“Do not dare not to dare”
The Horse and His Boy“Do not dare not to dare” is Aslan’s challenge to Bree at their meeting with Aravis. The phrase makes courage a demand for action: Bree must approach the lion even while frightened, rather than use fear as a reason to hold back.
The Command to Bree
Aslan calls Bree a “poor, proud, frightened Horse” and tells him to draw near, then nearer still. The repeated invitation makes the command immediate and physical: Bree is to close the distance and touch Aslan, not merely agree in principle to be brave. Aslan points out his paws, tail, and whiskers, insisting that he is “a true Beast.”
Fear and Self-Knowledge
Bree answers in a shaken voice that he is afraid he must be rather a fool. Aslan replies that a horse—or a human—who recognizes this while still young is fortunate. The exchange reframes Bree’s fear and embarrassment as the beginning of self-knowledge, rather than a reason to retreat. The command does not promise that fear will vanish before action; it asks Bree not to let fear decide for him.
The Wider Encounter
Aslan first addresses Aravis as his daughter, kisses her nose, and promises her joy. He then turns to Bree and, after speaking with him, invites Aravis to draw near too, reassuring her that his paws are velveted and she will not be torn this time. The phrase therefore belongs to a scene of approach and reassurance: Bree is urged to meet Aslan despite his fear, while Aravis is invited to approach with the knowledge that the lion will not harm her.
