Background
Ivy is one of the three household servants at Professor Kirke’s house, along with Margaret and Betty, in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. While she plays no major role in the story, she is part of the unseen world that operates within the Professor’s mysterious old home. The Professor’s house is a vast, historical place—one where the Pevensie children are sent to escape the dangers of the London Blitz. Yet, while the Pevensies’ adventure takes them into Narnia, Ivy, Margaret, and Betty remain behind, tending to the ordinary affairs of the household.
The book does not specify Ivy’s exact role in the house, but as one of the Professor’s servants, she was likely involved in cleaning, organizing meals, and maintaining order in the grand estate. While Professor Kirke was an unconventional and open-minded man—especially in how he encouraged Lucy’s belief in Narnia—the servants likely had a more practical, no-nonsense approach to daily life.
Unlike the Professor, who listens to Lucy’s tale of Narnia with genuine belief, Ivy and the other servants probably regarded any talk of magical lands as nothing more than childish fantasies. They represent the unaware adults of the story—those who live alongside the Pevensies’ adventure but never realize what’s happening just beyond the wardrobe doors.
Personality
Ivy, like the other servants, is likely diligent, practical, and efficient. Given that the Professor’s house is large and full of history, her work would have required patience and organization. She is probably accustomed to the eccentricities of Professor Kirke, who seems to be the type of employer who values freedom and curiosity over strict household discipline.
Since Ivy, Margaret, and Betty are always mentioned together, it is likely that they formed a close-knit team—perhaps even gossiping occasionally about the Professor’s strange ways or the Pevensie children’s unusual behavior.
Though the book does not explore Ivy’s character in depth, she could be interpreted as the “maternal” figure among the household staff, offering quiet care to the Pevensie children while keeping her distance from their affairs. If any of the three servants were to have a slightly softer heart toward the children, Ivy might be the one.
Role in the Story
Ivy has no direct interaction with the Pevensies in the book, but her presence is important in establishing the setting of Professor Kirke’s house. She is part of the staff that makes the house function, providing a sense of normalcy and structure while the children discover Narnia.
Key Moments:
- Mentioned as part of the household staff
• Ivy is introduced alongside Margaret and Betty as one of the women working in Professor Kirke’s house. - A silent observer of the Pevensies’ odd behavior
• As one of the caretakers of the house, she would likely have noticed the children disappearing for long stretches, whispering among themselves, or acting strangely. - Possible concern when the children “vanish” into Narnia
• When the Pevensies finally step into Narnia for the last time, they are gone from the Professor’s house for what must seem like hours or even days. Ivy and the other servants would have wondered where they had gone—perhaps assuming they had run off into the forest surrounding the house.
Notable Quotes
There are no direct quotes from Ivy in the book, but as a servant in the Professor’s household, she might have had conversations similar to:
- “Did you hear them talking about that old wardrobe again?”
- “The Professor says not to ask questions, but something odd is going on with those children.”
- “They vanish for hours at a time. I swear I saw that Lucy girl talking to herself in that spare room.”
These hypothetical lines reflect Ivy’s likely mix of curiosity, practicality, and skepticism toward the events unfolding in the Professor’s house.
Analysis & Symbolism
Ivy represents the ordinary world that continues unchanged while magic happens in secret. Like Betty and Margaret, she is one of the unaware bystanders of Narnia’s history—someone who stands just outside of great events without ever realizing it.
Her presence also reinforces the theme of childhood vs. adulthood. While children are open to wonder and adventure, adults often dismiss or ignore the fantastical. The Professor is an exception to this rule, but Ivy likely embodies the more typical adult response—doubt, skepticism, and focus on mundane tasks.
Legacy in Narnia
Though Ivy never steps into Narnia, her role in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a reminder that even magical places need ordinary caretakers. She is part of the fabric of the Professor’s house, ensuring that while the Pevensies embark on an adventure, there is still a home waiting for them when they return.
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