Truths From Aslan

For the very first time, I have read through all of the Narnia series, which has been just as spectacular as I imagined. I’ve read the first few books before, several times actually, but somehow I always managed to get distracted by a new book before I could finish the series. But this time I pulled all the way through and am so glad I did. They are magnificent books, truly magnificent.

There are so many beautiful themes and passages to unpack from the series, but there is one thing that seems to be the heart of all the stories, and that is, of course, Aslan. He is in the center of all the books, and is the thing that holds them all together.

In case you are unfamiliar with Narnia, Aslan is the great Lion. In many ways he is an example of Jesus, and I believe that there is a lot to be learned about the character of the Lord from him. For today’s post I’ve gathered up some of my favorite lines by him to share with you. These come from all across the series, but there are no spoilers. 😉

Truths From Aslan

"Child," said the Voice, "I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own."
The Horse and His Boy -p. 165

I remember marking this quote the first time I read it. It’s a good little reminder that we are to focus on our own work, not worrying ourselves with that of others. This does not mean we fail to encourage and lead each other, but that we don’t let curiosity of their lives distract us from our own.

"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one." answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."
Prince Caspian -p. 141

The older I get, the more I understand this quote. As we grow up, our minds are constantly expanding and taking in new information from the world around us. This includes information about the Lord, and things that are eternal. So it is completely true to say that our age does not make God bigger, but that He’s revealed bigger to us.

"To know what would have happened, child?" said Aslan. "No. Nobody is ever told that."
Prince Caspian -p. 142

This is one of the shorter quotes, but it might have one of the biggest ideas of all. Sometimes we get so caught up in what might have been. If only things hadn’t gone like that… if only I had only acted differently, if only, if only, if only… But what does considering these things do for us? What would have happened is not what matters. We are striving towards a goal beyond ourselves, and that goal is not in what would have happened, it’s in what is and is to come.

"Shall I ever be able to read that story again; the one I couldn't remember? Will you tell it to me, Aslan? Oh do, do, do."
"Indeed, yes, I will tell it to you for years and years. But now, come. We must meet the master of this house."
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader -p. 160

Lucy asks this of Aslan after she has read the most wonderful book of her life, a book that filled her with joy and gladness. She wants so badly to hear it again and asks Aslan eagerly if he will tell it to her. I find his response so wonderful. We are being told a story all of our lives, one of love, and joy, and peace. It is the story of Jesus, and the story of the world, and it is being whispered to anyone who takes the time to listen.

"I shall be telling you all the time," said Aslan. "But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the Great Bridge Builder. And now come; I will open the door to the sky and send you to your own land."
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader -p. 247

When I read this quote, I had to stop and read it over again because it was so amazing. No one knows what their future will be or what roads they will be called to travel on. But what a relief that our guide is a maker of paths where there is no way, and a builder of bridges where there is a river. The Lord will not leave us wandering hopelessly, but will provide us (and has provided us) with a way.

"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader -p. 247

Out of all the things spoken by Aslan, this might be my favorite. I think it’s the best way to finish this post. The children were brought into Narnia so that they might know Aslan better in their own world, and maybe that’s what we should desire from Narnia as well. Maybe by seeing the heart of Aslan, we might come to understand the heart of the Lord a little better.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been looking forward to this post for a long time as I read through the books, and I’m so happy to finally be sharing it with you! I would love to hear which quote was your favorite in the comments!