The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - A Theological Analysis

[@ChrisDurban]

*Where was the all good Aslan during Shasta's troubles in The Horse and His Boy? Check out my review: **kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJrGiH6IeJ6Fj5Y*

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

Did you even read the book? It was necessary that Shasta and his horse, reached Narnia in time to sound the alarm. It didn't help that the boy's female companion wanted to take her time. Yet Aslan used their fears of lions to motivate them to go faster, and he even swiped the back of the girl so that she received stripe for stripe what her servant received for letting her go. Try looking in Hebrews 12:7-11, or you can just focus on 11.

[@ChrisDurban]

@@rockandsandapologetics7254 I did read the book, it’s very good! Theologically I chose to focus theologically on how Aslan was so in control from the beginning.

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

@@ChrisDurban Isn't God in control, right from the beginning?

[@christianhockman4779]

I love the last movie where Aslan basically says, “In your world, I am known by a different name.”

[@ChrisDurban]

Me too! It's such a great line!

[@ardasuerdem9267]

@@ChrisDurban Actually, Aslan means lion in turkish so unless he confirms that he is Jesus, not a true statement.

[@dianaclaros8031]

@@ardasuerdem9267 All he said was that he loves the part where he says that..

[@JenniferMartinez-dd6oy]

@@ardasuerdem9267 Actually Jesús is referenced a lot in the Bible as the Lion of Judah. Look into it. For the ones who knows this- this movie speaks on a different level. On the first movie Aslan says “it is Finished”… On the cross Jesus said “ it is finished.” I urge you to look into it… it’s just amazing .

[@JenniferMartinez-dd6oy]

@@ardasuerdem9267 thanks for letting me know Aslan means Lion. So cool!

[@silentheroalphaking551]

I hope I NEVER FORGET this quote " DO NOT CITE THE DEEP MAGIC TO ME WITCH !!! For I was there when it was written... "

[@tobyperalta7543]

KZbinr the dom who does vids comparing the source materials and their adaptions recommend you on his new video good stuff man

[@ChrisDurban]

Really? That's so cool! Thank you for checking it out!

[@SgtTwilight]

@@ChrisDurban Yeah, in his review for Narnia he didn't want to get into the religious aspects, so he linked this video instead. I really gotta say, I'm impressed. As a Christian man, it's so, so refreshing to see an allegory for Christ and biblical themes done in a positive light for once. This inspired me to order a copy of the book myself, as someone who's an aspiring children's author, I gotta read the classics.

[@ChrisDurban]

@@SgtTwilight Nice. The Narnia series are indeed classics. C.S. Lewis was a very clever guy and a very clever author.

[@berniet1215]

AYYYYE The dom is so gd

[@EmethMatthew]

The Dom got me here

[@Pichunter5000]

You know its crazy that Aslan was a lion too, because Jesus was depicted as the Lion of Judah. I also saw a comparison of the redeemed first going to the Jews and then to the Gentiles with Edmund being a son of Adam being redeemed first then the rest of the world being redeemed.

[@ChrisDurban]

Nice. Very interesting and good comparison.

[@jillianh7565]

I started noticing these comparisons too, as I watched the video. Honestly the witch could also be a symbol of Mystery Babylon The Great also known as The Mother of Harlots in Revelation 17. This woman isn’t the dragon (Devil) himself but rather the power the Devil works through. This begs the question what or who is behind the witches power and authority?

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

I see how Jesus is referred to as "The Lamb of God," in the Gospels by John the Baptist, but in Revelation, when no one in heaven, or on earth or under the earth is found worthy to open the scroll, one of the elders tells John, "Do not weep, for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has been found worthy to open the seals." And when he looked he saw, as it were, a lamb that had been slain." This you will also find in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, when Caspian and crew finally make it to Aslan's country, they see a lamb who they later find out is Aslan, their beloved lion.

[@nmoney6655]

@@rockandsandapologetics7254 and you gotta remember that the Bible isn’t to be taken literally but it’s more lessons than literal things that have actually happened

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

@@nmoney6655 If you are saying that the declaration made in Heaven that One has been found worthy to open the scroll, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. And John turns and sees a lamb as if it has been slain, you do not understand the Bible at all. Read the whole of Revelation 5 and tell me that isn't literal. Israel has been looking for their Messiah, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, to come and take His seat on David's throne. Yet first He had to take our sin upon Him and pay our debt of sin, that we might have fellowship with God. So He became OUR Passover Lamb, the lamb that was slain, just as John saw.

[@divergenttardis7378]

The prophecy of the four thrones symbolizes mankind being put back into their original position of having dominion over the earth (established in the book of Genesis). When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they essentially gave away their position of authority over earth to satan. Jesus's sacrifice reversed this.

[@ChrisDurban]

Exactly! And I thought that was beautiful symbolism.

[@ninjacell2999]

Technically Jesus improved things but yes

[@enanoh8971]

@@ninjacell2999 Guess Prince Caspian is like after the 1000 years of Jesus when the Beast came back and finally defeat it like Reveleations.

[@kristalartdiaries]

Absolutely! Wonderfully said

[@AbelMcTalisker]

Trouble is, Genesis didn`t happen in the Narnian universe, what happened in the Narnian garden was different in some respects. For one thing, the Adam and Eve equivalent are not even present.

[@dinthefujoshi6590]

The chronicles of narnia was the first actually novel series I ever read, and I felt a weird sense of home and warmth whenever I read them. Whenever I feel down I go back, and when I turned 17 I talked my mom into signing off on a tattoo I'd designed for years on the condition I did advanced precalc and passed (I did thank goodness) and it is literally Peters sword, right through edmunds crown. beautifully done, and I don't think I'll ever regret it. Each character taught me something big. Even when I was an atheist for a while, I held the kids trials and how they overcame them as beautiful lessons in my head to take with me. Edmund to me is redemption naturally, knowing to take responsibility, knowing to move forward and change. Peter to me was bravery, and maturity. How he had to mature to take care of his family, how he had to stand up against the wolf with bravery. Those two characters made such a big impact on me... and later on Lucy as she struggled with her beauty, I resonated with that, and her unwavering faith was always admirable to me. To me, Susan is curiosity, and almost the character I look at with caution. To show materialistic things aren't everything when you forget what truly matters. I think that's what stood out to me. The characters and how much they resonated with me as a kid, and the lessons I took with me as I grew up with them. Wonderful video, this is one of the best analysis's on it I've seen.

