Countdown to Caspian – Day 11 (Aslan’s Roar)

May 11, 2008 | Posted by Ray Fowler

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 11: The Lion Roars

“Hush!” said the other four, for now Aslan had stopped and turned and stood facing them, looking so majestic that they felt as glad as anyone can who feels afraid, and as afraid as anyone can who feels glad …

“Oh, Aslan,” said King Peter, dropping on one knee and raising the Lion’s heavy paw to his face, “I’m so glad. And I’m so sorry. I’ve been leading them wrong ever since we started and especially yesterday morning.”

“My dear son,” said Aslan.

Then he turned and welcomed Edmund. “Well done,” were his words …

“And now!” said Aslan in a much louder voice with just a hint of a roar in it, while his tail lashed his flanks. “And now, where is this little Dwarf, this famous swordsman and archer, who doesn’t believe in lions? Come here, Son of Earth, come HERE!” and the last word was no longer the hint of a roar but almost the real thing.

“Wraiths and wreckage,” gasped Trumpkin in the ghost of a voice.

Thoughts: “Let those who fear the LORD say: ‘His love endures forever.'” (Psalm 118:4) There is an irony in this verse. How do we fear the Lord and proclaim his love at the same time? By recognizing both his awesome power and authority as well as his mercy and grace. I like Lewis’ phrase here: “they felt as glad as anyone can who feels afraid, and as afraid as anyone can who feels glad.” The children approach Aslan humbly and reverently, confessing their wrongs. Aslan gently welcomes and forgives them. Trumpkin, on the other hand, has not believed in Aslan. He must first meet Aslan as the Lion who roars before he is ready to proclaim Aslan’s love and kindness. “Wraiths and wreckage!” (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter eleven?)

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