The Magician’s Nephew: A Prequel to The Chronicles of Narnia

Introduction

The Magician’s Nephew, published in 1955, is the sixth book in The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, although it is often considered the first in the chronological order of the series. This portal fantasy children’s novel was published by The Bodley Head, marking a change from the previous publisher, Geoffrey Bles, who had published the first five books in the series^[1][5].

C.S. Lewis, a renowned author, philosopher, and theologian, began writing The Magician’s Nephew shortly after completing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The idea was sparked by a friend’s question about the origins of the lamp-post in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Despite starting soon after, Lewis took more than five years to complete the book, incorporating several autobiographical elements and exploring themes with moral and Christian implications^[1][5].

The illustrations for the book were provided by Pauline Baynes, whose work has been retained in many later editions. The Magician’s Nephew stands out within its genre for its unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and Christian allegory, setting it apart in the literary context of children’s fiction.

Plot Summary

The story of The Magician’s Nephew begins in London during the summer of 1900. Two children, Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, meet while exploring the adjacent gardens of their homes. Their adventure starts when they stumble upon the study of Digory’s eccentric Uncle Andrew, who has been dabbling in magic. Uncle Andrew tricks Polly into touching a yellow magic ring, causing her to vanish. He then blackmails Digory into following her using another yellow ring and provides green rings for their return^[1][5].

Digory and Polly find themselves in a sleepy woodland known as the "Wood between the Worlds," a place filled with pools that serve as portals to different universes. They decide to explore another world and jump into one of the pools, landing in the desolate city of Charn. In Charn, they discover the ruins of a palace and awaken the last surviving resident, the evil witch queen Jadis, who had killed every living thing in Charn by speaking the "Deplorable Word"^[1][5].

Jadis follows the children back to London, where she discovers her magical powers do not work, although she retains her superhuman strength. She enslaves Uncle Andrew and attempts to conquer Earth, leading to a chaotic sequence of events. The children, along with Uncle Andrew, a cab driver named Frank, and his horse Strawberry, are transported back to the Wood between the Worlds and then to a new, uncreated world. Here, they witness the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan, who brings stars, plants, and animals into existence through his singing^[1][5].

Themes and Symbolism

The Magician’s Nephew is rich in themes and symbolism, many of which are rooted in Christian theology and the biblical account of creation. The character of Aslan, who creates Narnia, is a clear symbol of God, embodying qualities of omnipotence, wisdom, and benevolence. Aslan’s creation of Narnia mirrors the biblical account of Genesis, where God creates the world through spoken commands^[2][3].

Digory and Polly are symbolic of Adam and Eve, being the first humans to experience the new world of Narnia. Digory’s temptation by Jadis in the garden, where he is tempted to eat an apple from a forbidden tree, parallels the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, unlike Adam, Digory ultimately obeys Aslan, highlighting the theme of obedience and integrity^[2][3].

Jadis, the witch queen, represents evil and temptation, similar to Satan in the biblical narrative. Her actions and character traits reflect the biblical depiction of Satan as a deceiver and a force opposed to God’s will^[2][3].

The book also explores themes of atonement, original sin, and the order of nature, all of which are central to Christian theology. These themes are woven into the narrative in a way that is both accessible to young readers and profound enough to resonate with adults^[1][3].

Cultural Impact

The Magician’s Nephew has had a significant cultural impact since its release. The book has been widely praised for its imaginative storytelling and its ability to convey complex moral and theological themes in an engaging manner. It has been a favorite among readers of all ages, from children who are captivated by the fantasy and adventure to adults who appreciate its deeper symbolism and themes^[3][4].

The book has been adapted into various forms of media, including a BBC Radio 4 adaptation, a full-cast audio drama by Focus on the Family, and a manga adaptation by HarperCollins Japan. These adaptations have helped to introduce the story to new audiences and reinforce its place in popular culture^[1][3].

Critical Reception

Upon its release, The Magician’s Nephew received mixed reviews from critics. Some reviewers felt that it was not as strong as other books in the series, particularly when compared to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. However, many praised its unique storytelling and the way it expanded the Narnian universe^[1][3].

T.M. Wagner of SF Reviews noted that while it may not be the best of the Narnia novels, it is a "brisk and funny tale certain to delight its intended young audience"^[1]. Jandy’s Reading Room reviewed the book, stating that although it is the weakest in the series, it still provides a "wonderful picture of the beginning of a new world, in the manner of the Creation"^[1].

Over the years, the book has gained more appreciation for its thematic depth and its role in setting the foundation for the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. It is now widely regarded as a classic in children’s literature and a significant work in the fantasy genre^[3][4].

Legacy

The Magician’s Nephew continues to be a beloved and influential work in the world of children’s literature and fantasy. Its unique blend of adventure, fantasy, and moral themes has inspired countless readers and writers. The book’s exploration of creation, good vs. evil, and personal integrity remains relevant today, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate new generations of readers^[3][4].

The book’s impact on popular culture is evident in its adaptations and references in other media. It has also influenced other authors and works in the fantasy genre, contributing to the rich tapestry of imaginative storytelling that characterizes children’s literature.

In conclusion, The Magician’s Nephew is a foundational work in The Chronicles of Narnia series, offering a compelling narrative that explores deep themes and symbols. Its enduring relevance and cultural impact make it a significant contribution to the world of literature.