The Quest to Meet Aslan

Follows the children and the Beavers as they journey to the Stone Table to meet Aslan, the true king of Narnia, while evading the White Witch's forces.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Meeting the Beavers

A Safe Haven with the Beavers The Robin's Guidance The robin leads the children through the forest, but Edmund sows suspicion about the bird's intentions. However, the robin disappears, and they encounter a beaver who beckons them. The beaver, Mr. Beaver, shows them Lucy's handkerchief as proof of his friendship with Tumnus. He warns them that the trees are spies and leads them to his dam. Hospitality and Prophecy At the Beavers' house, Mrs. Beaver prepares a feast. After dinner, Mr. Beaver reveals that Aslan, the great lion, is on the move. He explains the prophecy: when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve sit on the four thrones at Cair Paravel, the Witch's reign will end. The children are the prophesied ones. They learn that Aslan is the true king, not safe but good, and that they must meet him at the Stone Table. The Betrayal Discovered During the conversation, Lucy notices Edmund is missing. Mr. Beaver deduces that Edmund has gone to the White Witch, having already tasted her food. The children are devastated but realize they must flee immediately. The Beavers insist on packing supplies, and the group sets out into the night, knowing the Witch will pursue them. This node sets the stage for the journey to Aslan and the first major betrayal.

The Flight to the Cave

Escaping the Witch's Pursuit The Moonlit Escape The children and Beavers leave the dam, carrying packs of food. They follow a difficult path along the riverbank, hidden from the sledge-riding Witch. The moon is bright, and the snow is deep. Lucy, carrying the smallest load, struggles to keep up. They eventually reach a hidden cave in the riverbank, where they take shelter for the night. The Coming of Father Christmas After sleeping, they are woken by the sound of sleigh bells. They fear it is the Witch, but instead, they see Father Christmas in a sledge drawn by brown reindeer. He announces that the Witch's power is weakening and that Aslan is on the move. He gives gifts: Peter a sword and shield, Susan a bow and horn, Lucy a dagger and a healing cordial, and the Beavers practical gifts. Father Christmas departs, and the children feel hope. The Thaw Begins As they continue their journey, the snow begins to melt. The frost breaks, and spring arrives swiftly. The transformation is miraculous: flowers bloom, birds sing, and streams flow. This is a sign of Aslan's presence. The children shed their heavy coats. The journey becomes less urgent as the Witch's sledge becomes useless. They approach the Stone Table with renewed hope, but also with the knowledge that Edmund is with the Witch.

Arrival at the Stone Table

Meeting Aslan The Hill of the Stone Table The group climbs a hill and sees the Stone Table, a great slab of grey stone carved with ancient symbols. Nearby, a pavilion with a red lion banner stands. Music fills the air. Aslan stands in the center of a crowd of creatures: centaurs, dryads, naiads, unicorns, and others. The children approach, feeling both awe and fear. Aslan's Welcome Peter draws his sword and salutes. Aslan greets them warmly, but asks where the fourth is. Mr. Beaver tells of Edmund's betrayal. Aslan does not condemn Peter, but looks at him with golden eyes. Lucy asks if Edmund can be saved. Aslan says all shall be done, but it may be harder than they think. He then shows Peter a vision of Cair Paravel and tells him he will be High King. The First Battle Suddenly, Susan's horn sounds. A wolf, Fenris Ulf, attacks Susan. Peter kills the wolf with his new sword. Aslan knights Peter as Sir Peter Fenris-Bane. The wolf's companion escapes, and Aslan sends centaurs and eagles to rescue Edmund. The children's roles are now defined: Peter is a warrior, Susan and Lucy are given gifts, and Edmund's fate hangs in the balance. This node fulfills the first part of the quest and sets up the climax.

After following the robin, first full day in Narnia

Night after the Beavers' dinner

Late afternoon, after the thaw