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much. There's just something about these characters from Lewis where it's so easy to connect to them. Sometimes I've felt like Peter and sometimes I felt like Edmund. I've found encouragement either way. It just feels like you grow with these characters with each new book, and it's easy to connect to each new character. Thank you for commenting.

[@nmoney6655]

@@ChrisDurban I felt like Susan sometimes and Sometimes I felt like Lucy and I felt Edmund cause I can feel how he feels

[@brian-mcbride]

#Ibetreyedmyfamilyforcandy

[@ChrisDurban]

😂🤣 Well, it was enchanted candy🤣

[@stoutyyyy]

Durbania Turkish delight is disgusting tho

[@rpaulmullgiri3014]

@@stoutyyyy Isn't all turkish delight?

[@Deoxys_Used_Mimic]

Favorite quote string of quotes from the movie: “Do you know why you’re here, faun?” “Because I believe in a free Narnia.” “No, you are here because *he* turned you in... for sweeties.”

[@shaereub4450]

I just realized the "never Christmas" part in "always winter and never Christmas" and why she there kept that curse. wow I'm slow.

[@ChrisDurban]

Lol! You're not slow at all. There's a lot going on in these stories. A lot!

[@shaereub4450]

In a way it was to prevent the true king from coming, to keep the spell of enteral winter over Narnia and thus remain in power (just like trying to prevent the prophy of the children from coming true because she knew both would be her downfall.

[@unicornrainbow9069]

lmao i only just realised too😂😂

[@Myjoytea]

No, your not. its just that some people are faster at learning than others. : )

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

Dang bro! What a passionate and enlightening breakdown! Very educational and clear! I'm not Christian myself but understanding the theological implications of such a classic story seems critical to getting the full story! Could you do some more theological analyses on the rest of the Chronicles of Narnia?

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it. I did another Narnia analysis called "How They Should've Done Prince Caspian". Haven't done Dawn Treader yet. So I'll think about when I can do that.

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

@@ChrisDurban Thanks for the heads up dude! Checking out some of your other content now, it's really good stuff! Hope you get some more views and subs!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much!

[@vblack172]

Obi-Wan Kenobi I see you everywhere

[@cadenorris4009]

Wait you’re literally space Jesus, how are you not Christian?

[@tracyvo3]

It took Aslan to tell the humans to not judge Edmund’s past for me to realize Aslan was Jesus. I got teary eyed af when the fighting of the war was about to happen, which is a milestone for me because I now understand why being grateful is so important. Anyways, thank you for this video it was fun to watch :)

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much for watching. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@theangel3745]

Another thing to think about is how Lucy was the one whom heard and saw Aslan when no one eles could ; it’s kind of how the Bible tells us to be like children because children see things that adults don’t and Lucy being the youngest one kind of depicts that situation

[@ChrisDurban]

That is a very good point. It's her childlike faith that allows her to see this world, that answered Aslan's call

[@theangel3745]

Durbania Honestly surprised you responded and on top of that how quick of a response lol ; I love these movies and I’ve been rewatching them but I was only able to re-watch the first two movies due to those being the only two available on Disney Plus

[@Evastories608]

I have a better theory: Lucy could see Aslan because she FULLY believed in him. She was persistent in her belieff that Aslan is going to help them. Lucy could represent the Christians who even in hardships believe Jesus is at they'r side, while the others could represent those who think God has abandoned them and the only ones left to solve they'r problems are themselves.

[@skylermaves7272]

I admit that as an atheist I'm not big on religion but this is a good video on a great book series

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's one of my favorite book series of all time. It's one of those things I'm very passionate about. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@aldoushuxley5953]

I am also an Atheist. This Interpretation Made the book much more interesting then as a plain children Story. I think I am going to read it now

[@Gallinor]

Two atheist walks into a bar. How do you know that they're atheist? Well. . . They fuc_ing tell everyone.

[@harryvaliente9425]

THE ALMIGHTY FATHER IS REAL

[@johnjamele]

@@Gallinor yeah unlike Christians. They NEVER talk about THEIR beliefs.

[@msmichellewinchester]

I burst out laughing at the "you need to read the fine print" :D.

[@ChrisDurban]

🤣 Glad you enjoyed that!

[@GSF179]

I love your take on the CS Lewis, Narnia and Jesus Christ. Beautiful. Wish there were more people like you. Keep up the good work.

[@miguel0n338]

Wow, this was awesome! It was all review for me, but it was just awesome to hear another serious Narnia fan talking about it. As a kid, the White Witch was like my own personal boogie-man (or boogie-woman, or boogie-half-giant I guess lol). The way you described the endless winter - and the meaning behind it - was exactly what I got from her (and I'm from the north too, so I can relate to your comments on winter in general lol). Not only that, but nobody knew until the end - AFTER Aslan's death and resurrection - that it was possible to restore the people who were turned to stone - anyone that dared mess with her was instantly and permanently ended. And that wasn't the limit of her magical power, either - she does other things (and threatens many more) in MN and LWW. It got to where the talking animals and other creatures always just referred to the Witch as "her", like they were afraid to even mention her name. She was an inhuman monster who destroyed an entire universe, then conquered Narnia. And yet, there was something attractive about her; Edmund actually thought she was nice; sure part of that was the enchanted junk food he ate (lol) but he actually thought she was nice. And in MN, Digory's Uncle Andrew had a crush on her! So pretty much everything that describes the devil (the destroyer, the tempter, etc.) can also be used to describe "her". So to answer your question, when I first read the book, I was thinking "these kids don't stand a chance!" When Tumnus was captured, there was nothing they could do about it. When Edmund betrayed them, they wanted to go looking for him, but the beavers were right - again, there was nothing they could do. If they tried to face her alone, they didn't stand a chance. Aslan was their only hope... and she killed him! I just couldn't believe it. But as scary as the White Witch was, Aslan was greater. She was as afraid of Aslan as the other characters were of her! He is a wonderful illustration of the real Jesus. After he came back from the dead, he revived the people who were turned to stone, just as Jesus gave life to people like me who were dead in sin. It makes the whole turning-to-stone thing seem like a really stupid attack, much less permanent than originally thought. Oh death where is your sting?! Or as you so enthusiastically put it, the stone table will crack, and death itself would start working backwards! That was AWESOME! But as a kid, I didn't really understand Aslan. It just seemed random, cuz even before I became a Christian I had it in my head that only Jesus could come back from the dead. Of course I was too young or too dumb to realize that that was the point, but I loved it just the same. Thanks for the amazing video. :)

