Prince Caspian, the second book in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, contains many powerful Christian themes that point to biblical truths. Here are some of the main Christian themes found in Prince Caspian:
Restoration
A major theme in Prince Caspian is restoration. Narnia has fallen into a state of oppression and despair under the rule of Miraz. Aslan must restore Narnia to its former glory and freedom. This parallels the Christian idea of restoration – God restoring humanity and creation through Jesus Christ. After the fall, sin corrupted the world, but God promises to make all things new again (Revelation 21:5). Just as Aslan restores Narnia, God restores humanity from the effects of sin and death.
Providence
Throughout Prince Caspian, Aslan providentially guides events to restore Narnia. This shows God’s sovereignty over history and His desire to redeem creation. For instance, Aslan awakes the trees and river god to help Caspian. He also guides Peter’s hand during the duel with Miraz. God similarly guides the course of human history, working even through evil rulers to bring about His purposes (Genesis 50:20). His unseen hand guides believers toward His desired ends.
Faith
A major theme in Prince Caspian is faith in the absence of physical sight. The Pevensies must believe in Aslan before they see Him. As Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). God often calls His followers to trust Him without seeing the whole picture. Caspian and his troops must believe in Old Narnia before they see evidence of it. So Christians today trust in God’s promises despite not yet seeing their complete fulfillment. Faith trusts God despite lack of sight.
Disbelief Leading to Fear
Miraz and his fellow Telmarines are afraid of the unknown. Their fear leads them to oppress the magical Old Narnia. Similarly, some fear what they don’t understand about God and the spiritual realm. This can breed intolerance and ignorance. When we fail to acknowledge God’s power and plan, we can easily be blinded by fear. We see this today when people marginalize religious beliefs simply because they don’t understand them. Prince Caspian reminds us that overcoming fear requires openness, humility, and faith.
Sacrifice
Aslan sacrifices his life so Edmund can live. This parallels Christ’s willing sacrifice to save sinners. Just as Aslan surrenders to the White Witch, Jesus surrendered to death on the cross. Aslan’s resurrection foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection – defeating death and restoring life. Additionally, Reepicheep is willing to sacrifice his tail for the sake of others. True love requires sacrifice – giving up oneself for the wellbeing of others. As Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
Humility
Aslan tells Lucy that he was waiting for her to find him because she remained humble. He resisted appearing to the older children because they were too self-assured. God similarly opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). For instance, Jesus praised children for their humble faith (Luke 18:17). The theme here is that faith requires humility – acknowledging our limits and submitting to God. Pride and self-sufficiency blind us to God’s presence and work in the world.
Persevering Faith
Lucy continually believes in Aslan despite the skepticism of her siblings. She perseveres in faith despite being outnumbered. Her steadfast belief is finally vindicated when Aslan appears. This illustrates that faith must endure trials and testing before achieving its goal (James 1:2-4). Even when others doubt, believers should persist in trusting God’s promises. Steadfast faith is rewarded, as Lucy’s faith in Aslan results in great joy.
Discernment Regarding the Supernatural
Prince Caspian contrasts good, evil, and neutral magic. Aslan represents good supernatural power, battling evil magic like the White Witch. In between is neutral magic like the stars that lead and other magic that is not clearly good or bad. This shows the need for discernment. Not all supernatural power is from God (1 John 4:1). Some magic in Caspian is helpful while other magic opposes God’s will. Christians must test supernatural claims to see if they align with Scripture and God’s character. Discernment requires looking at the fruit, not just the display of power (Matthew 7:15-23).
God Opposing Oppression
A major theme in Prince Caspian is deliverance from oppression. When Miraz usurps the Narnian throne, the old Narnians suffer under his harsh rule. Aslan comes to end the oppression and restore peace and justice. Similarly, the Bible shows God as one who hates oppression and rescues the oppressed. God promises to “set things right” where there is injustice and wickedness (Psalm 75:2-3). The Exodus story epitomizes God freeing His people from slavery. God sending Christ also brings deliverance from sin’s oppression.
Appreciating Traditions
Aslan charges his followers to appreciate and preserve the ancient traditions and wisdom of Old Narnia. Likewise, God gave Israel commands to remember their history, Passover, etc. So too Christians value traditions that point to biblical truths – like communion, baptism, liturgies, etc. These help pass on the faith. Even as he does new things, God asks His people to remember and value the old (Isaiah 43:18-19). Preserving what is good from the past brings stability amidst change.
Nobility and Humility
Reepicheep the talking mouse possesses great nobility along with humility. Though small, he exhibits courage, honor, and courtesy. Reepicheep does not use his status as an excuse for pride or self-importance. His humble nobility illustrates the biblical idea of greatness through servanthood. Jesus flipped ideas of status upside-down by saying leaders must serve others, not lord power over them (Matthew 20:25-28). Reepicheep provides an example of humble, self-sacrificing virtue.
Seeing from Heaven’s Perspective
When Lucy and the children first return to Narnia, they view their circumstances from an earthly perspective. But as they encounter Aslan, they begin seeing from heaven’s perspective. Aslan gives them eyes of faith to see past immediate circumstances and discern the bigger picture. Likewise, Paul says faith enables believers to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Through spiritual eyes, we see from God’s higher vantage point. Prince Caspian beautifully captures this biblical theme. The children walk by faith, not sight.
Conclusion
Prince Caspian weaves together many rich Christian themes that resonate with Scriptural truths. As with the other Chronicles books, C.S. Lewis masterfully tapped into biblical ideas and images to craft compelling stories. For those with eyes to see, Narnia wonderfully embodies themes like restoration, sacrifice, faith, discernment, perseverance, and God’s love for the oppressed. Prince Caspian will continue reaping spiritual dividends for generations to come.