"Myth Became Fact" and the Chronicles of Narnia

In the brief essay “Myth Became Fact” from his collection God in the Dock, C. S. Lewis described myth or narrative as the “isthmus” that connects the abstract realm of thoughts and ideas with the concrete world of experience. It is the mythic aspect of Christianity, therefore, which is potentially the most vital element of the tradition, given its proximity to the Truth. Myth allows us the closest thing to actual tangible encounter which we can experience while still allowing for contemplation in the ideal/abstract. It is fascinating to see this idea played out by Lewis himself through his Chronicles of Narnia, which offer a different, more fairytale-esque myth which nevertheless shares much of its essence/meaning with the Christian narrative. Through the Chronicles, we are treated to much of the substance of the Christian story but served in a childlike packaging (like one of Father Christmas’s gifts, no doubt). In other words, the Narnia narrative arguably communicates much of the truth of Christianity utilizing a poetic style which alters the form while preserving the substance, which nonetheless communicates in a way that may be more salient for certain audiences, young and old. For example, when the Beavers respond to Lucy’s innocent inquiries into Aslan’s nature, proclaiming him to be not “safe” but “good,” Lewis captures something of God/Jesus which maintains fidelity to the Biblical account while vivifying an element of it in a new, exciting, beautiful, and accessible way.