Further Up and Further In: A Podcast

Evoking the notion of sehnsucht, or the inconsolable longing for beauty and joy in the human heart, the children's discovery of Cair Paravel in ruins begins the process of awakening within them a remembrance of who they really are: kings and queens of Narnia. This sense of nostalgia and desire, propelled by Lewisian images of ancient wonder, reminds us of our own inconsolable longings for Eden, a magical world that, unfortunately, we have lost as well.

In the opening chapter of Prince Caspian, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy stand on the precipice of a great and glorious journey. Though they believe this journey to be just a simple train ride to boarding school, a strange and mysterious summons draws them back into Narnia where they must restore what has been broken and repair the ruins of Old Narnia before its beauty is lost forever.

In the final chapter of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the great battle against the forces of darkness is finally won, and the Pevensie children at last assume the four thrones at Cair Paravel that have awaited them. The prophecy is fulfilled, and all is well again in Narnia. Yet, as King Peter, Queen Susan, King Edmund, and Queen Lucy rule justly and nobly over the restored land, they discover the White Stag has appeared, a magical creature with the power to grant wished to the one who catches it.

Having resurrected from the dead, Aslan carries Susan and Lucy to the White Witch's empty castle to liberate the many stone statues littered throughout her courtyard. With his Narnian army assembled, Aslan leads the way to the Fords of Beruna to complete the victory by ending the White Witch for good.

Concluding the trilogy of gospel chapters (with chs. 13 and 14 serving as parts I and II, respectively), Aslan's resurrection, cracking the Stone Table and declaring ultimate victory over evil and death, ignites a new wonder and joy in Susan and Lucy, leading to a magnificent romp throughout Narnia in preparation for the great Battle of Beruna.

Concluding the trilogy of gospel chapters (with chs. 13 and 14 serving as parts I and II, respectively), Aslan's resurrection, cracking the Stone Table and declaring ultimate victory over evil and death, ignites a new wonder and joy in Susan and Lucy, leading to a magnificent romp throughout Narnia in preparation for the great Battle of Beruna.

In his agreement with the White Witch, Aslan walks the via dolorosa to the Stone Table to lay down his life in exchange for the life of Edmund. As Susan and Lucy accompany Aslan on his agonizing journey, culminating in the humiliating and crushing death of Aslan, the reader discovers that the triumph mentioned in the chapter's title may not belong to the White Witch after all...

In his agreement with the White Witch, Aslan walks the via dolorosa to the Stone Table to lay down his life in exchange for the life of Edmund. As Susan and Lucy accompany Aslan on his agonizing journey, culminating in the humiliating and crushing death of Aslan, the reader discovers that the triumph mentioned in the chapter's title may not belong to the White Witch after all...

After an exciting rescue mission to save Edmund from the grip of the White Witch, Edmund finally encounters Aslan face-to-face. In a beautiful picture of repentance and forgiveness, Aslan restores Edmund to his place among his brother and sisters. The story, however, is not over yet as the White Witch comes to claim Edmund's blood in punishment for his treason. Citing the Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time, the White Witch confronts Aslan, demanding Edmund be slaughtered on the Stone Table.

After an exciting rescue mission to save Edmund from the grip of the White Witch, Edmund finally encounters Aslan face-to-face. In a beautiful picture of repentance and forgiveness, Aslan restores Edmund to his place among his brother and sisters. The story, however, is not over yet as the White Witch comes to claim Edmund's blood in punishment for his treason. Citing the Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time, the White Witch confronts Aslan, demanding Edmund be slaughtered on the Stone Table.