Countdown to Caspian – Day 15 (Reepicheep’s Tail)

May 15, 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 15: Aslan Makes a Door in the Air

“Why have your followers all drawn their swords, may I ask?” said Aslan.

“May it please your High Majesty,” said the second Mouse, whose name was Peepiceek, “we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honour which is denied to the High Mouse.”

“Ah!” roared Aslan, “you have conquered me. You have great hearts. Not for the sake of your dignity, Reepicheep, but for the love that is between you and your people, and still more for the kindness your people showed me long ago when you ate away the cords that bound me on the stone table (and it was then, though you have long forgotten it, that you began to be Talking Mice), you shall have your tail again.”

Thoughts: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10) The mice in Prince Caspian illustrate the above verse well. They are willing to cut off their own tails rather than let Reepicheep go without his. God loves it when we put others before ourselves. True brotherly love rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15) Here the mice so utterly empathize with Reepicheep that they are willing to suffer the same loss as he. Do we love each other in the church with this same reckless abandon? If not, why not? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter fifteen?)

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