Inspiration
The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe was originally inspired by a real event in author C. S. Lewis’s life. During WWII children fled London to the countryside to escape the bombing. Lewis took in a number of these children at his home in Oxford and one of them became fascinated with a wardrobe there, wondering if there was a way out the back of it. This event planted the idea in the author’s mind that would grow and become Narnia. There were many other influences in Narnia, including Christian themes and creatures from Greek Mythology. Lewis was inspired by the writer George MacDonald and also had help from his friend Tolkien. They were both part of a writer’s group called The Inklings.
In Film
In 2005 The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was rebooted as a film, and this group of actors went on to make two other films inspired by books in the series. Critics agreed that these were faithful and well executed recreations of the story.
Illustration
One of the beautiful things about the books is that they are illustrated. The person responsible, was Pauline Baynes who as well as being an artist worked as a map maker for the Ministry of Defence which may explain why her maps of Narnia were so wonderful. Pauline also worked with Tolkien who is well known for creating his own beautiful drawings for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Ideas for what to read next
If you really loved Narnia and you want to experience more magical fantasy worlds, here are the books in our library we think you would like:
Title/Series | Author | Call Number |
The Wizard of OZ | L Frank Baum | F BAU |
The looking glass wars | Frank Beddor | F BED |
The House with a clock in its walls | John Bellairs | F BEL |
Alice in Wonderland | Lewis Carroll | F CAR |
The Neverending Story | Michael Ende | F END |
Inkspell | Cornelia Funke | F FUN |
A Wizard of Earthsea | Ursula K Le Guin | F GUI |
The Trylle Trilogy | Amanda Hocking | F HOC |
The Dalemark Quartet | Dianna Wynn Jones | F JON |
Wildwood Dancing | Juliet Marillier | F MAR |
The old kingdom chronicles | Garth Nix | F NIX |
The silver door | Emily Rodda | F ROD |
Septimus Heap | Angie Sage | F SAG |
The Raven boys | Maggie Stiefvater | F STI |
The Hobbit | J. R. R. Tolkien | F TOL |