Christian Overtones in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' Explained

As "The Chronicles of Narnia," fans prepare to see the third movie in the series, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," some wonder if the producers of the movie will continue the tradition of including many of the Christian overtones that have made the transition from the books series to the big screen. Surprisingly, though, many fans have missed the blatant Christian overtones that have been in, "The Chronicles of Narnia," movie series so far.

Aslan is Jesus

The foremost point that I have to get across when discussing the Christian overtones in, "The Chronicles of Narnia," is that Aslan (the lion) is a direct reference to Jesus. While not the King of Narnia, Aslan is revered above any titled leader, just as Jesus is revered above any worldly leader.

Adam and Eve

One major cue to the Christian overtones in, "The Chronicles of Narnia," should be the fact that humans are called Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve. This is actually an old Christian reference for children that are brought up by the Church. Children abandoned to the Church were often called Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve.

The Sacrifice of Aslan is the Passion of Christ

In, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," when Aslan is sacrificed, it is a direct reference to the Passion of Christ. Instead of being stripped of his garments, his fur was cut off. He was beaten, and was mocked. Then, he willingly gave his life to save the life of a sinner (instead of sinners) even though he was not guilty of any crime. The table cracked (the veil between life and death) and Aslan was returned to life. This scene is perhaps the greatest example of Christian overtones in, "The Chronicles of Narnia."

The White Witch is Sin Incarnate

The White Witch is an avatar of sin in, "The Chronicles of Narnia," series. She is temptation, transgression, and hate all wrapped into one. Just like Eve and Jesus were tempted by the Devil, the Christian overtones in, "The Chronicles of Narnia show the White Withc tempting Edmund and Prince Caspian.

Prince Caspian is Moses and David

Prince Caspian, while not being a Narnian himself, leads the Narnians back into their promised land in, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." At the same time, Prince Caspian shows reflections in character to David from the Biblical stories in that he is a rightful heir to a throne, but hunted down by someone else laying claim.

Looking for God

In, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," Lucy is the only one who initially believes that Aslan is near by. She goes looking for him, even though others doubt her. She goes looking for him even though he has been silent. When talking about Christian overtones in, "The Chronicles of Narnia," this has to be pointed out as it is in direct correlation with the Christian value of always seeking out Christ.

Christian Numerology

Notice, that there are two Sons of Adam (Peter and Edmund) and two Daughters of Eve (Susan and Lucy). This easily makes them two kings, and two queens. Notice, though, that together, they add up to the number four. Four has always been a strong number in Christian numerology. There were four Gospels, four sides of the cross, in the end there will be Four Horseman and so on. It only makes sense that a series like, "The Chronicles of Narnia," would use some of the old Christian numerology.

The Christian overtones in the first two movies of, "The Chronicles of Narnia," have been strong. It will be interesting to see if this tradition is carried out in the third movie of the series, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."

Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own articles.