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you, and thank you for the awesome comment. I had only seen the BBC movies before I read the books. I didn't know then that Aslan was Jesus. When I read the books I saw Jesus portrayed in a way I never had, and saw the Christian message delivered in the most creative way I had seen it up until thay point. It opened my eyes to how Christian fiction could be done. Then Screwtape Letters, Til We Have Faces, and the Space Trilogy all blew my mind! C.S. Lewis showed me new worlds and really inspires me.

[@miguel0n338]

Wait, you mean Lewis wrote other works of fiction, besides Narnia?! Oh I''m definitely gonna look these up! Thanks for the info!

[@ChrisDurban]

@@miguel0n338 Oh yes! The Space Trilogy is my favorite. Book 1- Out of the Silent Planet Book 2- Perelandra Book 3- That Hideous Strength

[@FuzzyMarineVet]

Thanks, Durban, for refreshing my memory of the books and of the Gospel.

[@Panda_Roll]

I'm not christian so the allegory was lost on me, One thing did stick out, the ice queen saying that all traitors belonged to her. That made me think of the 9th and final circle of hell. The one specifically made for traitors and the only one that's not on fire but rather frozen over. Maybe I'm reading too much into it...

[@ChrisDurban]

I don't think you're reading too much into it. The entire land of Narnia was frozen over, and because of Edmund's treachery it would've remained that way. But Aslan, who was innocent, traded his life for Edmund's. That's a great observation.

[@KurenaiNanashi]

@@ChrisDurban small correction the serpent in the garden was never the devil but merely a serpent. It’s never even implied to be anything other then that. Also the serpent was the only one in that story that didn’t lie. He merely asked if Yahweh said to not eat from that one tree. Everyone else lied in that story including Yahweh.

[@ChrisDurban]

@@KurenaiNanashi Here’s a commentary I found that I like on Genesis 3:1 about the serpent: “Genesis 3:1 (FSB): The Hebrew word used here, nachash, means “snake” or “serpent.” The Hebrew word satan does not appear in this passage, but the nt associates the events recorded here with Satan (Rev 12:9; 20:2). The attribution of human characteristics (cleverness and speech) to the nachash suggests it is more than an ordinary member of the animal kingdom.” I don’t think he merely asked, “Did God say not to eat off the tree.” When I read it in context I feel like it was a question intentionally crafted to create doubt. “What is God keeping from me?” So I believe the serpent used a germ of truth to make his deception more effective. Those are my thoughts. Why do you think God was lying?

[@collinkeogler3021]

Growing up in a large Catholic family the Chronicles of Narnia was a book series I could never get enough of. I probably listened to each book about 15 times over, and it never got old. Due to this profound love and nostalgia, I have for these works of literature I decided to review a review of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe film, reviewed by Jennifer Burke, a writer for the Catholic Courier. Jennifer Starts off her review by describing the plot of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She then goes on to talk about the skillfully developed symbols throughout the film, for example, the White Witch as a symbol for the devil. Burke then goes on to talk about how these symbols show truth to those viewing the film regarding the truth of the message of Christianity. It is also wonderful how watching this film based off a wonderful book series is relevant experience to those who watch movies rather than read books. Burke further expounds upon how this film is an inspiration for young Christians and Catholics to go deeper and understand the significances of our faith. When Jennifer talks about Lucy, she points out how when she meets Mr. Tumnus, he calls her a daughter of Eve, bringing awareness to biblical events and the truth of them. The last point I would like to point out from Jennifer Burke’s article is how she emphasizes the beauty of Aslan being the only being that can redeem the sin of Edmund who sins against her family and all of Narnia. This needing of the savior to be the Redeemer for man is wonderful and shows the dignity of the human person. In conclusion this article does a phenomenal job at depicting the profoundness of the Chronicles of Narnia and how they relate to Catholicism in explicit and implicit ways. The film also does a wonderful job at creating a balanced media full of entertainment and truth. Reference: catholiccourier.com/articles/narnia-full-of-christian-imagery/

[@aliciamcdowell4711]

I've been rereading the Chronicle of Narnia and I decided to rewatch your videos as well after I finish each book.

[@ChrisDurban]

That's awesome! Thank you for that. I love the Narnia books so much!

[@LuisLopez-sf1zt]

I loved this video from start to finish. You are a great speaker God has given you a great talent and a great platform to bring glory to his name. Use your talents! God bless

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much for those encouraging words. I really appreciate it. I do my best to use what God has given me. So glad you enjoyed this. C.S. Lewis is my favorite author and I love the Narnia series

[@LuisLopez-sf1zt]

Durbania No worries. I’m on the third book now C.S Lewis is a phenomenal writer This world needs more people like him who aren’t afraid to speak up and exalt Gods name through their works. It would be amazing if he was still around. Though I’m sure he’s in a much better place!

