The Lion,witch And Wardrobe

cit. The governing planet of this, the first book in the series, is Jupiter. One of the first things I noticed was the constant reference to birdsong, using the word "chuckling," an unusual word choice which fits in decidedly, as Jupiter is associated with laughter. The theme of justice is invoked constantly: appeals to justice (in ridding Narnia of the Witch), the necessity of justice in satisfying the Deep Magic, Aslan judging and forgiving Edmund his treachery, the children hunting down the evil remnants after their victory and judging them. Hunts, too, are a Jovial motif, and are referred to as early as Lucy's visit with Tumnus; not to mention the wolves hunting down the children and the beavers, and the final hunt for the White Stag. Kingship is probably the most firmly Jovial image, and it can be said to be the dominant motif of Lion. A false queen is deposed, and no less than four monarchs instated in her place; Aslan first introduced as the King and the Lord of the woods. There is probably more. But what I think is the strongest Jovial motif is what Tolkien called eucatastrophe: a sudden reversal of fortune, turning suddenly from a desperate and hopeless situation into victory unlooked-for. This happens all throughout the novel, in small (sometimes minuscule) ways as well as large ones, and the most notable is Aslan's own resurrection. Eucatastrophe is important, because Jupiter as a symbol represents wrongs righted, the transition of justice and peace over injustice and tragedy. As Lewis' poem on the planets said about Jupiter, "winter passed and guilt forgiven"; as apt a summary of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as one could imagine.