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What if Aslan is more anthropomorphic?

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AslanTheLion
(@aslanthelion)
NarniaWeb Regular
Posted by: @courtenay

I think Lewis did have a slightly anthropomorphic concept of Aslan in his head when he wrote LWW — there are references in that book to Aslan clapping his paws together, rising from his throne when he roars at the Witch (we weren't told he was seated on a throne in the first place, and it isn't shown in the illustrations), and of course taking Peter's sword and striking him on the shoulders with it to knight him after the battle with Maugrim. And yes, there's that notorious and absurd illustration of him standing on his hind legs with his hands behind his back as he talks with the Witch. That's Pauline Baynes' interpretation, but Lewis obviously approved of it at the time, so...

In the later books, though, there aren't any references (as far as I can remember!) that make it sound like Aslan is anthropomorphised at all, apart from the fact that he can talk, of course. I would guess Lewis's own concept of the character grew as he continued writing the series and he avoided anything further that might suggest that Aslan is a cartoonish figure, or anything other than "a true Beast", as he describes himself to doubting Bree in HHB. 

Well, I should mention that we DO get this rather ambiguous bit VDT:

"After a bit the lion took me out and dressed me -"

"Dressed you. With his paws?"


“Well, I don't exactly remember that bit. But he did somehow or other…”

Lewis just sort of handwaves how Aslan does this; I guess I’ve always assumed it was to not make it sound too odd, but it’s also possible that he just magically gave Eustace his new clothes. The VDT film has Eustace back in outfit he was wearing from the start when he’s transformed into a human again. I haven’t seen the BBC version but from what I heard in a podcast, it abruptly jumps from to Eustace right as he becomes human again (and apparently isn’t wearing anything) to him with the rest of the group the next day (wearing his new outfit).

This post was modified 2 weeks ago by AslanTheLion
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Topic starter Posted : November 27, 2024 3:40 pm
Jasmine
(@jasmine_tarkheena)
NarniaWeb Guru

Hmm, Aslan as anthropomorphic. I don’t know if I’ve ever thought of it. 

"And this is the marvel of marvels, that he called me beloved."
(Emeth, The Last Battle)
https://escapetoreality.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/aslan-and-emeth2.jpg

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Posted : November 27, 2024 3:47 pm
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