What did the Lion and the Witch symbolize?

4 Answers

sandrahunter's profile pic

sandrahunter | College Teacher | (Level 1) Adjunct Educator

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C.S. Lewis's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" series reflects his views on Christianity. Specifically, the books are written as simple hero's journeys that deal with the theme of good-versus-evil.

The lion represents good while the witch represents evil. The lion's character is omniscient, nurturing, and long-suffering. His journey closely parallels that of Christ's in the New Testament.

The witch's character is vengeful, self-involved, desperate and destructive. Her journey parallels that of Satan.

It is important to have this strong contrast between these two characters so that the young reader can readily identify them and understand the issue of imbalance versus balance.

When the world is out of balance, in the first book, it is always winter and never Christmas. The reader immediately understands how terrible that is! When the world is in balance again, Spring comes -- representing the restoration of life and harmony.

mkueberth's profile pic

mkueberth | Elementary School Teacher | eNotes Newbie

Posted on

If you're referencing the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, It was always my impression that the Lion was Christ and the Witch was Satan. The Lion overcomes death, just as Christ did. Obviously if you teach in a public school setting you can't use this analogy, but you could refer to good over evil. If you're in a church or catholic school you CAN and SHOULD get this point brought out by your students... It does led to amazing discussion...

lynniejo's profile pic

lynniejo | Elementary School Teacher | eNotes Newbie

Posted on

I always looked at the Lion as being good and the Witch as being evil.  Kids should be taught that being good will usually triumph over being evil.  The Lion made it his priority to help people, while the Witch tried to destroy everone and everything.  This is an excellent book to help children understand the difference between good and evil.