Centaurs

Centaurs are inhabitants of Narnia, associated with prophecy and present among the forces that defend Archenland. Their roles connect an early prediction about the royal twins to the later revelation of Cor’s identity and the danger he was destined to avert.

Identity and Presence

Centaurs appear in the northern countries as a people distinct from the human soldiers and other speaking beings in the Narnian army. During the relief force’s arrival, they ride with men, Talking Horses, bears, Talking Dogs, and giants. Cor, recalling the battle to Aravis, describes the Centaurs he saw there as remarkable, while admitting that he does not yet feel entirely at home among them.

Prophecy and the Royal Twins

About a week after Cor and Corin were born, their parents took them to an old, wise Centaur in Narnia to receive a blessing. The Centaur was also a prophet. On seeing the twins, he foretold that Cor would one day save Archenland from the deadliest danger it had ever faced. The prediction made Cor’s future consequential before he could know his identity or act on it.

Consequences and Narrative Role

Lord Bar, formerly King Lune’s Lord Chancellor, heard the prophecy and resolved to remove Cor. Bar had been dismissed for wrongdoing and was later discovered to have been paid by the Tisroc to send secret information to Tashbaan. He kidnapped the child and took him down the Winding Arrow to the coast, setting in motion Cor’s separation from his family. The Centaur’s words thus become the hidden cause behind the lost prince’s long absence and the danger that eventually brings him back to Archenland.