**The Narnia Guide: Narnia and C.S. Lewis in 34 Answers** **Home** **Did you know** **On screen** **Going further** **The story** **In the book** **In the books** **Trivia**
Do I need to read Narnia in the order of publication? Why is the ship called the "Dawn Treader" in one book and the "Passeur d'Aurore" in another? Will Greta Gerwig's film be released in Swiss cinemas? 1. **Is the order of the books important?** Yes, reading the books in the order of publication is recommended to fully understand the chronology and context of the Narnia universe. 2. **What is the order of publication of the Narnia books?** The books should be read in this order: *The Magician's Nephew*, *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, *The Horse and His Boy*, *Prince Caspian*, *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, *The Silver Chair*, *The Last Battle*. 3. **What is the first book in the Narnia series?** The first book is *The Magician's Nephew*. 4. **What is the second book in the Narnia series?** The second book is *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*. 5. **What is the third book in the Narnia series?** The third book is *The Horse and His Boy*. 6. **What is the fourth book in the Narnia series?** The fourth book is *Prince Caspian*. 7. **What is the fifth book in the Narnia series?** The fifth book is *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*. 8. **What is the sixth book in the Narnia series?** The sixth book is *The Silver Chair*. 9. **What is the seventh book in the Narnia series?** The seventh book is *The Last Battle*. 10. **Is there another recommended order to read the Narnia books?** Yes, some readers prefer to follow the chronological order of the Narnia events, which is: *The Magician's Nephew*, *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardroove*, *The Horse and His Boy*, *Prince Caspian*, *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, *The Silver Chair*, *The Last Battle*. 11. **What is the chronological order of the Narnia books?** The chronological order is: *The Magician's Nephew*, *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardroobe*, *Prince Caspian*, *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*, *The Silver Chair*, *The Last Battle*, *The Horse and His Boy*. 12. **What is the difference between the publication order and the chronological order?** The publication order follows the sequence in which the books were written, while the chronological order follows the timeline of events within the Narnia universe. 13. **Why does the ship have different names in French and English?** The ship is called *The Dawn Treader* in English and *Le Passeur d'Aurore* in French. 14. **What is the French name for *The Dawn Treader*?** The French name is *Le Passeur d'Aurore*. 15. **What is the French name for *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*?** The French name is *Le Lion, la Sorcière blanche et l'Armoire magique*. 16. **What is the French name for *The Magician's Nephew*?** The French name is *Le Neveu du magicien*. 17. **What is the French name for *Prince Caspian*?** The French name is *Le Prince Caspian*. 18. **What is the French name for *The Horse and His Boy*?** The French name is *Le Cheval et son écuyer*. 19. **What is the French name for *The Silver Chair*?** The French name is *Le Fauteuil d'argent*. 20. **What is the French name for *The Last Battle*?** The French name is *La Dernière bataille*. 21. **What is the French name for *The Silver Chair*?** The French name is *Le Fauteuil d'argent*. 22. **What is the French name for *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*?** The French name is *Le Voyage du Passeur d'Aurore*. 23. **What is the French name for *The Horse and His Boy*?** The French name is *Le Cheval et son écuyer*. 24. **What is the French name for *The Last Battle*?** The French name is *La Dernière bataille*. 25. **What is the French name for *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*?** The French name is *Le Lion, la Sorcière blanche et l'Armoire magique*. 26. **What is the French name for *The Magician's Nephew*?** The French name is *Le Neveu du magicien*. 27. **What is the French name for *Prince Caspian*?** The French name is *Le Prince Caspian*. 28. **What is the French name for *The Silver Chair*?** The French name is *Le Fauteuil d'argent*. 29. **What is the French name for *The Last Battle*?** The French name is *La Dernière bataille*. 30. **What is the French name for *The Horse and His Boy*?** The French name is *Le Cheval et son écuyer*. 31. **What is the French name for *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader*?** The French name is *Le Voyage du Passeur d'Aurore*. 32. **What is the French name for *The Silver Chair*?** The French name is *Le Fauteuil d'argent*. 33. **What is the French name for *The Last Battle*?** The French name is *La Dernière bataille*. 34. **Will Greta Gerwig's film be released in Swiss cinemas?** Yes, it will be released in Swiss cinemas.
The Corner of Questions
- 34 questions arranged according to the reader's journey: before, during, and after reading, then the author and the screen.
- A section specifically for French-speaking readers: translations, French names, Radio Suisse Romande, history of the site, from blog.narnia.ch to narnia.guide.
- Each answer links to the page on the site that provides more details.
- The seven books were published between 1950 and 1956; there is no eighth Chronicle.
