Is Aslan a name for Jesus?

C.S. Lewis’s beloved Chronicles of Narnia series has enchanted readers for generations with its magical landscapes, memorable characters, and profound themes. At the heart of these tales is Aslan, the majestic lion whose presence permeates the narrative and whose actions shape the fate of Narnia itself. But a question that often arises among readers, both casual and scholarly, is: “Is Aslan a name for Jesus?”

The Origins of Aslan

Aslan first appears in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the inaugural book published in the Narnia series. His name, derived from the Turkish word for “lion,” immediately establishes him as a symbol of power, majesty, and nobility. Lewis, a well-known Christian apologist, was deliberate in his character creation, drawing upon centuries of religious and mythological imagery to give life to Aslan.

His intention, however, was not to create a one-to-one allegory but rather a “supposal”—a term Lewis himself used to describe his approach. In a supposal, he imagined how Christ might appear in another world, rather than crafting a simplistic allegorical figure.

Allegory, Supposal, and Lewis’s Intentions

Many readers interpret Aslan as a direct allegory for Jesus Christ, largely due to his sacrificial death and resurrection in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” However, Lewis himself clarified the distinction. In a letter to a young reader, he wrote, “I did not say to myself ‘Let us represent Jesus as He really is in our world by Aslan in Narnia.’” Instead, Lewis asked, “Supposing there really was a world like Narnia… and supposing Christ wanted to save it as He did ours, what might have happened?”

This distinction is important. While allegory assigns a single meaning to each element in a story, a supposal allows for a richer, more imaginative re-envisioning. Aslan is not merely a stand-in for Jesus; rather, he is a representation of how the Son of God might be manifested in a world different from ours.

Parallels Between Aslan and Jesus

Despite Lewis’s resistance to strict allegory, the parallels between Aslan and Jesus are striking and intentional:

1. Sacrificial Death and Resurrection: Aslan’s voluntary death at the Stone Table to save Edmund mirrors Christ’s crucifixion and atonement for humanity’s sins. Aslan’s resurrection the next morning echoes the Christian narrative of Easter.
2. Creator and Sustainer: Aslan is not only Narnia’s savior but also its creator, singing the world into existence in “The Magician’s Nephew,” similar to the Christian doctrine of Jesus as the Word through whom all things were made.
3. Teacher and Guide: Like Jesus, Aslan teaches, guides, and comforts his followers, often challenging them to grow in faith, courage, and character.
4. Final Judge: In “The Last Battle,” Aslan presides over the end of Narnia, judging the characters and welcoming the faithful into his own country, reminiscent of biblical depictions of Christ as judge.

Differences and Literary Freedom

While the similarities are undeniable, there are also key differences. Aslan is a lion, not a man, and his interactions are shaped by the fantastical world of Narnia. Lewis imbues Aslan with qualities that resonate with both the animal kingdom and fairy tale tradition. Moreover, the stories are accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Christian or not, and do not require knowledge of Christian theology to be meaningful or moving.

Lewis’s genius lies in his ability to weave Christian themes into a universal story. The Chronicles can be read as Christian allegory, myth, or simply as fantasy. Aslan’s roar is both a call to faith for some and a summons to adventure for others.

The Name “Aslan” and Its Significance

So, is “Aslan” a name for Jesus? Within the world of Narnia, Aslan is the only name that truly matters; he is the embodiment of goodness, justice, and love. For Lewis, the name “Aslan” provides a way to explore the wonder and mystery of the divine without being limited by the familiar trappings of the real world. It invites readers to encounter the sacred in a new and imaginative way.

Ultimately, Aslan is not just a name for Jesus, but a window—a means for readers to explore profound spiritual truths through the lens of story. Lewis’s hope was that Aslan would lead readers, especially children, to consider the nature of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption, and perhaps, to recognize these themes in their own world.