Aslan, a golden lion, is a recurring character in C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia,” which are widely read seven novels that tell the story of the land of Narnia. Narnia espouses a magical realm, with Aslan playing a central role as an allegory of Jesus Christ. Superficially, Aslan is the Jesus-like figure that aims to facilitate goodness and justice in Narnia, explaining why he draws people to him (Patrick and Richards 91). Based on close reading and analysis of the chronicles, this essay aims to show that Aslan is a transformational leader who significantly influences and affects other characters to pursue justice and achieve social wellness.
First, a transformational leader refers to a person who engages individuals and groups to raise their motivation and morality. In other words, a transformational leader aims to make others develop motivation and a sense of morality to boost their contribution to society. Angel Sharma and Tahir Nisar posit that transformational leaders want to see others grow and improve the community’s wellness (Sharma and Nisar 11). However, it is worth stressing that a transformational leader inspires, is kind, and draws people to him because they serve as role models others want to emulate. Aslan possesses all these traits, which make him influence and affect other characters in the chronicles.
Aslan appears a little over halfway through the story. Lewis describes him as standing “In the center of a crowd of creatures who grouped themselves in the shape of a half-moon (Lewis 117). Lewis uses the description to make the readers understand that Aslan was revered and that the followers were willing to support him. The shape of the half-moon shows he does not need the followers to influence them, but he is part of them, which completes the shape. The appearance of Islam depicts the power and influence of a transformational leader who attracts admiration and respect. These qualities enable Aslam to influence the various characters throughout the chronicles.
In the book, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” except for Edmund, Lucy, Susan, and Peter are powerfully drawn to Aslam and believe he has immense goodness when they first meet him. The children do not view it strange that they trust and perceive Aslam as their friend. As a transformational leader, Aslam undertakes actions that make him influence and affect others. For instance, when the three children meet Aslam, he says, “Welcome” three times, which shows his consideration and affection for the children, which is an essential trait of a transformational leader (Lewis 119). A transformational leader influences and affects others by making them feel a sense of worth and appreciation. Aslan does not elevate himself but makes his followers feel equal and valued. For example, when Aslan leads everyone to the battle, he says, “Us lions” (Lewis 160). Aslan has a god-like status but keeps followers close, significantly influencing and affecting them.
Additionally, Aslan positively influences the followers by making them develop self-confidence. For example, Peter develops from the first to the second battle and becomes a competent king. Other creatures do not believe he could have defeated the evil wolf, but Aslan believes he could and says, “Back! Let the Prince win his spurs” (Lewis 121). Additionally, Aslam affects other characters by making them raise their expectations. Aslan continually depicts a vision for the future and says, “I will show you a far-off sight of the castle where you are to be my King (Lewis 120). Aslan is doing this to make the followers develop high expectations and believe they can achieve a better society, despite the setbacks and evils being facilitated by the protagonists.
In the book, “Prince Caspian” Aslan is the King of Narnia, who has already commanded the adoration of the people. Lewis professedly created a “supposal” of Jesus, as Aslan influences and affects the people of Narnia by guiding them spiritually rather than physically. In other words, because he has already influenced them, he spiritually guides them to incite change and create a better society. Such change is seen in Edmund, who, like Lucy, recognizes Aslan’s power and goodness. In a far-off place, Edmund says, “Aslan! Thought I and my heart gave a jump. And then it struck me that I was a fool. What could Aslan do here?” (Lewis 75). This shows that Edmund has already started emulating Aslan’s actions, perceptions, and beliefs, indicating how Aslan impacts other characters. Individuals tend to imitate the behaviors of a person they admire (Igartua and Ramos 65). Aslan espoused traits and behaviors that other characters admired. In essence, Edmund’s transformation and his focus on doing good show the influence of Aslan, as he made the children change their perceptions and expectations of Narnia. Aslan made them see the importance of change and why they should fight for it. It explains why the children want to help Caspian overthrow his uncle, Miraz, who has oppressed Narnians. As Aslan focused on facilitating justice, he influenced the children who wanted justice to prevail in Narnia.
In other chronicles, such as the “Magicians Nephew,” Aslan continues to influence and affect other characters. Aslan is depicted as a visionary and respectful leader with an upright morality. Aslan guides and asserts authority, which makes other characters develop a new self. For example, Aslan forgave the evil-like magician Andrew by letting him sleep and forget the things he had faced. When Andrew is unsure of how to interact with Aslan, Aslan says, “Child, all the service thou has done to Tash, I account as service done to me” (Lewis 110). The statement changes how Andrew views his persona and how he perceives life. Andrew is one of the characters affected by Aslan’s kind and humane treatment, despite the atrocious things they had committed. Aslan aimed to teach Andrew about the need to do good and prioritize the wellness of Narnia. Andrew realizes the power of forgiveness and redemption and develops a new sense of hope and joy. Also, Andrew learns the importance of friendship, loyalty, and treating people well as he spends time with Aslan.
Though Aslan is widely hailed as an allegory of Jesus Christ as the lion espouses goodness, justice, and humanity, he could be considered a transformational leader who motivates others and makes them pursue morality and justice. When Aslan meets the children, they are drawn to him and view him as the epitome of goodness. Also, when Aslan meets other characters in the chronicles, he treats them well, forgives them, and teaches them how to do good and pursue justice for all. These actions make Aslan a transformational leader who draws people to him and transforms them to pursue goodness and justice in Narnia.
Works Cited
Igartua, Juan José, and Maria Ramos. “Influence of character type and narrative setting on character design for fictional television.” Comunicacion y Sociedad, vol. 28, no.1, 2015, pp. 63-67.
Lewis, C.S. Prince Caspian. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2007.
—. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2002.
—. The Magician’s Nephew. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2003.
Pazdziora, J. Patrick and Joshua Richards. “Balder, Adonis, Bacchus, Aslan.” Journal of the Marion E. Wade Center, vol. 37. no. 1, 2017, pp. 83-108.
Sharma, Angel and Tahir Nisar. “Managing diversity and equality in the workplace.” Cogent Business & Management, vol.3, no.1, 2016, pp.1-19.
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