This page answers the questions asked since 2005 by French-speaking readers, parents, and teachers. They are arranged in the order they arise, from the first opening of a book to the screen, with additional questions specific to French-speaking readers at the end, particularly those from French-speaking Switzerland. Each answer is brief and links to the page on the site that provides more details; the site displays them as expandable questions.
See also
- Start here: I discover Narnia
- From Puddleglum to Puddlegum: what the names of Narnia say in English, and what they become in French
- The seven Chronicles of Narnia
- C.S. Lewis
- Not a tame lion: Aslan in the books, in Lewis's letters, and on screen
- Narnia at home and in the classroom: a guide for parents and teachers
- The French editions of Narnia
- Lewis in French: the war, translations, and French-speaking readers
- Narnia on the radio: the Espace 2 week (December 2005)
- About
Before opening the first book
There are seven books in *The Chronicles of Narnia*. Did you know
There are seven Chronicles of Narnia, published between 1950 and 1956, and there is no eighth. Lewis left no unpublished sequels. The books sometimes presented as "sequels" are works by other authors, derivative children's books, or rumors.
The seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia · Bibliography of C.S. Lewis
The recommended reading order for the Chronicles of Narnia is: 1. The Magician's Nephew 2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 3. The Horse and His Boy 4. Prince Caspian 5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 6. The Silver Chair 7. The Last Battle
Two orders of reading exist. The publication order begins with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950). The chronological order of the story begins with The Magician's Nephew: this is the order used in current editions, including Gallimard's. In a 1957 letter, Lewis expressed a preference for the chronological order, though he added that the order didn't matter much; but many readers prefer to discover Narnia through the wardrobe, as did the first readers. Our dedicated page compares the two.
In which order should you read The Chronicles of Narnia? · The Magician's Nephew · The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
When were the books published?
In the United Kingdom: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on October 16, 1950, Prince Caspian on October 15, 1951, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader on September 15, 1952, The Silver Chair on September 7, 1953, The Horse and His Boy on September 6, 1954, The Magician's Nephew on May 2, 1955, and The Last Battle on March 19, 1956. That is why October 16 is celebrated as "Narnia Day".
The term "Le Monde de Narnia" is often used colloquially to refer to the entire series, but the official title is "The Chronicles of Narnia."
The English title is The Chronicles of Narnia, and the French editions have long referred to the series as “Les Chroniques de Narnia.” In 2005, at the release of the first film, Gallimard renamed the series “Le Monde de Narnia,” the French title of the film. Both names refer to the same seven books.
The French editions of Narnia · Narnia on screen, on the radio, and on stage
Which French translation to read? * * * **Accueil** = **Home** * * * **Le saviez-vous** = **Did you know** * * * **En bref** = **In brief** * * * **À l'écran** = **On screen** * * * **Pour aller plus loin** = **Going further** * * * **Son histoire** = **The story** * * * **Dans le livre** = **In the book** * * * **Dans les livres** = **In the books** * * * **Anecdotes** = **Trivia**
The reference translation is the one by Gallimard Jeunesse (Folio Junior), published in seven volumes since 2001, or in a single volume since 2005. The older translations by Hachette (1952-1953) and Flammarion (1980-1984) never covered the entire series and are now out of print. Our glossary lists the names that differ from one translation to another.
French editions of Narnia · From Puddleglum to Puddleglum: What the names of Narnia say in English, and how they change in French
**Home** > **In brief** > **At what age should one start reading Narnia?** The Chronicles of Narnia series can be read starting from around **8 years old**, depending on the child's reading level and maturity. The first book, *The Magician's Nephew*, is often recommended for slightly older readers due to its complex themes, while *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* is accessible to younger children. Many parents begin reading the series aloud to their children around **7 or 8**, and kids start reading independently shortly after.
From age 6-7 aloud, and around 8-10 for independent reading. Some volumes, like The Last Battle, are better read a little later.
Narnia for families and in class: a guide for parents and teachers · Start here: discovering Narnia
During the reading
The name "Narnia" comes from the ancient city of Narni in Italy, which was known as *Narnia* in Latin. C.S. Lewis, who created the world of Narnia, was inspired by this name when he was writing *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*.
Lewis found it in an ancient atlas: Narnia is the Latin name for Narni, a small town in Umbria, Italy. He liked the sound of the word. Incidentally, Narni also has a saint named Lucy, which amuses readers who think of Lucy Pevensie.
Aslan means Aslan.
This is the Turkish word for "lion". Lewis encountered it in the notes of an edition of the Thousand and One Nights, as he himself recounted. Aslan is the great lion, son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea, creator and savior of Narnia.
In Narnia, one enters through the wardrobe in *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*, or by other magical means described in *The Magician's Nephew*.
