From Hades to Heaven: Greek Mythological Influences in C. S. Lewis's the Silver Chair (Essay) (Critical Essay)

In his Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis creates a world that teaches children about Christianity outside of a normal religious setting. His mythical stories steeped in Christian ideals present a fresh, magical world that breaks through normal childhood inhibitions concerning Jesus and church. Says Lewis, In building this "imaginary world" Lewis draws from many sources, including the Christian Bible, events from his own life, and the mythologies of many ancient civilizations. While critics have energetically explored the role of Christianity in The Chronicles, investigations into the presence of Norse, Greek, British, and other cultures' legends and myths in these novels are surprisingly few. (1) However, if The Chronicles are, in a way, their own mythology that ultimately points towards Christianity, perhaps these other influences that make up Narnia come together to serve the same purpose--that is, if The Chronicles include all of these pagan elements, are these elements not also a part of this ultimate lesson in Christianity? An excerpt from Lewis's autobiography Surprised by Joy recounts Lewis's own feelings towards the role of paganism in Christianity: