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Not every edition of The Chronicles of Narnia includes an index. If yours doesn’t, consider using an online searchable concordance or a dedicated reference book like Paul F. Ford’s Companion to Narnia — which is essentially an expanded index plus commentary. Having an index at hand transforms the series from seven separate adventures into a richly interconnected world you can navigate with ease.
C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature, celebrated for its rich worldbuilding and accessibility to readers of all ages. Originally published between 1950 and 1956, the seven-book series explores themes of morality, sacrifice, and adventure through the lens of a Christian worldview. The "Index" of Narnia (Reading Order)
The series is often read in two primary sequences: the original publication order (starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ) or the chronological order of Narnian history. The Magician’s Nephew (1955) – The origin story of Narnia and the lamppost. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(1950) – The most iconic entry; the Pevensie children discover a world under the White Witch’s winter. The Horse and His Boy
(1954) – A side-story set during the Pevensies’ reign in Narnia. Prince Caspian
(1951) – The children return to help a displaced prince reclaim his throne. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) – A seafaring quest to the edges of the world. The Silver Chair
(1953) – A rescue mission featuring Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole. The Last Battle
(1956) – The final apocalyptic conclusion to the Narnian saga. Critical Review
Strengths: Lewis excels at creating a sense of "whimsy and nostalgia," making the books equally enjoyable for children (ages 8+) and adults. According to reviewers on Britannica, the series is lauded for its imaginative use of talking animals and mythical creatures like Aslan, who serves as a central, Christ-like figure.
Weaknesses: Some modern readers, including J.K. Rowling, find the religious allegories to be "preachy" or lacking in humor compared to contemporary fantasy. Additionally, some themes and depictions of magic or mythological figures have faced scrutiny from specific theological perspectives.
Target Audience: While suitable for high schoolers and families, parents should note that some battle sequences and peril may be intense for very young children.
Chronicles of Narnia series, written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956, consists of seven books that can be indexed by both their original publication order and their internal chronological order. Publication Order (Original Release)
This is the order in which the books were first published and is often recommended for first-time readers to experience the world as it was originally revealed. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950) Prince Caspian (1951) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) The Silver Chair (1953) The Horse and His Boy (1954) The Magician's Nephew (1955) The Last Battle (1956) Chronological Order (Narnian Timeline) index of the chronicles of narnia
This order follows the timeline of events within the fictional world, starting with its creation and ending with its conclusion.
This is the order in which the books were originally released. Many fans prefer this order because The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe serves as the initial introduction to the world.
For scholars and book clubs, an index of themes is essential.
| Theme | Exemplified By | Book | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sacrifice & Redemption | Aslan’s death in place of Edmund | LWW | | Temptation of Gluttony | Turkish Delight (Edmund) | LWW | | Pride before a fall | Rabadash turned donkey | HHB | | Greed (literal gold) | The pool on Deathwater Island | VDT | | Faith without sight | Lucy walking through the dark woods alone | VDT | | Fear vs. Courage | Puddleglum crushing the fire | SC | | The Danger of “Progressive” Rationalism | The Experimental School (co-ed, modern) | SC | | False Prophets & Heresy | Shift the Ape (the Anti-Aslan) | LB | | Exclusion from Salvation | Susan Pevensie’s fate | LB | | The Problem of Evil | The existence of Tash and the Calormene cruelty | LB/HHB |
Aslan
| # | Title | Events Timeline | |---|-------|----------------| | 1 | The Magician’s Nephew | Narnia’s creation | | 2 | The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | The White Witch’s reign | | 3 | The Horse and His Boy | During the Golden Age | | 4 | Prince Caspian | Restoration of Narnian rule | | 5 | The Voyage of the Dawn Treader | Caspian’s sea voyage | | 6 | The Silver Chair | Rescue of Prince Rilian | | 7 | The Last Battle | Narnia’s end and the true Narnia |
Would you like a printable version or a visual index (e.g., for a book or website)?
The Index of The Chronicles of Narnia serves as a vital roadmap for readers navigating the vast, magical world created by C.S. Lewis. Whether you are a first-time reader trying to keep track of the Pevensie children or a lifelong fan looking for the specific origin of Aslan, an index provides the structural backbone to these seven beloved novels.