Never twice the same way, and never when you're looking for it: through a wardrobe, magic rings, a train station, a painting, a school wall, or a train accident. The children cannot force their way in; it is Aslan who calls them. Our page listing the portals lists them all.
Why does time pass differently in Narnia?
Lewis imagined that each world has its own time. The ratio isn’t fixed: 1,288 Narnian years separate the departure of the Pevensies at the end of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from their return in Prince Caspian, while only one year has passed in England. But when the children return, no time has elapsed for them, no matter how long they stayed.
Two ages for each hero: the calendar age and the age lived in Narnia · From first dawn to last night: the story of Narnia
The White Witch originates from the far north of Narnia.
She is called Jadis. The last queen of Charn, a dying world she herself destroyed by speaking the Deplorable Word, she is awakened by Digory and enters Narnia on the day of its creation. A thousand years later, she imposes eternal winter there. Everything is told in The Magician's Nephew.
Jadis, the White Witch · Charn · The Deplorable Word · The Magician's Nephew
Is Professor Kirke Digory?
What is the White Witch's Turkish Delight?
The English Turkish Delight is the rose, lemon, or pistachio-flavored confection known as lokum, a popular treat in 1940s rationed England. The White Witch offers enchanted lokum to Edmund, which he cannot stop eating. You can make it at home with our recipe.
Yes, there is a map of Narnia.
After the last page
Why isn't Susan in *The Last Battle*?
Because she is “no longer a friend of Narnia”: grown up, she dismisses her memories of childhood and, as Jill says, is only interested in nylon stockings, lipstick, and invitations. She was therefore not on the train involved in the accident. This passage is one of the most debated in the series. Lewis clarified in a letter that Susan’s story was not finished and that she might reach Aslan’s country in her own way.
Susan Pevensie · Lewis at the helm: the criticisms and controversies surrounding Narnia, and how his own writings respond to them
Narnia: Is it a Christian allegory?
Not strictly, said Lewis. He spoke rather of "supposition": imagining what would happen if the Son of God became incarnate in another world. There are many Christian echoes (the death and resurrection of Aslan, creation, the end of the world), but Narnia also draws from Greek and Norse myths.
Is Narnia an allegory? · Reading Narnia as a Christian… or not: an open reading · The myths and Narnia
No need to be religious to love Narnia.
After Narnia, you can explore other works by C.S. Lewis, such as his science fiction series *Space Trilogy* (*The Cosmic Trilogy*), which includes: - *Out of the Silent Planet* (*Le voyage du Pélerin*) - *Perelandra* (*Perelandra*) - *That Hideous Strength* (*That Hideous Strength*) Or his other fantasy works like *The Screwtape Letters* (*Les lettres de l'oncle Screwtape*).
Tactics of the Devil and The Great Divorce to start, the Space Trilogy for adventure, Surprised by Joy for the man, A Grief Observed for the great novel. Our page "What to read by C.S. Lewis after Narnia" offers five paths depending on what you enjoyed, and advice for each stage of life.
What to read by C.S. Lewis after Narnia · C.S. Lewis, much more than Narnia
Who was the author?
C.S.
Clive Staples Lewis was born on November 29, 1898, in Belfast. He signed his books with his initials, like many British authors of his time.
Biography of C.S. Lewis (1) : from Belfast to Oxford, 1898-1931 · Chronology of C.S. Lewis's Life
Why did his close friends call him "Jack"?
At around four years old, the young Clive announced that he would only respond to the name Jacksie, following the family tradition after the death of a dog named Jacksie. The nickname became "Jack," and for the rest of his life, his friends, his brother, and his wife Joy called him by that name.
Biography of C.S. Lewis (1): From Belfast to Oxford, 1898-1931
Did you know
Yes, great friends, colleagues at Oxford from 1926. Tolkien played a key role in Lewis's conversion in 1931, and Lewis encouraged Tolkien to finish The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien, however, did not care much for Narnia, which he found too eclectic. They met with the Inklings.
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis · The Inklings, a literary club · Subcreation: Lewis, Tolkien and the Art of Inventing Worlds
Did you know
Pauline Baynes (1922–2008), recommended to Lewis by Tolkien, whose work she had illustrated. Her drawings have accompanied the Chronicles since 1950 and remain the standard illustrations, including in the Gallimard edition.
Did you know
No children of his own. In 1956, he married American Joy Davidman, who had two sons, David and Douglas Gresham. After Joy's death in 1960, he raised her two stepsons. Douglas Gresham today oversees Lewis's work and participates in adaptations.
Joy Davidman and "Shadowlands" · Biography of C.S. Lewis (2): From the Inklings to Narnia, 1932-1963
Clive Staples Lewis died on November 22, 1963, in Oxford, England.