[@w.j.castellanos8879]

Fr bro

[@KurenaiNanashi]

@@LuisLopez-sf1zt saying you were on the third book didn’t really tell us which one since there’s multiple ways the series is ordered 😂

[@smalltownusa3124]

Excellent analogy. You really answered some questions for me. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I found you by accident and I'm so glad I did. I can't wait to re-watch The Chronicles of Narnia with the insights you have given me.

[@Targisvear]

Westeros needs Aslan. I saw what you did there.

[@ChrisDurban]

🤣 Yeah!

[@a.d4874]

woah how am i just finding of C.S. Lewis wrote this & it’s Biblical, it just makes it so much better!

[@ChrisDurban]

It's amazing, right? Lewis wrote a Christian fantasy without it being preachy, and the stories and characters are just compelling!

[@a.d4874]

@@ChrisDurban definitely!

[@alyssakleinhans3190]

This was incredible! I reread this book recently and missed the detail about Aslan’s father being the author of the deep magic. That makes the justice of the deep magic so much more powerful and also the picture of the son (the preincarnate Word) singing all creation into existence… come on that’s so cool

[@Blazbaros]

Really enjoyed this video, your enthusiasm for the topic was absolutely infectious! I really like how Lewis wasn't just writing a fantasy world with Christian connotations in it, rather as you described, which really brings it to a whole other level for me. Jesus hopping dimensions at the behest of God to redeem an entirely other world? That's awesome. Out of the three, I think I enjoyed Prince Caspian the most.

[@ChrisDurban]

Prince Caspian was good. I feel this one was closest to the book, but all 3 are good. I'm very curious to see what Netflix is going to do.

[@nmoney6655]

@@ChrisDurban I wish that they did a movie on the horse and his boy

[@ChrisDurban]

@@nmoney6655 Me too

[@atvgapologetics8583]

I remember when I watched the first movie the first time I didnt know who CS Lewis was and didnt realize that he derived the stories in the books from the bible. When I watched it again with fresh eyes I could see so many theological references. The white witch symbolizing Satan, Aslan symbolizing Jesus, Aslans death symbolizing Christs crucifixion, the resurrection symbolizing Christs resurrection, Aslan returning at the of the battle could be symbolizing either Christs return to earth when he defeats Satan for good or when He actually defeated Satan at the cross, everyone being resurrected symbolizing the final resurrection at Christs return, and the crowning on the 4 main characters symbolizing the moment when Christ crowns all of His people when He returns. I just couldnt get enough of it lol

[@nmoney6655]

I don’t believe that Jesus would be mad at our society now cause most of us aren’t sinners

[@michasimon146]

The symbolism in Narnia is crazy! Thank You, Jesus!

[@ChrisDurban]

It is crazy! And C.S. Lewis did such a great job with that!

[@brianacoman4011]

My favorite Narnia book is The Horse and His Boy, I just loved the idea of a horse having his boy, seeing the Pensive's grown up, the light ending where Cor is king and how Aslan appears in the novel. The way he stops Cor and the horse from going a certain way and guiding them and how the novel ends with the desire to read it again, because now when a lion appears its no ordinary lion, but rather Aslan shaping Cor to be a worthy king. I am also a Christian and enjoyed your vid.

[@nmoney6655]

I just started rereading it again so I fell into the kind of temptation

[@joshmcdonald1510]

The first "Narnia" film is my favorite of the 3, but it's mythology much like "Tolkien's Legendarium" was a big part of my childhood!

[@Molly-et5xl]

the winter solstice is usually on the 21st

[@ChrisDurban]

True. It is the 21st. I was just trying emphasize Christmas, a bright and hopeful holiday, being celebrated on one of the darkest coldest nights of the year. And Witch wanted to take away their hope in a cold dark time.

[@menachemsalomon]

It was traditionally, in Roman times, on the 24th or 25th. Of course, this was using the Julian calendar, which works out to be on January 6th of the Gregorian calendar, nowadays. (As of 1900.)

[@menachemsalomon]

Obviously, I don't celebrate Christmas. But the dates of the seasons - the equinoxes more than the solstices - have a practical relevance to modern Judaism, so the calculations have been preserved. Maimonides, in a 12th century work, cites "modern" astronomical calculations that put the solstice at about the 24th.

[@ChrisDurban]

@@menachemsalomon Fascinating. Thanks for letting us know. I would like to know more about the Jewish calendar. So many things I need to dive into more.

[@Molly-et5xl]

@@ChrisDurban Maybe make sure they are even Jewish first.

[@laurence772]

Man this was so good! Exactly what I was looking for. Honestly I was a little put off at first with the star wars t-shirt and 14 year olds bedroom look. But your analysis is terrific, your enthusiasm is very infectious too. Subscribed and looking forward to seeing your other vids

[@ChrisDurban]

Laurence 77 Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and giving it a chance. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Are you a C.S. Lewis fan?

[@JJ22RR]

Thats because starwars has a Christian narative too.. lord of the rings etc.

[@rustydaboyrobot]

Very good analysis, though i noticed you didnt mention SIN, which was chosen despite knowing the law. This is illustrated most clearly by Edmund, but as you said, Narnia is a fallen world. That implies an equally free will choice that caused this falling. You have some semblance of this idea in Wrinkle in Time, but that book is a "throw all the philosophies of good into the same pot" mishmash, and comes up short to what it could have been. And, there is ONE occassion where an animal speaks in the Bible: Numbers 22:30, which making a childrens fairytale with a Christian themed talking animals not that far of a stretch. The idea of a "living soul" is not really adressed, but it seems salvation was meant for every speaking free willed ...creature.. in Narnia. Aslan as a non-traitor, is especially important, since this is the one and only non-sinner being the perfect sacrifice for the sinner(s). GREAT JOB! You are awesome! 😀

[@kenrup]

Great analysis. Combined with pastor Wilson's lecture on the epistemology of CS Lewis this brings a whole lot of light as to why magic stories are so popular with certain huge studios. A philosophy of, "lets make the evil look good and the good irrelevant" shines through. To quote Lewis, "We know the robin is good because all the stories with robins in them the robin is good." We need more robin stories.

