Why can’t adults go to Narnia? CS Lewis Rule Explained

C.S. Lewis’ seminal children’s book series, The Chronicles of Narniahas been highly influential in the way young adult fantasy literature has developed. One of the main features of Lewis’ universe is that when the Pevensie children get older, they will not be able to return to Narnia. In books, Aslan is the voice of reason and imparts his wisdom and many of the rules of Narnia for children. One of them is that Peter and Susan, the eldest Pevensie children, will not be able to return after the events of Prince Caspianbut it is never explicitly stated why.

THE Narnia the reboot will struggle to resolve the books’ problems, and open-ended questions and weaker worldbuilding are some of the novels’ biggest problems. It will be interesting to see how Greta Gerwig deals with mysteries like why adults aren’t allowed in Narnia and whether the films will explicitly state why. Although the first adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe won’t have to deal with that facet of the story, it won’t be long before the problem arises and the audience is wondering why Peter and Susan must move on without their brothers.

Why Adults Can’t Go to Narnia in C.S. Lewis’s Books

Aslan makes it clear that the Pevensies grow too old for Narnia

From the first moment Lucy Pevensie enters Narnia, her innocence and willingness to believe in her power indicate that childhood is an essential part of the Narnia experience. When Susan and Peter begin to reach their late teens and take their first steps towards adulthood, Aslan says they can’t go back. This is the best explanation Lewis gives throughout the story, which is one of the harsh realities of reading The Chronicles of Narnia today. The reasoning behind the adults growing up in Narnia is implicit rather than fully developed.

There are many books and media that use the transition from childhood to adulthood as the moment when characters can no longer enter the magical realm of fantasy. In Narniaimagination and wonder are fundamental to enter the world, So it makes sense that when the kids grow up and have more responsibilities, they can’t go back. Although the Pevensies age in Narnia in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobethis differs from his maturation outside of Narnia, which leads to adult issues and accountability in the real world.

There May Be a Darker Meaning to Chronicles of Narnia’s No Adults Rule

The hidden truth behind his absence could be more sinister

Since Narnia is talking about a lot of religious themes, the loss of faith may be part of the reason Peter and Susan cannot return to Narnia afterward. Prince Caspian. Corruption and misuse of Narnia’s magic may also come into play, like many of the adults seen in Narnia books are after power for selfish reasons, like Uncle Andrew in The magician’s nephew. While this is not a happy motif, it ties into some of the darker underlying themes in Narnia and explains why it is so important for children to return to the real world when they are too mature.

That’s why Narnia the remake should do justice to Susan as the reason she can’t move on with the rest of the characters in The last battle it is rooted in misogyny. She is described as only concerned with her appearance and no longer having time for Narnia, indicating that the loss of innocence and discovery of sexuality may exclude characters from Narnia. The fact that Peter returns at the end of the series is an unfair twist of fate that Gerwig should undo if she adapted the last part of The Chronicles of Narnia.