The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe sees the Pevensie children - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy-fulfilling the ancient prophecy by defeating the White Witch, Jadis, with the help of Aslan and his army. Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund but is resurrected due to the "Deeper Magic" that overrules the Witch's power. The children are crowned as the rightful rulers of Narnia, ushering in a golden age. Years later, they stumble back through the wardrobe into their own world, where no time has passed, leaving their adventures in Narnia a bittersweet memory. The film ends with the implication that their connection to Narnia is far from over.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climactic battle between Aslan's forces and the White Witch's army is the culmination of the prophecy that two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve would sit on the thrones of Cair Paravel and end Jadis' tyrannical rule. Edmund, who had previously betrayed his siblings to the Witch, redeems himself by playing a crucial role in the battle. Aslan, the Christ-like lion, leads the charge, and his presence turns the tide of the fight. The Witch is ultimately killed by Aslan, ensuring Narnia's liberation. This battle symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, reinforced by Aslan's earlier sacrifice and resurrection, which mirrors Christian themes of redemption and divine justice.
The coronation scene is deeply symbolic, representing the fulfillment of destiny. The children are crowned as Kings and Queens of Narnia, with Peter (the Magnificent), Susan (the Gentle), Edmund (the Just), and Lucy (the Valiant) ruling in peace and prosperity. This moment is a visual representation of their growth - Edmund's redemption, Peter's leadership, Susan's wisdom, and Lucy's unwavering faith. Their reign marks a golden age for Narnia, where harmony between talking beasts, mythical creatures, and humans is restored. The narration hints at their long and just rule, emphasizing how Narnia flourishes under their care.
However, the film takes a poignant turn when the Pevensies, while hunting the White Stag (a creature rumored to grant wishes), stumble back through the wardrobe into their original world. They find themselves children again, with no time having passed in England. This abrupt return underscores the fleeting, dreamlike nature of their adventure while leaving the door open for future journeys. The Professor (Digory Kirke, who had his own Narnian adventure) believes their story, hinting at the cyclical nature of Narnia's call. The final shot of the wardrobe, with Lucy glancing back, suggests that Narnia is never truly lost to them.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Why does time work differently in Narnia compared to the real world?
- Possible Answer: Narnia exists in a separate dimension with its own flow of time, governed by Aslan's will.
- What happened to the Witch's remaining followers after her death?
- Possible Answer: They were either pardoned under the new rule or fled into hiding, as the film doesn't address their fate directly.
- Will the Pevensies return to Narnia?
- Possible Answer: Yes—Prince Caspian and other sequels confirm their eventual return, though older and wiser.
- How did the wardrobe become a portal?
- Possible Answer: It was made from wood from a Narnian tree (as revealed in The Magician's Nephew), linking the worlds.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending is emotionally resonant, blending triumph with melancholy. The Pevensies' return to childhood underscores the theme that adventures shape us, even if they seem like dreams. Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection elevate the story beyond mere fantasy, embedding deep moral and spiritual lessons. The film beautifully balances action, emotion, and allegory, making it a timeless adaptation. However, the abrupt return to the real world feels bittersweet-while it maintains the book's charm, I would have loved a little more closure on how the children processed their experiences. Overall, it's a satisfying conclusion that honors C.S. Lewis's vision while leaving room for more stories.