[@pmarkhill519]

I LOVE that this first movie does such a wonderful job of hitting the lovely “tone” of Lewis’s original book. It is both amazingly magical and yet beautifully innocent, but maintains some sophistication of thought and spirit. Thank you for giving a wonderful review! 🖖🏽

[@PartyCreate]

I love this video! Summarized it well. We're big fans.

[@TayloJoe92]

I was out here looking for references and then you started straight PREACHIN!! Great video man!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Are you a Narnia fan?

[@renishisrael9520]

Really great movie and explains the way our real world is going on and establishes the faith on Jesus.

[@chriscoletti4852]

I love what you did in this video. Well done. Very well done.

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it :) I love Narnia, it's a passion. I also did videos on the other two movies.

[@MrJMB122]

Honestly his nonfiction work is even better. That man knows how do wonderful apologetics and analogies.

[@ChrisDurban]

I love learning through story, but I totally agree. Lewis' non-fiction books are incredible.

[@QueenAusetHeru]

The Dom sent me here! I'm so glad he did! This video explains everything that I was wondering!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video. I've got some more Narnia videos here as well if want to check those out. It's a playlist called Narnia Talk

[@dougitoonsdesigns]

I really enjoyed your perspective, along with the Into the Wardrobe's review of Tolkein's influence on Lewis. Thank you

[@juju.le.toilet]

Brother, you sounded like a pastor just now😂😂. Preach, dude! Preach it!

[@The_Rooneys]

wow i just discovered your channel after my wife and I decided we wanted to do a cinematic tribute video to C.S Lewis and specifically Aslan. Thanks for this! God bless!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. Let me know when you have that tribute done, I'd love to see it. God Bless!

[@The_Rooneys]

@@ChrisDurban We absolutely will good sir thanks! 😊

[@joyceelmer131]

I read the Chronicles Book Set years ago, and have a 2 CD of it with David Duchete. Need to read and listen again. Thank you so much for this wonderful video. Also just subscribed❤

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! Yeah, these are my favorite books. They are definitely worth going back through again. I find something new each time.

[@DwayneCunningham]

I really enjoyed this analysis, you did an excellent job of explaining the movie, story, and the allegoric biblical comparison. Thank you.

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@willtheis8104]

This video was really interesting to me because my dad (who is a pastor) once mentioned to me about how they got the religious themes done in such a subtle way that it felt familiar but in a new context. Like a new body style for a dodge ram or Chevrolet Silverado with the same engine it has always had. The story of jesus coming and saving the world from eternal death by sacrificeing himself is, to me, the true heroic thing that all of the new Hollywood blockbusters have been trying to pull off, but don't want it to be religious because of what seems like an almost anti god sentiment in Hollywood. I haven't read the books yet, but I remember a line from the third movie which I never understood until now, Aslan told the children that he is know by a different name in our world and it didn't really click until I saw this video, so thanks. It was both educational and able to get me intrested in this to pick of religious teams in movies.

[@christianstudios5359]

This was phenomenal! Thank you so much for this video!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! I love C.S. Lewis and Narnia so putting this together was a blast!

[@christianstudios5359]

Durbania I love C.S. Lewis and Narnia as well! :)

[@karsenmurphy1139]

I really liked this video you made. I just finished the third movie and I enjoyed all three of them but, the first one was my favorite by far. Thanks for making this video, it really helped me understand the story of the books/movies and how it relates to Christianity.

[@DustyStarrs]

Love the enthusiasm! Great video.

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you checking it out.

[@2b16p]

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is my favorite book to film adaptation, even over the Harry Potter films. This happened to be the first novel we read as a class in 5th grade, the same year this movie came out. I really liked the story and was jazzed to see the movie. I went to public school and I was 11, so all the Christian allusions went over my head until I walked out of the theater with my family and my grandma said, "Aslan is like Jesus." I was gob-smacked, lol! I got the 4 disc special edition as a birthday present, and all the behind the scenes and making of content showed how the film was made with such love and care and good humor.

[@ChrisDurban]

It is a good movie, probably the best of the recent ones. That's really cool you read it in class at a public school! We didn't read it in school. I was in college when this came out and I was beyond excited to see it! And I was so glad they stayed true to the Christian message and imagery

[@ForestSen]

Like some others I came from The Dom to watch your take on the religious allegory. It is a really nice take and I enjoy your breakdown. I used to "religiously" lol read these books cover to cover. It was my favorite series of all time and still is. One thing I always liked about this book series is the tie in between Narnia and the real world the children are from. Aslan tells them he exists in both worlds but he has a different name and to know him in Narnia they will better know him in their world. But my most favorite scene is in the book The Final Battle. The exchange between Aslan and the Calormen man about worshiping between him (Aslan) and Tash that the guy gets to go to Aslan's Land even though he worshiped Tash and not Aslan was mind-blowing for me.

[@ChrisDurban]

The Last Battle is a fantastic book! That whole scene between Aslan and the Calormen, I think his name was Emitt, is a powerful scene. I actually just posted a video on Voyage of the Dawn Treader a few days ago, so funny you should bring that one up. Aslan telling Lucy the whole reason she was brought to Narnia was so that by knowing Him there a little she can know Him better here. C.S. Lewis just had a way with writing. Thank you so much for coming over and checking out my take!

[@ForestSen]

@@ChrisDurban Your Welcome. I just always loved the way C.S. Lewis wrote and how he integrated his theology without it being over bearing was beautiful. I will definitely go check your other video out thanks for letting me know.

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

Asland is jesus

[@ChrisDurban]

Yes He is :)

[@ChrisDurban]

"In your world, I have another name. You should know me by it."

[@Anti-HyperLink]

@@ChrisDurban you just blew my mind

[@kaylamckee8865]

It is Aslan, not Asland (also I completely agree)

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

Sorry, oops.

[@michasimon146]

As the witch wanted to get Aslan, Peter stood in the way. Just like th apostle Peter who cut off the guard's ear. And also there's the broken table, maybe referring to the torn veil...

