The Chronicles of Narnia, #1
The Magician's Nephew
by C. S. Lewis
Contents
TEN: THE FIRST JOKE AND OTHER MATTERS
Overview
Aslan grants Narnia to the Talking Beasts, introducing joy and humor with the first joke. He convenes a council, warning that evil has already entered the new world. Urged by hope for his mother, Digory rides Strawberry to seek Aslan, while the animals confront Uncle Andrew, who cannot comprehend their speech.
Summary
Aslan speaks, confirming the hopes of the children and awakening gods, nymphs, and newly chosen Talking Beasts. He gifts Narnia to them and warns the Talking Beasts to cherish the Dumb Beasts without reverting to their ways. A Jackdaw blurts out “No fear!” at the wrong moment, becoming the first joke, and Aslan blesses laughter as part of speech.
Aslan declares Narnia established and summons a council—chief Dwarf, River-god, Oak, He-Owl, Ravens, and Bull-Elephant—to plan its safety, for evil has already entered. The animals murmur in confusion about what “evil” means.
Driven by concern for his ailing mother, Digory resolves to speak to Aslan. Polly and the Cabby accompany him. Among the beasts, Strawberry slowly recalls his life as a London cab-horse and recognizes the Cabby. At the Cabby’s urging, Strawberry lets Digory ride to catch Aslan more quickly, remembering sugar from a former rider.
Meanwhile, the beasts notice Uncle Andrew lurking by the river and rush toward him. From Uncle Andrew’s perspective, pride and fear make him deny the Lion’s song and speech until he hears only roars and howls. Panicking, he flees through the young world but is soon surrounded by eager, curious animals.
Hemmed in by elk, elephant, bears, and cats, Uncle Andrew trembles as a Bulldog crisply asks whether he is animal, vegetable, or mineral—words he can only hear as a threatening growl—underscoring his self-inflicted blindness to Narnia’s wonder.
Who Appears
- AslanCreator of Narnia; grants speech, establishes Narnia, endorses laughter, and calls a council against entering evil.
- Digory KirkeDetermined to seek Aslan for a cure for his mother; rides Strawberry to reach the Lion.
- Uncle AndrewTerrified and self-deceived; denies Aslan’s song and speech, flees, and is cornered by curious animals.
- The CabbyKind, practical; reconnects with Strawberry and helps arrange Digory’s ride to Aslan.
- StrawberryFormer London cab-horse; recalls past life and carries Digory toward Aslan.
- Polly PlummerSupports Digory’s plan and accompanies him toward Aslan among the Talking Beasts.
- JackdawBlurts out “No fear!” and becomes the first joke, sparking Aslan’s blessing of laughter.
- BulldogLeads the questioning of Uncle Andrew, asking if he is animal, vegetable, or mineral.