The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 2: The Ancient Treasure House

“We must take the gifts,” said Peter. For long ago at a Christmas in Narnia he and Susan and Lucy had been given certain presents which they valued more than their whole kingdom …

Lucy’s was the smallest for it was only a little bottle. But the bottle was made of diamond instead of glass, and it was still more than half full of the magic cordial which would heal almost every wound and every illness. Lucy said nothing and looked very solemn as she took her gift down from its place and slung the belt over her shoulder …

Susan’s gift had been a bow and arrows and a horn. The bow was still there, and the ivory quiver, full of well-feathered arrows … “Won’t the string be perished, Su?” said Peter.

But whether by some magic in the air of the treasure chamber or not, the bow was still in working order … In a moment she had bent the bow and then she gave one little pluck to the string. It twanged: a chirruping twang that vibrated through the whole room. And that one small noise brought back the old days to the children’s minds more than anything that had happened yet. All the battles and hunts and feasts came rushing into their heads together …

Next, Peter took down his gift — the shield with the great red Lion on it, and the royal sword … “It is my sword Rhindon,” he said. “With it I killed the Wolf.” There was a new tone in his voice, and the others all felt that he was really Peter the High King again.

Thoughts:  The children have returned to Narnia, but they are still just school children from England. As they retake their gifts, however, they begin to bear the qualities of kings and queens in Narnia once again. As Christians we are just ordinary people. But God gives his people gifts through the Holy Spirit so that we may do extraordinary things for God’s kingdom as well. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter two?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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