[@ChrisDurban]

Good catch about Peter! The broken table could definitely be the torn veil, all now have access. Since sacred sacrifices were done on the Stone Table it cracking could mean that system is done. Aslan was the final all sufficient sacrifice.

[@michasimon146]

@@ChrisDurban Exactly. I do believe CS Lewis really put that much thought into it, he was a Genius. And so is God!

[@invisiblegrif42]

Related to about 10:00 where you're talking about how it's not entirely allegory, but more a narrative retelling in a fantasy setting, have you read his other book Perelandra? It's a science- fiction retelling of the garden of eden, and it's also a really fascinating read. It is more obvious about what it is, but also allows him to get more theologically complex. I'd like to see videos on his silent planet series, even though they're only books as far as I know

[@ChrisDurban]

I LOVE C.S. Lewis' space trilogy! That's a great idea to videos on those. I'd have re-read them first. But that's a joy. Such great books, and Perelandra is my favorite.

[@invisiblegrif42]

Perelandra is my favorite as well! I'm actually struggling with getting through That Hideous Strength. I heard Tolkien referred to it as That Hideous Book, and I kinda get it, it's a lot harder. But do a video on the space Trilogy and I'll be there

[@ChrisDurban]

I've read That Hideous Strength twice. It's hard but very very interesting. I've been told to read Lewis' non-fiction book "The Abolition of Man" then read "That Hideous Strength" and it'll make more sense. So I'll try that next time through.

[@phantomsidious2934]

First book I ever read, then I watched the live action BBC version and loved it even more, I highly recommend it if you haven't seen it. Also the 70s animated cartoon is good also

[@scottessery100]

10:00 how? Free in what sense? What was the mechanism ? What am I free from? Anyone?

[@ChrisDurban]

Best way I know how to describe it: Think of it as a marriage. When I married my wife her debt became mine and my resources became hers, and the other way around as well. When Adam and Eve fell it caused a spiritual death in humanity. So Jesus became a man. He lived the perfect sinless life we can't. The cross became that marriage. Our sin became His and He faced the judgment for it. His life and resources became ours, giving us right standing before God...sinless. So now we can be made spiritually alive. Edmund was traitor, so he belonged to the witch and couldn't take his place on the throne so the witch's curse would remain. The deep magic states an innocent life could be traded for the guilty. Aslan was the only innocent life so he traded his life for Edmund's releasing him from the witch's claim and now he can take his rightful place and the land would be free of the witch's curse.

[@swooshswagg2]

wow this was great! Thanks for making video and breaking it down with the movies and book! I just recently began the series and love the way CS Lewis writes these stories! appreciate your video, God Bless!

[@ChrisDurban]

Luke Van Dyke Thank you so much! I love C.S. Lewis, and the Narnia books are amazing! After Narnia you should check out C.S. Lewis' Space trilogy (if you haven't already). "Out of the Silent Planet", "Perelandra", and "That Hideous Strength".

[@nicolewest3059]

Beautiful explanation

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@inretrosuspect]

Awesome review! I've recently finished my Narnia book read up to the Voyage of the Dawn Treader and you're right the first movie has got to be the one that's closest to the book in terms of message. One of my favorite lines from the books which could also have a spiritual undertone is "This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there". I've recently just started reading the Silver Chair but I can't seem to like Eustace's adventure over the Pevensies but regardless I hope you continue to review the rest.

[@opticalraven1935]

I liked Eustace. He went from a cowardly, stubborn, know it all to a more humble, braver, and kinder person.

[@frankm.2850]

Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was my favorite of the Disney movies, but Prince Caspian was my favorite book. My childhood set dates from the mid-80's (still have it) and the copy of PC has been read so many times its fallen to pieces and I used a piece of packing tape at some point to try to put it back together.

[@Smin-f3h]

Also what’s crazy is that the final book of the Chronicles of Narnia features a ‘false Aslan’, which is kinda similar to what happens in the book of revelation! The connection is real and I love it!

[@MordredPendragon7997]

Interesting video. I'm not really a religious person myself, but it's interesting to hear your take on the religion in the Chronicles of Narnia series.

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm a fan of C.S. Lewis. I love how he presents himself, his arguments, and how pictures things. Since Narnia is written for children it's interesting to see his thoughts on faith boiled down into creative simpler terms. It's even more fascinating that that wasn't his intent. He just wanted to write these fantasy books and this is just what so naturally flowed out of him.

[@anetac1234]

Your video is actually supposed to help me on my homework for school

[@ChrisDurban]

Did it?

[@Pichunter5000]

What I also like about the book series is that it not only paints an allegory of Aslan as being like Jesus, but Aslan is Jesus. At least in the book series he is. In Voyage of the Dawn Treader when our lead characters are about to go home to their world Aslan mentions that the reason he brings them to Narnia is so they can know him, and by knowing him a little while in Narnia they will also know him better in their own world where he rules by a different name.

[@ChrisDurban]

That is my favorite line in the series. And I think that shows us the point of the series. As we read we are brought into Narnia so that by knowing Aslan a little there, we'll want to know Him better by His real name here.

[@Pichunter5000]

@@ChrisDurban If you haven't listened to the focus on The Family Radio Theatre version of the series given by his step-son you should. When Aslan commands the children to go back to their world he yells a long drawn out GOOOO and you can hear it change from a lion like voice to a human like one. Gives.... Me...... Chills everytime.

[@ChrisDurban]

@@Pichunter5000 I will look that up! I loved Focus on the Family's audio drama of Screwtape Letters with Andy Serkis as Screwtape. Did you ever hear that one?

[@Pichunter5000]

@@ChrisDurban Yes though I haven't finished it yet. I got distracted by other things at the time. Fantastic stuff

[@karenpinson759]

How, how, how did I get to the 2nd year at Liberty and had never read any C.S. Lewis. A friend recommended The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and I was hooked and still am. Loved this movie which is my second favorite and have had my daughter hooked on the books and later the movies. Love your analysis, and wish The Last Battle could be made into a film. With CGI available, I think it could be done well. It is my favorite. Did you ever read Lewis' sci-fi trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength?

