The Ordinary World:
- Setting: The Pevensie siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) live in England
during World War II. They are evacuated from London to the countryside,
experiencing the fear and disruption of war.
- Hero’s Life: The children are adjusting to a new life, missing their father who has
been killed in the war. They are experiencing a sense of displacement and longing
for something more.
The Call to Adventure:
- The Event: The children discover a magical wardrobe that leads them to the world of
Narnia. This sudden, unexpected entry into a fantastical world disrupts their
ordinary life and sets them on their journey.
- The Call: The land of Narnia, frozen in an endless winter by the White Witch, is in
need of rescue. The children are drawn into the struggle against evil and become
central figures in Narnia’s fate.
Refusal of the Call:
- Hesitation: Edmund initially resists the call to adventure, tempted by the White
Witch’s promises of power and treats. He becomes a pawn in her schemes,
momentarily forgetting his loyalties.
- Overcoming Resistance: Lucy, the youngest, readily embraces Narnia and its
magic, inspiring Peter and Susan to follow her. Their courage and belief in the good
of Narnia ultimately win over Edmund, who eventually chooses to side with Aslan.
Meeting the Mentor:
- The Mentor: Aslan, the majestic lion, becomes the children’s mentor. He embodies
wisdom, courage, and sacrifice, guiding them through their journey and offering
them hope. He embodies the archetype of the wise and powerful mentor figure.
Crossing the Threshold:
- Entry: Stepping through the wardrobe marks their physical and symbolic entry into
the extraordinary world of Narnia. They leave behind the familiar and enter a land of
talking animals, mythical creatures, and magic.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
- Tests: The children face various trials, including navigating the frozen landscape,
confronting the White Witch’s forces, and enduring the hardships of war.
- Allies: They find allies in the Narnian creatures, including the fauns, the centaurs,
and the beavers, who fight alongside them against the White Witch’s rule.
- Enemies: Their primary enemy is the White Witch, who represents tyranny and
darkness. They also encounter other obstacles like the White Witch’s forces and the
temptation of betraying Aslan (represented by Edmund’s actions).
Approach to the Inmost Cave:
- The Goal: Their ultimate goal is to defeat the White Witch, break the spell of winter,
and restore Narnia to its rightful glory.
- The Journey: The children venture into the White Witch’s territory, facing the threat of
her power and the uncertainty of victory.
The Ordeal:
- The Confrontation: Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund, representing the
ultimate sacrifice of love and redemption. This act of selflessness is a turning point
in the story and highlights Aslan’s power and the sacrifice required for true heroism.
The Reward:
- Victory: Aslan’s resurrection and the defeat of the White Witch represent the
triumph of good over evil. Narnia is freed from the grip of winter, and the children are
crowned as kings and queens, assuming their rightful roles as leaders.
The Road Back:
- Returning: The children eventually return to their own world through the wardrobe.
They carry with them the memories of their adventure and the responsibility of
protecting Narnia’s secrets.
Resurrection:
- Transformation: The children are forever changed by their experiences in Narnia.
They have matured, grown in courage, and learned the importance of sacrifice,
leadership, and loyalty. They are no longer just children, but heroes who have been
tested and tempered by their journey.
Return with the Elixir:
- Lessons: The children bring back the lessons they have learned in Narnia: the
importance of courage, faith, and selflessness. These lessons, embodied in their
experiences, become a part of their lives, shaping their future actions and
decisions.
