Rumblebuffin

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Background

Rumblebuffin is a good-natured Narnian giant who appears in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He is one of the many creatures who had been turned to stone by the White Witch and later restored to life by Aslan before the climactic battle. Unlike most giants in Narnia—who are often depicted as brutish or antagonistic—Rumblebuffin is a friendly and noble figure, showing that not all of his kind are enemies of Aslan’s followers.

Rumblebuffin serves as a symbol of power used for good, embodying the theme that strength itself is not inherently evil, but depends on how it is used. When freed, he becomes a loyal ally in the fight against the White Witch, using his great size and strength to assist Aslan and his forces in reclaiming Narnia.

Personality

Rumblebuffin is kind-hearted, strong, and slightly simple-minded, with a friendly and somewhat humorous nature. Unlike many giants who are feared for their lack of intelligence and destructive tendencies, Rumblebuffin is good-natured and polite.

When Aslan restores him from stone, Rumblebuffin immediately demonstrates his gentle demeanor, greeting those around him with warmth and gratitude. He is also humble and eager to help, showing no signs of arrogance despite his immense size and power.

His speech patterns suggest that he is not highly intellectual but is still thoughtful and well-meaning. He does not boast about his strength, nor does he seek to dominate others—he simply wishes to aid Aslan’s cause and enjoy the newfound freedom that comes with being alive again.

Despite his intimidating appearance, Rumblebuffin’s kindness and loyalty make him a beloved character, showing that even the mightiest beings in Narnia can possess gentle hearts.

Role in the Story

Turned to Stone by the White Witch

Rumblebuffin’s story begins long before the Pevensies arrive in Narnia. At some point during the White Witch’s reign, he—along with countless other Narnians—was turned to stone by her magic. It is unclear whether he had been a warrior who opposed her rule or simply an innocent Narnian caught in her wrath. Regardless, he remained frozen as a lifeless statue in the Witch’s courtyard for what may have been decades.

His time as a statue serves as a representation of the Witch’s tyranny, showing how her rule silenced and immobilized the creatures of Narnia.

Aslan Restores Rumblebuffin to Life

Rumblebuffin is brought back to life when Aslan breathes upon him, reversing the Witch’s dark magic. As soon as he awakens, he joyfully greets those around him and expresses gratitude to Aslan for freeing him. This moment is one of joy and triumph, as Aslan’s army regains not only their numbers but also a powerful ally in Rumblebuffin.

Breaking Down the Gate of the White Witch’s Castle

One of Rumblebuffin’s most notable actions occurs immediately after his revival. When Aslan and his followers attempt to leave the Witch’s castle, they find that the main gate is locked, preventing them from escaping. At this moment, Rumblebuffin steps forward and effortlessly smashes the gate open, allowing Aslan’s newly freed allies to charge into battle.

This moment highlights his immense physical strength, as well as his eagerness to help Aslan’s cause. It also adds a touch of humor, as his casual destruction of the gate is both impressive and slightly comical, given his humble personality.

Fighting in the Battle of Beruna

Rumblebuffin plays a key role in the Battle of Beruna, using his great size and strength to aid Aslan’s forces in defeating the White Witch’s army. Although the book does not go into detail about his specific actions during the battle, it is likely that he crushed enemy forces, providing a major advantage to Aslan’s side.

Unlike other giants in the Narnia series—who often serve as villains or wild creatures—Rumblebuffin is a heroic figure, showing that strength can be a force for good.

Post-Battle and Friendship with Lucy

After the battle, Rumblebuffin is shown to be friendly and lighthearted, especially toward Lucy Pevensie. In one of his most memorable moments, he gently jokes about needing a handkerchief the size of a bedsheet, due to his giant proportions.

His playful and down-to-earth personality makes him one of the more charming side characters in the book, and his friendship with Lucy highlights his warm-hearted nature.

Notable Quotes

Rumblebuffin does not have many lines in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but his dialogue captures his good humor, humility, and kindness.

• “‘Leastways I don’t mean to, but if I do, I hope you won’t take it hard if you’re not as big as I am. Can I help it if I’m bigger than you?”
  (Apologizing in advance if he steps on anyone, showing his awareness of his size and his polite nature.)

• “Thank you, thank you kindly. But it’s good to be a live giant again and there’s an end of it.”
  (Expressing gratitude after being freed from stone.)

• “I’d been a brick if you hadn’t turned me back again.”
  (Making a joke about being turned to stone, demonstrating his sense of humor.)

• “Not I. Some little girl gave me one, but I can’t see very well. It was too small for me. I need a handkerchief about the size of a bedsheet.”
  (Joking with Lucy, adding to his charm as a friendly giant.)

These quotes reflect Rumblebuffin’s kind and playful nature, reinforcing his role as a benevolent giant.

Analysis & Symbolism

A Giant with a Gentle Heart

Rumblebuffin is a unique character in the Chronicles of Narnia because he defies the typical portrayal of giants in fantasy literature. While many giants in Narnia (and other works) are depicted as brutish, violent, or dim-witted, Rumblebuffin is kind, polite, and helpful.

This contrast serves as a reminder that power is not inherently evil—what matters is how it is used. Rumblebuffin, despite being immensely strong, is also humble and gentle, showing that true strength comes with responsibility.

A Symbol of Narnia’s Restoration

Rumblebuffin’s revival from stone represents the return of Narnia’s rightful order. When Aslan breathes life into the creatures frozen by the White Witch, he is not just reviving individuals—he is restoring the soul of Narnia itself. Rumblebuffin, being one of the largest and most powerful creatures freed, symbolizes the return of strength to Narnia’s side.

His breaking of the Witch’s castle gate is also deeply symbolic. It signifies the overcoming of oppression—the literal and figurative breaking of the chains that had bound Narnia under the Witch’s rule.

Humor and Humanity

Despite being a giant, Rumblebuffin’s personality is deeply relatable and human. His gentle humor, humility, and gratitude make him feel like a kindly giant from a fairy tale, someone who uses his strength not for destruction, but for good.

His interactions with Lucy, in particular, add a lighthearted and warm element to the post-battle scene, ensuring that even after the serious conflicts, there is room for friendship and joy.

Legacy in Narnia

Though Rumblebuffin does not appear in later books, his impact on Narnian history remains significant.

• He is remembered as one of Aslan’s noble warriors, helping to overthrow the White Witch and restore peace.
• His unique portrayal as a “good giant” sets a precedent for future Narnian creatures, showing that not all giants are enemies.
• His humorous and warm-hearted nature ensures that he is fondly remembered by both Lucy and readers.

In many ways, Rumblebuffin embodies the best of Narnia’s diverse inhabitants—a powerful being with a kind soul, proving that true strength lies in compassion and loyalty.