The Lion, the Witch and the Medieval
             Through its incessant themes, intricate plot structures, heroic characters and mystical settings, the medieval era has made a lasting impression on the world of English literature. Considered as one of the richest periods in English literary history, this era's inestimable contributions to subsequent periods are clearly evident in several writings of the modern times. Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, two of the oldest works in English literature still remain as living testaments of the creativity and ingenuity that stemmed from this era. Both tales are penned with themes such as patriotism and bravery and characters with genuine heroism and chivalry; centuries later, those very forms and ideals remain just as important and applicable to the audience of today. They have all surpassed the vastness of time, now catering to a brand-new audience. This fact is certainly evident in C.S. Lewis' literary masterpiece, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
             Renowned as a prominent medievalist1, C.S. Lewis exemplifies his skill and versatility in a multitude of literary fields ranging from Christian apologetics, scholarly essays, poetry, science fiction, and even literary criticisms. However, none brought him more acclaim and commercial success than his seven-volume Chronicles of Narnia, a set of children's tales published between 1950 and 1956. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the second book of the series2, Lewis allures the attention of the reader into a mystical world of unrivaled beauty which he entitles Narnia. He paints his wonderland with medieval magic in every stroke of the quill; every page is adorned with a myriad of whimsical characters ranging from "[o]gres with monstrous teeth, and wolves, and bull-headed men; spirits of evil trees and poisonous plants" (Lewis 165). Such characters are commonplace in medieval literature and Lewis employs t...