[@ruth4376]

i do love the way Susan is treated in the second movie, it's missed over a bit in the books but the movies really show why Susan acts the way she dcoes...a combination of puberty, social pressure and going back into normal life after being av queen, realising that her amazing life in Narnia is not necessarily real in her normal life as a achoolgirl and growing up to be an adult in that world

[@ChrisDurban]

They do a good job with that, laying the groundwork for the last book.

[@amelie.1313]

Which C.S.Lewis books aside from Narnia would you guys recommend me reading? I'm a very slow reader but almost finished with Narnia

[@VoyageFlower]

💙💙 excellent analysis

[@ChrisDurban]

+VoyageFlower Thank you so much!

[@kane1253]

I love how Aslan wrote himself loopholes in the law of the world

[@ChrisDurban]

Lol! I think the Emperor Beyond the Sea wrote the laws, and the witch didn't read them all. I think Aslan knew his children would fall, so he made way to save them.

[@KurenaiNanashi]

Seeing as you mentioned the Magician’s Nephew I’m a tad perplexed you didn’t include how the professor and Ms Greede (lady the kids were scared of in the movie) were the boy and girl from the book The Magician’s Nephews and that the wardrobe was made from the wood they got from Narnia

[@ChrisDurban]

I wanted to save it for my Magician’s Nephew video :)

[@sophiacdc4738]

THIS IS SO GOOD! I LOVE THIS!!

[@prissyandbomber]

I love this!

[@susannaroy1632]

You are amazing ! Nice video, thanks a lot. I just saw this video, the first one I ever watched. I know it's quite late, but well, better late than never. And I love what you are doing..Subscribed right away.. Keep up the good work Brother.! God Bless...!!!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much, and God bless you as well! So glad to have you as a subscriber. It was fun putting all these Narnia videos together and I'm so they're resonating. Thanks for watching and I hope you comment more!

[@bzknorthstar]

This is beautifully spoken! Thankyou!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@williamf5350]

Amazing!! I went to a play of this book in the Bridge Theater in London this week. Its fascinating! I recommend for everyone to go

[@ChrisDurban]

I never been to to London, so that's another reason to go!

[@ndeming5801]

I haven't watched the Disney/Netflix versions of the Narnia series, but have been an avid fan of the books since childhood (decades ago), much because I love seeing the treasures of the Biblical truths hidden within the books. I'm also disillusioned by movies that supposedly are about a book, as the movies tend to eliminate a lot of important as well as subtle things. I really appreciate you bringing in the differences of the movies from the books and talking about the Christian principles/truths revealed in the books.

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you. That books have had a major impact on me. So I am nervous about these Netflix movies, and my prayer is that they tell Lewis’ story and try inject their own. But we’ll always have the books, and I’ll tell people “read the books.”

[@nekoqueen5524]

He reminds me of my pastor. In a good way of course. I think it's the passion in his voice

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you 😀

[@deusexstupit7969]

God is so full of love that he tortures people for entirety becaus of the laws he made. So he kills his sonn to not have to torture enny more insted of joust chainging the law he made. Verry loving and Smart indead

[@dylanlee498]

Fantastic video! Great analysis you’ve got a new subscriber now!

[@ChrisDurban]

Awesome! Thank you so much! So glad to have you.

[@aaronjohnson4681]

there are Two interpretations of this story Prior to the Walden media version that i know of ,durban the first i think was a animated Television special that aired on ABC, by Peanuts director, Bill melendez and the animated special version of lion the witch and the wardrobe was released on home video back in the day by Vestron video the second interpretation Previous to this film is A 1988 BBC adaptation that aired on PBS And both of these adaptations are stepping stones toward this film when i saw this film, what amazed me is hearing liam neeson as aslan speak to the kids in this film and it didnt disaapoint me the only thing that they could have improved upon is the pacing of the story and the interaction

[@n.u.k.2188]

2:14 I just wanted to give my two cents on what you're saying here. I am 31 summers old, born and raised in Denmark and I have never left, except for a couple of weeks when on vacation. Here in Denmark we never, as in NEVER have any snow. As a kid i experienced snow only once or twice, unless it was a lame little layer barely covering the straws of snow for more than a couple of hours at best, and then it was just water everywhere. In the summers it gets around 40-45 degrees fahrenheit in out houses, so not very much, but the air over here makes it unbareable, you can litterally do nothing besides sit on your hinde side whilst thinking "woah it's hot in here." and just feel the sweat run down your back and into the crack, not as awesome as it sounds. And to add insult to injury, Denmark is litterally the most dull and boring country in the entire world. We don't have anything. We have no tall mountains, vast lakes or great ravines. We just have a flat and boring country. So yeah, this man was screaming for adventure when he was a child growing up in this mean, ugly and last but certainly not least boring world og Denmark.

[@ChrisDurban]

I have never been to Denmark, but I'll tell ya I don't miss snow, lol! I'm from Ohio, it can be pretty flat and boring. I moved to California which is a very beautiful state, but has it's own set of issues. You just gotta find joy wherever you're at.

[@bdustin8023]

Amazing Story of the Lord....thank you!!!!

[@ChrisDurban]

Narnia is my favorite!

[@ameliadouglas6938]

I love his enthusiasm

[@nathanthesubzeromangold4615]

I never read CS Lewis books but I think the movie was brilliant outstanding performance What's his I don't understand why did the lion was killed in the the third act in the movie.

[@ChrisDurban]

The Lion was killed because Edmund betrayed his family. The deep magic says a traitor’s blood belongs to the witch. As long as Edmund belonged to the witch he couldn’t sit on the throne of Narnia and break the witch’s curse over Narnia. The Lion can’t work against the deep magic, but the deep magic said someone with innocent blood could take the traitors place. The Lion is the only one who was innocent, so he traded his life for Edmund’s and saved all Narnia by doing so.

[@SoUp-45]

hey Durbanania, you should do an audio book or something, just an idea.

