Student Question
In "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe," what is the "deeper magic from before the dawn of time"?
Quick answer:
The "deeper magic from before the dawn of time" refers to a powerful, ancient magic unknown to the Witch, symbolizing divine power and grace. It states that if a willing, innocent victim is sacrificed in place of a traitor, death itself will reverse. This concept parallels Christian theology, where Aslan, representing Christ, sacrifices himself and resurrects, ultimately defeating evil and granting salvation to those who believe.
Aslan says,
"though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back...she would have read...a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward" (Chapter 15).
The "deeper magic before the dawn of time" is a Christian reference to the power of God which transcends any power known to man. The "willing victim who had committed no treachery" is Christ, who is sacrificed for the sins of men and, through his death, wins back for those who believe in him the promise of eternal life. As a Christ figure, Aslan, who is the embodiment of love, is put to death by the Witch, but through the power of God - the "deeper magic before the dawn of time - he rises again from the dead. Through his Resurrection, good is triumphant and evil overthrown, and fallen man is granted salvation.
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