In this podcast we look at The Narnia Code, a very interesting book and companion DVD that describes the overall plan or logic that C. S. Lewis may have used when he wrote “The Chronicles of Narnia“. I used the word “may” because not all Lewis scholars are in agreement with the findings of this book. However, it’s theory seems to solve at least two literary problems in the Chronicles and has considerable evidence to back it up. In addition, studying the book and applying its principles to the stories in the Chronicles will significantly increase your enjoyment and understanding of the depth of Jack’s work.
Briefly stated, Michael Ward, the author of The Narnia Code (and also the larger volume Planet Narnia) believes that he has found the plan to Chronicles, a plan that was deliberately hidden by Jack as a prank or practical joke. Lewis was a medieval scholar for all of his life, and he knew and appreciated the medieval view of the cosmos. In this view, there are seven heavenly bodies that circle around the earth, and each body has certain characteristics or spirits that influence life on earth. Each of the books in the Chronicles were written to illustrate the influences or spirits of one of the medieval heavenly bodies. They are as follows:
- Jupiter, the King of the planets – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Mars, the bringer of war – Prince Caspian
- The Sun, the source of light – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
- Venus – The Magician’s Nephew
- Mercury, the messenger – The Horse and His Boy
- The Moon – The Silver Chair
- Saturn – The Last Battle
More information can be found at the Narnia Code website