[@SoUp-45]

this video was also super super super helpful thank you!

[@chrismatthews2040]

One thing that I find particularly moving is that CS Lewis skillfully wove in more than one biblical allegory into the death of Aslan. There's the very obvious parallel with the Crucifixion. But there's also the parable of the shepherd who leaves his flock of 99 safe sheep to go and seek for the 1 lost sheep in the dead of night. Professor Lewis posits that Jesus loves each and every one of us so much that He would willingly go all over again to a humiliating and painful death in order to save just one more person if He could. I'm a mere agnostic, I admit, but that idea brings tears to my eyes.

[@ChrisDurban]

This is why C.S. Lewis is my favorite author! I totally see that parallel of the shepherd leaving the 99 for the 1. It brings tears to my eyes too. I’ve read Lewis’ essays where he says that, how if another universe fell He would do whatever He could to redeem it. Another place where you see this pictured, the Shepherd leaving the 99 for the 1, is The Chosen. Great show, not preachy, and it’s a beautiful portrait like Aslan is.

[@chrismatthews2040]

@@ChrisDurban ah yes, I really love the Chosen as well! A problem I often find with certain shows based on religion is that they're either fawning, preachy, or just plain "wet". (The one thing I really dislike in a book or TV show is preachiness, even if it's about a view I happen to agree with.) I agree with you, the Chosen not a preachy show, or wet either. That moment when Jesus appears before Mary Magdelene - it hit me like a thunderbolt. So powerful. All through the episode I was thinking "This show is about Jesus, when is He going to appear?" And then He does, and I was totally unprepared even though I'd been waiting for it. And I have to confess, there are plenty of moments in the Chosen that have made me weep or feel exultant joy. (The only other thing to make me cry that much in the last couple of years was the wonderful Pixar film Coco :) )

[@QueenAusetHeru]

Excellent video!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you 😀

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you 😀

[@rawar777joshanderson]

Some of the best stories of all time! I wish they would have finished the series! Oh well...it's been so long now its probably time to start over anyway.

[@ChrisDurban]

It is probably due for a restart. Last I heard Netflix had the rights. What's exciting about that is the budget and the potential. What's scary about that: Will they stay true to the Christian heart of these stories?

[@rawar777joshanderson]

@@ChrisDurban exactly!!

[@sorcerersapprentice]

Am I the only one that thought as a kid that, "Always winter, but never Spring," just meant it was January? (While I'm an atheist and not a fan of CS Lewis' work in the slightest, I enjoyed the video and finding the meaning behind things fascinating.)

[@joegaiters5462]

Thank you!

[@UsagiOhkami]

Now I'm wondering if you've heard Reliant K's song In Like a Lion.

[@ChrisDurban]

Amanda Ciccione Yes I have! Good song :) Good band too

[@UsagiOhkami]

Durbania I had to listen to it after watching your video. It was a good reminder

[@junew8133]

What truly weirded me out was the ending of the Narnia series. As a kid, I was truly upset and felt that it was anti-climactic. I dunno how everyone else felt about it though.

[@ChrisDurban]

I get why you would think that. It's a very crazy ending. But I think C.S. Lewis was looking to end the series and give us hope about 2 very scary things; death and the end of the world. I think when you look at it in that light it's a proper ending. He takes those two things and shows us incredible joy!

[@maeinthemaking]

This beautiful!! This is a very inspired video!!

[@ChrisDurban]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@Mocha4Man]

I’m still finding all these European allegories fascinating!’

[@ChrisDurban]

+Mocha4Taylor What's really interesting to me is that C.S. Lewis didn't write Narnia with the intent of it being an allegory. He literally worte as what if there was another universe, and it fell. How would God redeem it?

[@ChrisDurban]

*Check out my analysis and review of The Magician's Nephew: **kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJzcpGWof5mmn7M*

[@Centure120]

The last battle is a perfect example

[@ptcarbonproductions2013]

Hi, have you done something similar for other Narnia books or are you going to? Because I always wanted to hear a deeper analysis of Kalormen. Their god Tash is literally Satan, so that would mean they are the nation of satanists, but the country built on Satanic rule of chaos shouldn't have survived to the last day of Narnia. I also wonder if they are only an allegory of totalitarianism, or Muslims as well? The story of "Tashlan" seems to mirror the rule of our God and Allah being the same person. This freightens me. Did Lewis consider Muslims children of the devil?

[@ChrisDurban]

I did a video called "How They Should've Done Prince Caspian". I don't know all of Lewis' intentions behind the followers of Tash. He didn't intend Narnia to be allegory, so I don't think his inetent was to have them represent anyone. But I'm just speculating. Tashlan is fascinating to me. What I see there is an Antichrist picture. It was a system that these characters who thought they were "enlightened" and didn't believe in any religion used. They used religion as a way to manipulate and rule. The combined Tash & Aslan as a way to control two peoples at once. But they didn't realize the real powers they were playing with and summoning. Then the real Aslan returns. Such a fascinating novel. Not meant to be frightening but a reminder of the bigger world, the real world Aslan calls us to be a part of.

[@ptcarbonproductions2013]

@@ChrisDurban Thanks a lot! I think your theory is right, especially because it fits with Kalormen being an example of totalitarianism. The dictators are often atheists themselves, and there are numerous cases of both regimes fighting with religion and regimes trying to use religion as a tool in their own goals. Ultimately, they are always doomed to fail, because they play with powers more powerful than it's possible to imagine.

[@gabrieladragon6183]

Jadis is actually a descendant of the first wife of Adam Lilith, who was created out of clay, and equal to Adam. Lilith didn´t get along with Adam, because he wanted her to be submissive, so she left the garden of Eden. She traveled through different worlds, had children with various demons and angels and they´ve become the people living in Charn together with Giants, they mated and Jadis is their descendant.

[@ChrisDurban]

She does have a very interesting history. Clever of C.S. Lewis to touch on it just enough to add mystery, and Charn would be an interesting book all by itself.