subject: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe : Welcome To The Enchanted World Of Narnia [print this page] The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe : Welcome To The Enchanted World Of Narnia
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic children's story and part of the greater Chronicles of Narnia series. Lewis' stories were written for his grandchildren with many life lessons and a lot of adventure. For those of us who will alwaysconsider ourselves among the friends of Narnia, seeing television adaptations of C. S. Lewis' work can be delightful. Among the best options are the lion the witch and the wardrobe 1979 cartoon version and the BBC children's television series. Growing up with these classics, the very thought of them brings a smile to my face and vivid memories of Turkish Delight and discovering gifts, of meeting Aslan for the first time and an epic battle of good vs evil. Memories of Tumnus and his wish that he had studied geography more as a young fawn so he would know the city of 'War Drobe' in the far land of 'Spare Oom' just makes me laugh. The story brings to mind the innocence of childhood, the terrible price of selfishness, the virtue of love and self-less giving, and the strength found in being a friend when its most needed. For young children, the lion the witch and the wardrobe cartoon version is cute, clear, and creative. It is easy to follow with bright colors that drive the imagination and grab kids attention. The chance to see the lion, the witch and the wardrobe 1979 animated version for the first time, or the first time in a long time, is an opportunity not to miss. Charming could describe this recreation that bounces out of the screen and into the heart. A child easily falls into the role of Lucy as she discovers all that is Narnia, and finds her own strength as she admits her mistakes, faces them, and stands for good against evil. The BBC children's tv series is more serious and with more of the British accent that Lewis enthusiasts want. It is witty and intelligent, beautiful and full of depth. When originally aired in 1988, it left audiences waiting eagerly for the next episode. In this small screen adaptation, the viewer has the opportunity to find their self stepping through the wardrobe with the Pevensie children into the enchanted world of Narnia and discover a magical land, mystic creatures, true friends and false allies, talking Beasts, evil witches, and the opportunity to change the world and inspire hope in the hopeless in a cold and barren land. With either version, the heart breaks as deception ensnares the heart of Edmund. The only cure for Edmund and Narnia is the "deeper magic from before the dawn of time", selfless sacrifice. To think that a simple children's series can begin with the lesson that the only cure for selfishness is selflessness is winsome. Many lessons and great adventure await travelers who dare to walk the pages of Narnia. The journey is a rewarding and worthwhile venture, and the characters help us see the potentials and pitfalls of us all. Both the lion the witch and the wardrobe cartoon film and the BBC series faithfully contain the classic story beloved by generations. Adults and children alike may find that they, too, are friends of Narnia. So 'Sons of Adam' and 'Daughters of Eve' come, walk with me.
