Jesus's resurrection, their understanding deepened. They had learned about Jesus's death and resurrection from "The Jesus Storybook Bible," and now they saw the parallels in Lewis's story.

The brilliance of C.S. Lewis lies not in his ability to create a captivating story, but in his ability to channel the glory of God. Aslan is not just a fictional character; he represents the glory and beauty of Jesus. Lewis understood that the best stories borrow from the ultimate story of redemption and hope found in the Bible.

Throughout the Chronicles of Narnia series, Lewis weaves biblical themes and imagery into his storytelling. Aslan, the lion, is a direct representation of Jesus, the Lion of Judah. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). He is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) and the exact imprint of his nature (Hebrews 1:3). Just as Aslan is too good to not be true, Jesus is the truth (John 14:6).

Lewis's storytelling is not limited to fiction. In his nonfiction works, essays, and letters, he consistently points back to the glory of Christ. He understood that the beauty and majesty of Jesus are unparalleled. Jesus is the source of all true beauty, goodness, and truth.

As we immerse ourselves in the world of Narnia, we catch a glimpse of the eternal truth found in the Bible. Lewis's storytelling serves as a reminder that there is a greater story being told, a story of redemption and hope. The magic of his storytelling lies in his ability to engage our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to the ultimate Author of our lives.

In conclusion, C.S. Lewis's brilliance as a storyteller continues to captivate readers of all ages. Through his masterful storytelling in the Chronicles of Narnia series, Lewis channels the glory and beauty of Jesus. Aslan, the lion, represents the majesty and goodness of Christ. Lewis's storytelling reminds us that there is a greater story being told, a story of redemption and hope. As we journey through the world of Narnia, we catch a glimpse of the eternal truth found in the Bible. And in doing so, we are drawn closer to the ultimate Author of our lives.