Peter's Role In Narnia
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Copperfox
Well-known member
Although all humans are sinners, there are some who are quick to receive the Savior and wholehearted in serving Him. This describes Peter, and it is why he is called "Magnificent." (He couldn't be called "Peter the Great;" Russia has dibs on that one.) Note in the book of LWW that, the first time Peter ever hears the name of Aslan, his heart reacts by feeling the desire to be a hero.
It's interesting about age order vis-s-vis moral character in the Pevensie family. It is often said, and is often true, that middle children in a family develop the best character--but not with the Pevensies! In that family it's Peter the eldest and Lucy the youngest for whom serving God comes most naturally--though Edmund catches up after he meets Aslan.
It's interesting about age order vis-s-vis moral character in the Pevensie family. It is often said, and is often true, that middle children in a family develop the best character--but not with the Pevensies! In that family it's Peter the eldest and Lucy the youngest for whom serving God comes most naturally--though Edmund catches up after he meets Aslan.
Can you imagine one day being a kid, and the next leading armies into battle, against terrible odds, just because you have faith in the one who sent you? It that is not being magnificent, I don't know what it its. Peter was always corageous and never doubted Aslan as far as I remember.
He didn't doubt Aslan, but he did doubt Lucy - at least for a while there in Caspian. I don't know if there is any "deep reason" that he was called "the Magnificent". The nicknames were only mentioned once in passing in the final chapter of Lion, and they don't seem to matter much in the grand scheme.
One thing that's interesting to note is that Peter and Lucy in Narnia strongly parallel the roles played by Peter and John in the Gospels and Acts. They represent two necessary and complimentary aspects of service to God: the order of authority and the order of love. The right governing of God's people (Narnia, in this case) requires an earthly authority who represents God's (Aslan's) authority. In the early Church it was clearly Peter; in Narnia it is Peter. But representing authority and discharging responsibility are not enough - we humans also need to be submitted and responsive to He who loves us. Lucy portrays that in Narnia as John the Apostle was the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Both roles are necessary, and though it is possible for one person to represent both, it's very difficult.
One thing that's interesting to note is that Peter and Lucy in Narnia strongly parallel the roles played by Peter and John in the Gospels and Acts. They represent two necessary and complimentary aspects of service to God: the order of authority and the order of love. The right governing of God's people (Narnia, in this case) requires an earthly authority who represents God's (Aslan's) authority. In the early Church it was clearly Peter; in Narnia it is Peter. But representing authority and discharging responsibility are not enough - we humans also need to be submitted and responsive to He who loves us. Lucy portrays that in Narnia as John the Apostle was the "disciple whom Jesus loved". Both roles are necessary, and though it is possible for one person to represent both, it's very difficult.
Copperfox
Well-known member
Of course, the original Peter was not immune to being corrected; Paul had to rebuke him when he gave in to legalists at the expense of new converts, as is recorded in Galatians. Though it is not recorded by Mr. Lewis that Peter Pevensie EVER did anything grossly wrong, still it is not inconceivable that, in their adult Narnian life, the others might have had some occasion to admonish him sometime about something. Plurality of leadership guards against many abuses.
MrBob
Well-known member
One casn assume that Peter was described as being given the title of "Magnificent" due to his great leadership, especially in battle. This was a problem in the movie when Aslan simply gave the titles out without the children earning them.
In fact, the only one who was given a reason for having his title was Edmund.
If you really look at their titles combined with what we know about them, one could say that Peter was the High King, the one who made all of the decisions. He also was the main one who led the armies to battle.
Susan was the one who tried to keep the peace, kind of like an ambassador who could go around within Narnia and outside Narnia to try to make allies.
Edmund was the one to whom parties could go in order to settle differences. He was the justice of the land and could act as mediator.
Lucy was the spiritual leader of Narnia. She was the one with the heart of a lion (both figuratively and nearly literally being so close to Aslan) who would never back down from anyone, despite her size.
MrBob
In fact, the only one who was given a reason for having his title was Edmund.
If you really look at their titles combined with what we know about them, one could say that Peter was the High King, the one who made all of the decisions. He also was the main one who led the armies to battle.
Susan was the one who tried to keep the peace, kind of like an ambassador who could go around within Narnia and outside Narnia to try to make allies.
Edmund was the one to whom parties could go in order to settle differences. He was the justice of the land and could act as mediator.
Lucy was the spiritual leader of Narnia. She was the one with the heart of a lion (both figuratively and nearly literally being so close to Aslan) who would never back down from anyone, despite her size.
MrBob
I'd disagree a little. I think Eustace is slightly different to Edmund. Edmund's barrier was jealousy of Peter and greediness, Eustace's was more rational thought and greediness. So the two do overlap but with slight differences. Eustace and Jill I think represent secularism in two aspects. Whereas the Pevensies are much more general characteristics of sinners. Susan I think is a backslider but not a fall - I don't think she falls just becomes wayward for some time.
Elentari
New member
Well, that about sums up anything I would say! Thanks Mr. Bob, for such a clear answer to the question.
As for Eustace and Jill, I agree both have roots in secularism, however I notice a particular difference in their introduction. Eustace is ACTIVE--he is said, in Silver Chair, to be one of the kids at school who used to help the mean kids carry out their threats. He enjoys his life and actions, before his experience...He "almost deserved" his name!
Jill, on the other hand, is more of a victim of her society. She doesn't know anything else, but she hates it. She is always the one abused, but she chooses to hide from her persecuters instead of finding a way to get on their good side. She distrusts Eustace in the beginning, until she recalls that he has changed since the holidays. She responds to Aslan hesitantly because she EXPECTS to be hurt. I'd go on, but I told my husband my last post would be three posts ago. 