In this guide, we will break down the essential components of the Narnian universe, from the chronological order of the books to the key figures and locations that define the series. 1. The Publication vs. Chronological Order
One of the most debated topics in any Narnia index is the reading order. While C.S. Lewis wrote them in one sequence, the internal history of Narnia follows another. Publication Order: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950) Prince Caspian (1951) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) The Silver Chair (1953) The Horse and His Boy (1954) The Magician’s Nephew (1955) The Last Battle (1956) Chronological Order: The Magician’s Nephew (Creation of Narnia) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Golden Age) The Horse and His Boy (During the Golden Age) Prince Caspian (The Restoration of Magic) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (The Great Eastern Voyage) The Silver Chair (The Search for Prince Rilian) The Last Battle (The End of Narnia) 2. Major Characters Index
The inhabitants of Narnia range from ordinary English schoolchildren to talking beasts and divine beings.
Aslan: The Great Lion and creator of Narnia. He is the central figure across all seven books, representing justice, sacrifice, and ultimate power. Not every edition of The Chronicles of Narnia
The Pevensie Siblings: Peter (the High King), Susan (the Gentle), Edmund (the Just), and Lucy (the Valiant). They are the primary protagonists of the early books.
Eustace Scrubb & Jill Pole: Cousins and friends of the Pevensies who take over the mantle of "Friends of Narnia" in the later adventures.
The Antagonists: Jadis (the White Witch), the Telmarines (King Miraz), and Rishda Tarkaan.
Notable Creatures: Mr. Tumnus (the Faun), Reepicheep (the Mouse), and Puddleglum (the Marsh-wiggle). 3. Geographical Index of Narnia
The world of Narnia is more than just a snowy forest. It contains diverse kingdoms and mystical landmarks.
Lantern Waste: The spot where the Wardrobe enters Narnia and where the iron lamp-post grows.
Cair Paravel: The majestic castle on the eastern sea where the Kings and Queens of Narnia rule.
The Lone Islands: A group of islands (Felimath, Doorn, and Avra) that play a major role in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Calormen: The vast, desert-dwelling empire to the south, known for its distinct culture and worship of the god Tash. Ettinsmoor: The rugged northern land inhabited by giants. 4. Key Artifacts and Symbols
An index of Narnia wouldn't be complete without the magical items that drive the plot forward.
The Wardrobe: The portal between our world and Narnia, made from the wood of a magical apple tree.
The Stone Table: The site of ancient magic where Aslan sacrificed himself to save Edmund. “Further up and further in,” LB Ch
Susan’s Horn: A gift from Father Christmas that, when blown, brings help to the caller.
The Silver Chair: An enchanted chair used by the Lady of the Green Kirtle to imprison the minds of her captives. 5. Why Use a Narnia Index?
Because C.S. Lewis’s writing is rich with allegory, mythology, and linguistic depth, an index helps readers connect the dots between the creation of the world in The Magician’s Nephew and its ultimate transformation in The Last Battle. It allows scholars and casual fans alike to track the evolution of the "Deep Magic" and the "Magic from Before the Dawn of Time."
By understanding the Index of The Chronicles of Narnia, you gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous world-building that has made this series a cornerstone of children's literature for over 70 years.
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a landmark series of seven fantasy novels that explores the history of a magical world from its creation to its end. While originally published between 1950 and 1956, modern editions are often numbered according to the internal chronology of the stories rather than their original release dates. The Seven Chronicles The series can be indexed in two primary ways: by Publication Order (how readers first experienced them) or Chronological Order (the timeline of Narnian history). Chronological Order Publication Order Book Title The Magician’s Nephew The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe The Horse and His Boy Prince Caspian The Voyage of the Dawn Treader The Silver Chair The Last Battle Key Thematic Index
Beyond the book list, a topical index of Narnia includes these foundational elements:
Here’s a helpful write-up on the Index of The Chronicles of Narnia, including what it typically contains, how it’s organized, and why it’s useful for readers and researchers.
Lewis populates his world with locations that are as symbolic as they are geographic.
Mapping these locations is like reading an atlas of ethical landscapes: valleys of temptation, peaks of revelation, and borderlands where law and chaos meet.
Before diving into the index, it is crucial to understand the two major numbering systems. Most modern compendiums use the Chronological Order (based on internal Narnian time), while purists use the Publication Order (based on Lewis’s intended revelations).
Publication Order (Original Release):
This index will reference events using Chronological order for clarity but will note publication context where relevant.