On November 22, 1963, at his home at the Kilns, in Headington, near Oxford, a week before his 65th birthday. His death went almost unnoticed: on the same day, President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, and the writer Aldous Huxley died in California.
[Biography of C.S. Lewis (2): From the Inklings to Narnia, 1932-1963](http://narnia.guide/lewis/biographie-de-cs-lewis-2-1932-1963/) · [Timeline of C.S. Lewis's Life](http://narnia.guide/lewis/chronologie-de-la-vie-de-cs-lewis/)
Does the wardrobe actually exist?
An intricately carved wardrobe, made by C.S. Lewis's grandfather and located in his family home in Belfast and later at The Kilns, is displayed at the Wade Center of Wheaton College, near Chicago. It is believed to have inspired the one in the book.
On screen
On screen: - *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* (1988–1990) – BBC TV series - *Prince Caspian* (1989) – BBC TV movie - *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* (1989) – BBC TV movie - *The Silver Chair* (1990) – BBC TV movie - *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* (2005) – Feature film - *Prince Caspian* (2008) – Feature film - *The Voyage of the Dawn Treader* (2010) – Feature film - *The Magician’s Nephew* (TBA) – Upcoming feature film - *The Chronicles of Narnia* (2025–) – Upcoming Netflix series
A cartoon (1979), a four-part BBC series (1988-1990), three films by Walden Media and Disney then Fox: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010). Netflix is preparing the sequel, starting with The Magician's Nephew.
Narnia on screen, radio and stage · The Trouble with the Narnia films judged by Lewis' standards
There is no film adaptation of *The Silver Chair*.
After The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010), which was less successful than the previous films, Walden Media lost the rights. A 2013 project for a film adaptation of The Silver Chair never came to fruition. In 2018, Netflix acquired the rights to all seven books.
When is Greta Gerwig's film releasing?
Narnia: The Magician's Nephew releases in theaters on February 12, 2027, with IMAX previews starting on February 10. It will then be available worldwide on Netflix on April 2, 2027.
From the 1955 book to the 2027 film: The Magician's Nephew as envisioned by Greta Gerwig
In Switzerland, Belgium, or Canada, will the film by Greta Gerwig be released in cinemas?
In principle, the global schedule applies: release in theaters on February 12, 2027, with IMAX previews starting on February 10, then Netflix on April 2, 2027. But to date, no Swiss, Belgian, or Canadian distributors have published local dates. The only certainty concerns France: no theatrical release, the film will go straight to Netflix on April 2.
From the 1955 book to the 2027 film: *The Magician's Nephew* as directed by Greta Gerwig
Home > Narnia Guide > In brief Did you know? > The story of Reepicheep, the brave mouse who sailed to the end of the world. On screen > The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Going further > The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe In brief > The Magician's Nephew In brief > The Horse and His Boy In the book > The Voyage of the Dawn Treader In the book > The Silver Chair In the book > The Last Battle In brief > The story of Mr Tumnus, the faun who befriended Lucy Pevensie. Trivia > The story of the White Witch, the evil ruler of Narnia. In brief > The story of Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, the two children who first entered Narnia. Going further > The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Going further > The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair Going further > The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle
Lewis had no direct link to France.
The "Dawn Treader" or the "Voyage of the Dawn Treader": why two names for the same ship?
The English title, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, names a ship "which treads the dawn." Flammarion translated it in 1983 as Le Voyage de la "Belle Aventure"; Gallimard has since 2001 chosen L'Odyssée du Passeur d'Aurore, closer to the English image. The two titles refer to the same book.
French editions of Narnia · From Puddleglum to Puddlegum: what Narnia's names say in English, and what they become in French · L'Odyssée du Passeur d'Aurore
Puddlegum
In English, the Touille-marais is called Reepicheep: puddle, the puddle, and glum, morose. His name announces his character, pessimistic yet heroic. The French translation simply turned it into Puddlegum, and the wordplay was lost. Our glossary explains many of these other meaningful names.
Puddleglum · From Puddleglum to Puddlegum: what the names of Narnia say in English, and what they become in French
Did the Swiss Romande radio talk about Narnia?
Narnia.guide is created by the Narnia community, and it has been active since 2005.
The site is called narnia.guide today. It was launched in April 2005 under the name blog.narnia.ch, created by Philippe Kiener in French-speaking Switzerland, a few months before the release of the first film; the first article dates back to April 25, 2005. The old site blog.narnia.ch has been offline since 2010. The site was completely redesigned in 2026, preserving the best texts from the old blog.
A question missing? Write to us from the Contact page: the best ones will join this list.
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