Puddleglum

Hermit of Archenland

Hermit of Archenland

Active member
Granted that Narnia is not really an allegory, we can still give symbolic meanings to many characters, e.g. Peter representing heroism and Lucy faith. So what do we make of Puddleglum? To me he represents absolute faith without any prospect of reward. Despite his pessimism Puddleglums faith in Aslan is unshakeable, for example when the Prince says the writing on the plain at Harfang had no relation to their quest. Of course his normally gloomy attitude just makes moments like these even more powerful.

In a way Puddleglum reminds me of the author of Eclessiastes; all mortal life is futile but one should still follow God.

One thing I've always wondered though; what are Puddleglum and the other marshwiggles like in the New Narnia we see in TLB?
 
I like to think that Marshwiggles arriving in Heaven would be like persons released from an unjust imprisonment--relieved beyond expressing. Finding that their expectations of disaster were wrong after all, I think that the Marshwiggles would become some of the VERY MOST joyful souls in Heaven!
 
I love PG's character, he's like Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh stories. But he also comes through strong in the scene where the witch is trying to convince them there is no sun, no up world and no Aslan. She tells them that's a make-believe story they were playing at, and PG says even if it is make-believe, it's better than the dark world she has down here, and he is going to go on pretending.
 
Hermit of Archenland said:
Granted that Narnia is not really an allegory, we can still give symbolic meanings to many characters, e.g. Peter representing heroism and Lucy faith. So what do we make of Puddleglum? To me he represents absolute faith without any prospect of reward. Despite his pessimism Puddleglums faith in Aslan is unshakeable, for example when the Prince says the writing on the plain at Harfang had no relation to their quest. Of course his normally gloomy attitude just makes moments like these even more powerful.

In a way Puddleglum reminds me of the author of Eclessiastes; all mortal life is futile but one should still follow God.

One thing I've always wondered though; what are Puddleglum and the other marshwiggles like in the New Narnia we see in TLB?
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I agree. Puddleglum embodied faithfulness. He did what was right because it was right regardless of what it cost him because he followed Aslan. He went with the kids when he could have given them directions and stayed at home in his warm wigwam. He obeyed the signs when he noticed them...especially the last one. He allowed himself to be burned to help break the spell. He wasn't perfect, but he was faithful and he tried his best to do what he was called to do. It amazes me sometimes in church to see how many people say that they follow God, but when there is a cost to it and when it becomes uncomfortable or unpopular they flake out. I think lots of wonderful lessons can be learned from Puddleglum.

In the underworld he knew that that dirty hole was not all that existed...but with the enchantment it was difficult. It would have been easier to believe what he was told and just go with it. Lots of people believe that this world is all there is as well...but it isn't. It's not our home. I'm going to live with the hope of heaven regardless of what others say. Granted Narnia was nothing compared to Aslan's country...but still...it's good to know where home is...and try to live as one who belongs there...even when it makes us feel out of place in our present circumstance.

I think in Aslan's country the Marshwiggles would be so happy...they wouldn't have anything left to be skeptical of or complain about. What a joy!
 
Good point. PG may have spoken gloomy, but in his actions, he was always faithful. Some people talk a good game, and they sound like they are really compassionate and caring -- but when it comes to the actions which need to be taken, they can't be bothered, or they are too fearful. PG just did what had to be done.
 
Puddleglum reminds me of some people I know, that at first glance they seem to be hard to get along with, but once you get past their exterior you find out how nice of a person they are. At first Jill and Eustace are really annoyed with Puddleglum a lot of the time, but as the story progresses they discover how wise he really is and are sorry they didn't listen to his advice all of the time. By the end of the book, Puddleglum is really shown as perhaps the strongest and most courageous of all the characters yet in Narnia.
 
There is a verse in Proverbs saying that if you sing cheerful songs to someone in sorrow, the only effect you have is like pulling someone else's coat off in cold weather. It is a frequent mistake by Christians to do exactly this, due to a delusion that Christian spiritual joy MUST mean being emotionally happy at all times. The character of Puddleglum is an antidote against this, because he simultaneously is pessimistic and yet HAS faith.
 
I've always loved Puddleglum. He and Eyore in Winnie the Pooh are so loveable. They are always so willing to do things and PG knows it'll be the death of him but he still goes along with it cuz it's the right thing to do and he is always willing. He's great. He makes me laugh sometimes. An ever eternal pessamist. Did you know that PG was inspired by C.S. Lewis's gardener? He had the same character and Lewis and he became friends. I think his name was Packsferd or something like that.
 
Puddleglum has just recenly been boosted up to one of my "favorite Narnians."

I love his loyalty to Aslan and Narnia in the book, how he had the pluck to stick his hand in the Emerald's Witch's fire and thus burning his hand. And he is...Pesmistic..and I am too..sometimes..so i can kinda relate. He's so neat in the BBC movie..they did such an excellent portrayal of him in the movie, methinks.
 
I think the BBC version, with Tom Baker as Puddleglum, did make it his hand that went in the fire--perhaps to make it easier to show the agony on his face close up. By the way, I invite Christians to pray for the conversion of Tom Baker--who, in the commentaries for DVD editions of "Doctor Who," has made nasty mocking remarks against the Christian faith. Another thing while I'm thinking of it: a friend of mine started a Christian blog titled "Puddleglum's Foot," precisely because it's dedicated to combatting spiritual deception.
 
A friend of mine named Joe Whitchurch, who has been a missionary in Zambia and is now a full-time staffer with Inter-Varsity, has named his weblog in honor of Lewis' long-faced hero, calling it "Puddleglum's Foot." It's easy to look up.

Oops, I see I already mentioned it in an earlier post. That's okay, the other post was quite awhile ago, and the endorsement bears repeating.
 
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Puddleglum is one of my favorite Narnian's! He really shows how some christians are there not so sure about what is to come but they trust God in everthing. For Puddleglum, he is a pesimist but he puts his trust in Aslan and believes in him till the very end.
 
What Puddleglum seems to embody to me is the difference between temperament and attitude. Though he seemed gloomy and pessimistic, he was actually full of faith and hope. He never questioned the importance of obeying Aslan, and when the chips were down, he was the one who kept reminding the children that Aslan was with them. Interestingly, his hope came out strongest just when things seemed most dismal (e.g. when they barely escaped being eaten by the giants, but were stranded under the ruined giant city, it was Puddleglum who pointed out that they were on the right track because they were once again obeying Aslan's signs.)

This is why it's so important not to judge by externals. I've known "positive" and "upbeat" people who were actually very selfish and uncharitable, and I've also known withdrawn or testy people who were actually quite generous and loving.
 
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