The Novel In C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Aslan is portrayed as the Christ-figure. This is present firstly, when the Pevensie children meet him for the first time. The novel suggests that they are filled with awe and cannot look upon him due to his greatness. This references his power and authority over all in Narnia. Secondly, he forgives Edmund for betraying his family and reunites him with them. This is a powerful scene in the novel as Edmund freely gave information to the White Witch about his family in order to get a few sweets from her. Thus, the fact that Aslan would forgive him for such poor behaviour is impressive and conveys his kind and compassionate nature. Similarly, the Bible suggests that Jesus forgave sins from those who we perceive as not deserving of forgiveness. Thirdly, the theme of death and resurrection is a major part of Christian doctrine. This is present in the novel as Aslan is killed and is resurrected much like Jesus. Aslan then rises in order to defeat the White Witch in battle and save the world of Narnia. On the other hand, Jesus' death alone conveys that he has saved all from sin in the Bible. Thus, their roles vary slightly in this instance however; both are considered Saviours in their own right. Finally, Aslan has many of the qualities that Jesus had as well. Lee Strobel outlines this by suggesting "He tended to shy away from forthrightly proclaiming himself to be the Messiah or Son of God" (143). Similarly, Aslan has a sense of humility in the novel and although he has power, he is also diplomatic and doesn't appear to be the centre of attention throughout the novel. He places the Pevensies at the height of morality and justice in Narnia rather than himself. Therefore, Aslan bears many similarities to Christ in C.S. Lewis' novel.
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The Film In Disney's Narnia Aslan is portrayed in a more compassionate and gentle version of Christianity. Firstly, when the children reach his camp and meet Aslan, they smile and look slightly confused with the fact that he is a lion. Their expressions more so reflect acceptance rather than awe or subjugation. This is how many Christians view Jesus nowadays (especially from a child's perspective). He is conveyed as a kind and loving Saviour rather than one who shuts down all who do wrong. Secondly, his forgiveness of Edmund is also different from the novel. In this instance, Edmund has been tortured and threatened by the White Witch rather than openly providing her with information. Thus, the effect of this reconciliation is different from the powerful connotations of forgiveness in the novel. Thirdly, the theme of death and resurrection in the film appears to be more emotional (in my opinion) in comparison to the novel. The depth of the animation and the struggle conveyed is closer to a Biblical representation than what was portrayed in the novel. His resurrection is powerful as well in that he emerges into the scene with the sun shining brilliantly behind him. His death and resurrection are highly accentuated in the film as opposed to in the novel. Aslan's death is also a motivator for his supporters to support his mission to bring about peace to the world. Similarly, Jesus' death sparked his disciples mission to formulate the religion of Christianity and spread peace to the world. Strobel comments that "Nobody knowingly and willingly dies for a lie" (284). This emphasizes the significance of Jesus' death in the Bible as his disciples fought for his mission. SImilarlyThus, there are many similarities between Aslan and Christ in Disney's film adaptation.
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References
Meeting Aslan in Disney |
An Interview with Scholars Strobel, Lee. "The Case For Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus". Michigan: Zondervan, 1998. Print.
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Aslan vs. Christ |