Further Up and Further In: A Podcast

At last, Peter, Susan, and Lucy arrive with the Beavers to the Stone Table where Aslan, in all of his regal majesty, appears for the first time in the story. Yet, for all of the joy and overwhelming awe the children experience in meeting him, the twin visions of the Stone Table and Cair Paravel remind them (and the reader) of the great challenges to come: that the path to redemption and rule comes at a very great cost.

At last, Peter, Susan, and Lucy arrive with the Beavers to the Stone Table where Aslan, in all of his regal majesty, appears for the first time in the story. Yet, for all of the joy and overwhelming awe the children experience in meeting him, the twin visions of the Stone Table and Cair Paravel remind them (and the reader) of the great challenges to come: that the path to redemption and rule comes at a very great cost.

As Aslan's arrival draws nearer, the Witch is desperate to maintain her ruthless domination of Narnia, even going so far as to punish the animals she discovers rejoicing at a merry party. Yet, even in the midst of her cold tyranny, no power can withstand the awakening to come as the winter dissolves into glorious spring. 

As Aslan's arrival draws nearer, the Witch is desperate to maintain her ruthless domination of Narnia, even going so far as to punish the animals she discovers rejoicing at a merry party. Yet, even in the midst of her cold tyranny, no power can withstand the awakening to come as the winter dissolves into glorious spring. 

In language eerily similar to Wilfred Owen's and Ernest Hemingway's descriptions of WWI -- a horrific experience Lewis knew all too well -- the narrative follows the children's arduous trek as they flee the dam and the White Witch's impending arrival. Yet, huddled close in their small cave, the children and the beavers suddenly discover they are not alone as they are met by perhaps the most unlikely of characters.

In language eerily similar to Wilfred Owen's and Ernest Hemingway's descriptions of WWI -- a horrific experience Lewis knew all too well -- the narrative follows the children's arduous trek as they flee the dam and the White Witch's impending arrival. Yet, huddled close in their small cave, the children and the beavers suddenly discover they are not alone as they are met by perhaps the most unlikely of characters.

Still poisoned by the eternal craving for Turkish Delight, Edmund sneaks away from the Beavers' home to execute his plan to betray his siblings to the cruel White Witch. On his long and arduous trek to her castle, however, Edmund discovers the silence, the loneliness, and the despair that lie at the heart of evil itself.

Still poisoned by the eternal craving for Turkish Delight, Edmund sneaks away from the Beavers' home to execute his plan to betray his siblings to the cruel White Witch. On his long and arduous trek to her castle, however, Edmund discovers the silence, the loneliness, and the despair that lie at the heart of evil itself.

After a hearty meal, the children learn from Mr. Beaver of the ancient prophecy, foretelling the end of the cursed winter and the enthronement of "Adam's flesh and Adam's bone" at Cair Paravel. This victory will come via the great lion, Aslan, the King of Narnia, who is not safe, but is most certainly good. However, trouble arises as the children discover their treacherous brother, Edmund, has fled to betray them to the evil White Witch.

After a hearty meal, the children learn from Mr. Beaver of the ancient prophecy, foretelling the end of the cursed winter and the enthronement of "Adam's flesh and Adam's bone" at Cair Paravel. This victory will come via the great lion, Aslan, the King of Narnia, who is not safe, but is most certainly good. However, trouble arises as the children discover their treacherous brother, Edmund, has fled to betray them to the evil White Witch.