In their texts, The Chronicles of Narnia, the novel is full of elements of myth. Some of the concepts in the novel are borrowed from Greek Mythology, like the fauns, centaur, dryads, and minotaur, while giants, dwarfs are from the Norse mythology. Also, elements of Christianity are also seen in the novel, such as Aslan the lion, often compared to Jesus Christ. Apart from these, one can trace the various archetypal images, so strongly linked with the one very particular type of the story – that of the quest.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Knight on Errand
1.1. The explanation of term Holy Grail
1.2. The characteristics of knight and knighthood
1.3. The development of Arthurian Legend
1.3.1. The Pseudo-Historical, Romantic Arthur
Chapter 2: Chronicles of Narnia as the Story of Archetypal Meaning
2.1 The Mythology of Narnia and the Knight of Grail embodied in Peter
2.2. Peter’s Appearances’ in The Chronicles of Narnia
Chapter 3: The Hero’s Point of View
3.1. Peter – the Leader, the Hero, the King
3.2. Is Peter worth being a knight or Christian knight?
3.3. Courtesy in spite of ‘facts but not logic’
Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper serves as a practical introduction to the literary analysis of C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, specifically examining the character of Peter Pevensie through the lens of the Arthurian Grail quest tradition. It aims to evaluate how archetypal imagery and the code of chivalry are woven into the narrative to transform the children into figures of heroic and moral significance.
- The historical and literary evolution of the Holy Grail myth and Arthurian legends.
- The traditional characteristics of knights and the medieval code of chivalry.
- The application of archetypal meanings within the fantasy world of Narnia.
- The moral and heroic character development of Peter Pevensie.
- The integration of Christian and pagan elements in C.S. Lewis’s storytelling.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3. Courtesy in spite of ‘facts but not logic’
In every Chronicle in which earthly children appear, Lewis mocks educational process. In Narnia he replaces it with the chivalric code of courtesy. When we first meet Peter in his role as High King, he is perhaps the meekest of children, yet in Narnia he is also the most courageous. Here the meek do inherit the earth; meekness, however, should never be mistaken for servility or cowardice – rather it is the recognition of an authority in one’s life and the order that stems from this authority.
Peter has respect for even the lowest of creatures for he sees them as creatures of Aslan and not as natural properties to be used in technological consumption. For Narnia, the medieval scholar Lewis, as he can be perceived nowadays, resurrects the code of chivalry as a standard for behavior. One might recall Chaucer’s description of the “verray parfit, gentil knight” of the Canterbury Tales. Here the courteous knight abides by the chivalric code of "Trouthe and honour, fredom and curteisie," or loyalty, honorable deeds, nobility, and courtly manner. Chaucer’s knight is described as thoroughly courageous, but always mild and meek in deportment. Such a life style can only come from service to a powerful and absolute sovereign.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the aims of the paper to provide a practical introduction to the Arthurian elements within C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia.
Chapter 1: Knight on Errand: Surveys the history of the Holy Grail, the development of Arthurian legend, and the foundational characteristics of knighthood.
Chapter 2: Chronicles of Narnia as the Story of Archetypal Meaning: Analyzes the emergence of Narnia, its mythic foundations, and the symbolic embodiment of the Grail knight in the character of Peter.
Chapter 3: The Hero’s Point of View: Examines Peter's development as a leader and king, questioning his status as a Christian knight and exploring the themes of courtesy and chivalry in his actions.
Conclusion: Summarizes how Lewis synthesizes various narrative traditions, including myth, epic, and romance, to create a complex world that defies singular generic classification.
Keywords
Holy Grail, Arthurian Legend, C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pevensie, Chivalry, Knighthood, Archetype, Fantasy Literature, Heroism, Christian Symbolism, Medieval Romance, Myth, Leadership, Aslan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this academic paper?
The paper explores the literary connections between the Arthurian Grail tradition and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, focusing on the characterization of Peter Pevensie as a knightly figure.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers medieval history, the evolution of the Grail myth, the code of chivalry, and the interpretation of character archetypes within the context of fantasy literature.
What is the main research question or goal?
The primary goal is to examine whether Peter Pevensie fulfills the criteria of a "Knight of the Holy Grail" and how Lewis uses established literary traditions to provide moral and archetypal meaning to his stories.
Which scientific or analytical methods are utilized?
The author utilizes literary analysis and historical review, drawing upon scholarly secondary literature to compare Narnian elements with established romance, epic, and mythic traditions.
What does the main body of the work focus on?
The body analyzes the history of knightly ideals, the development of the Arthurian myth, the specific appearances of Peter in the Narnia books, and the role of courtesy and moral duty in his reign as High King.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Holy Grail, Chivalry, C.S. Lewis, Narnia, Peter Pevensie, Archetype, and Medieval Romance.
How does Lewis's approach to fantasy differ from J.R.R. Tolkien’s?
While Tolkien advocated for subcreation as a way to create independent worlds, Lewis intentionally emphasized the interpenetration of his secondary fantasy worlds with our primary, everyday world.
What role does the 'code of chivalry' play in Narnia?
The code of chivalry serves as a standard for behavior that replaces standard educational processes in Narnia, emphasizing loyalty, respect for all creatures, and service to a higher authority, represented by Aslan.
- Quote paper
- Marta Zapała-Kraj (Author), 2010, "The Chronicles of Narnia" as Knightly Story, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/288405
