Background
Lord Bar is a minor but significant character in The Horse and His Boy. He was once the Lord Chancellor of Archenland, serving under King Lune, but he was dismissed for treasonous activities, including embezzlement and espionage for the Calormenes.
After being exposed for his crimes, Lord Bar plotted revenge against King Lune, ultimately leading to the kidnapping of Prince Cor (Shasta) in an attempt to alter the kingdom’s fate. His treachery and downfall play a crucial role in the novel’s backstory, setting the stage for Prince Cor’s journey and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Personality
Lord Bar is characterized as cunning, ambitious, and treacherous. His actions demonstrate:
- Greed and Corruption – He engaged in embezzlement, betraying his kingdom for personal gain.
- Resentment and Vengeance – Instead of accepting his punishment, he sought revenge against King Lune.
- Strategic Thinking – His plan to kidnap Prince Cor suggests that he understood prophecy and feared its implications.
- Recklessness and Arrogance – His pursuit of revenge led to his ultimate demise in battle.
Unlike other villains in Narnia, such as the White Witch or Rishda Tarkaan, Lord Bar does not possess supernatural abilities or grand ambitions of conquest. Instead, his villainy is more personal and political, reflecting the dangers of corruption and betrayal within a kingdom.
Role in the Story
Treason and Exile
Before the events of The Horse and His Boy, Lord Bar was one of the highest-ranking officials in Archenland. As Lord Chancellor, he held great influence, but his greedy and deceitful nature led him to embezzle funds and spy for the Tisroc of Calormen.
When his treachery was discovered, he was stripped of his title and exiled, making him a bitter enemy of King Lune and the Archenland royal family.
The Kidnapping of Prince Cor (Shasta)
Seeking revenge against King Lune, Lord Bar devised a plot to alter Archenland’s fate. He stole the infant Prince Cor (Shasta), Lune’s son, who had been prophesied to save the kingdom from its greatest peril.
Lord Bar escaped to sea with the child, intending to ensure that the prophecy would never come true. However, King Lune pursued him relentlessly, leading to a six-day chase across the ocean.
Before the final battle, Lord Bar—perhaps sensing his impending defeat—entrusted the infant Cor to a knight, who placed him in a small boat to escape. This boat drifted to the Calormene shore, where the fisherman Arsheesh found and raised the child, renaming him Shasta.
The Battle and Lord Bar’s Death
After six days of pursuit, King Lune’s forces caught up with Lord Bar’s ship. On the seventh day, a fierce naval battle ensued, in which Lord Bar was killed.
Although he did not live to see the consequences of his actions, his attempt to change the kingdom’s fate ultimately failed, as Prince Cor (Shasta) survived and later fulfilled the prophecy by saving Archenland from Rabadash’s invasion.
Notable Quotes
While Lord Bar does not have direct dialogue in the novel, his actions speak volumes about his treachery and cunning. Some key statements that could reflect his mindset:
- “The prophecy will never come to pass if the child is never found.” (Implied motivation for kidnapping Cor.)
- “If I cannot rule, then I shall see Archenland fall!” (A likely sentiment behind his betrayal.)
Though his story is told mostly through exposition and backstory, his actions have lasting consequences for Archenland and Narnia.
Analysis & Symbolism
A Representation of Political Betrayal
Unlike many Narnian villains who are tyrants or warlords, Lord Bar is a traitor from within. His corruption and treason reflect a more realistic and personal type of villainy—one rooted in power struggles, greed, and vengeance.
He serves as a reminder that not all threats come from outside forces like Calormen or the White Witch—sometimes, the greatest dangers come from those who seek power within a kingdom itself.
The Role of Fate and Prophecy
Lord Bar’s attempt to prevent the prophecy actually sets it into motion. By kidnapping Cor, he unintentionally separates him from his royal family, causing him to grow up in hardship as Shasta.
This mirrors the classic literary theme of self-fulfilling prophecies, where attempts to alter destiny only ensure its eventual fulfillment.
A Contrast to King Lune
Lord Bar serves as the opposite of King Lune:
- Lune is honorable and just; Bar is deceitful and corrupt.
- Lune values loyalty; Bar betrays his kingdom.
- Lune protects his son; Bar tries to erase his existence.
This stark contrast highlights the qualities of true leadership, showing that integrity, rather than ambition, is what makes a true ruler.
Legacy in Narnia
Though Lord Bar dies early in the story, his actions shape the entire narrative:
- His kidnapping of Cor sets the main events of The Horse and His Boy into motion.
- His betrayal and exile serve as a warning about the consequences of greed and ambition.
- His defeat ensures the survival of Archenland’s true heir, allowing Cor to fulfill the prophecy and save the kingdom.
Even though he fails in his goal, his presence lingers throughout the story, making him a crucial figure in Archenland’s history.
Conclusion
Lord Bar is a minor but pivotal antagonist in The Horse and His Boy, representing political treachery, ambition, and the futility of fighting fate. His betrayal of Archenland, his kidnapping of Prince Cor, and his eventual downfall in battle serve as key turning points in the story’s larger narrative.
Through his actions, C.S. Lewis explores themes of loyalty vs. treachery, fate vs. free will, and the qualities of true leadership.
Though he does not live to see the prophecy come true, his failed attempt to change destiny only ensures its fulfillment, cementing his place as a tragic yet vital figure in the history of Narnia and Archenland.
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