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The Founding of Narnia

The Magician's Nephew

This flow traces Narnia from a barren beginning through its creation, first inhabitants, and founding government.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
An Empty WorldAn Empty World from "The Magician's Nephew". An Empty World Before creation The travellers arrive in darkness on ground with no visible life.
An Empty World Before creation The travellers arrive in darkness on ground with no visible life. The Witch calls it Nothing, and the silence gives no promise that it can become a living country. A voice begins A distant song rises from the darkness. Its beauty overwhelms the travellers, while the Witch resists the unfamiliar power and Andrew tries to evade its meaning.
The First LightThe First Light from "The Magician's Nephew". The First Light Stars and sunrise The singing brings stars into the sky, then dawn and a bright young sun.
The First Light Stars and sunrise The singing brings stars into the sky, then dawn and a bright young sun. Mountains, river, and valley emerge in the light, establishing a world unlike ruined Charn. The Singer revealed The voice belongs to Aslan, whose presence gives the emerging landscape direction and purpose. Creation is not an accidental event but a deliberate act of song.
Life Takes RootLife Takes Root from "The Magician's Nephew". Life Takes Root A living landscape Aslan’s song covers the valley with grass, trees, flowers, and other growth.
Life Takes Root A living landscape Aslan’s song covers the valley with grass, trees, flowers, and other growth. The travellers witness a country being formed in sound and movement rather than built by human labor. Life diversifies Animals emerge from the earth, and the land fills with birds and plants. The world’s abundance establishes the setting in which later duties, dangers, and communities will take shape.
Awakening of SpeechAwakening of Speech from "The Magician's Nephew". Awakening of Speech A new kind of creature Aslan selects pairs of animals and grants them understanding and speech.
Awakening of Speech A new kind of creature Aslan selects pairs of animals and grants them understanding and speech. Strawberry is among those transformed, while other animals remain Dumb Beasts. A charge for the future Aslan gives the Talking Beasts their land and warns them to treat other creatures gently. Their new abilities carry responsibilities as well as privileges.
A Kingdom BeginsA Kingdom Begins from "The Magician's Nephew". A Kingdom Begins Human stewardship Aslan chooses the Cabby and Nellie to rule the new country.
A Kingdom Begins Human stewardship Aslan chooses the Cabby and Nellie to rule the new country. Their practical kindness and willingness to serve matter more than status or learning. A public beginning Frank and Helen are crowned, and the first monarchy is established. Narnia’s founding combines the natural community of its creatures with a human responsibility to govern justly.
the moment the travellers arrive in the new world
the first dawn of the new world
the opening hours of Narnia
shortly after the first animals emerge
the first day of Narnia, after Aslan’s council