Observations placeholder
Lewis, C S - The Silver Chair - Aslan
Identifier
007275
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
C S Lewis was not always precise in his use of symbolism, and it sometimes clashes with that used in mystic literature, but in this extract from his Narnia books for children he has, to a certain extent, captured something of the symbolism of the lion.
The Lion represents the creative force in us - the Intellect and Reason. Lewis has extended this symbolism to the Creator as a whole, thus in his books, the Lion Aslan is the Creator [as opposed to the Created]. Lewis had a Christian view of 'God' and Aslan to a certain extent represents Lewis's own understanding of what 'God' is [his God anyway].
It is his allegory for what the longing for spiritual experience and mystic union is.
A description of the experience
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe – The Narnia Chronicles – C S Lewis
Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.
The Silver Chair (1953) – C S Lewis
"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.
"I am dying of thirst," said Jill.
"Then drink," said the Lion.
"May I — could I — would you mind going away while I do?" said Jill.
The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience. The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.
"Will you promise not to — do anything to me, if I do come?" said Jill.
"I make no promise," said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.
" Do you eat girls?" she said.
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. It didn't say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.
"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.
"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.
"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."
"There is no other stream," said the Lion.