In the fantasy novel "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, the concept of the alchemist is explored in the character of the White Witch. The alchemist archetype is traditionally associated with the pursuit of immortality and the transformation of base metals into gold. The White Witch, also known as Jadis, embodies the characteristics of an alchemist as she seeks to extend her life indefinitely and gain ultimate power over the land of Narnia. She is driven by a desire for eternal life, which she achieves by consuming a magic potion that grants her immortality.
And then there’s the narrator. I love how he reminds us about the dangers of wardrobes! “Peter held the door closed but did not shut it; for, course, he remembered as every sensible person does, that you should never never shut yourself up in a wardrobe.”
At first no one believes her, but soon Edmund, Peter, and Susan discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the Great Lion, and all manner of Talking Beasts and fantastical creatures. The dye was completely exhausted and the water ran clear in the rinse process, however, some bleeding may occur with different detergents and water quality.
She is driven by a desire for eternal life, which she achieves by consuming a magic potion that grants her immortality. Like an alchemist, she believes that by manipulating natural forces and potions, she can gain control over life and death. However, the alchemical pursuits of the White Witch are portrayed as misguided and evil.
Jonah's Daily Rants
WARNING: This blog contains vulgar language, amateur fiction, and opinions. Reader discretion is advised.
Her quest for power is selfish and she uses her abilities to manipulate and oppress the creatures of Narnia. She turns the land into a perpetual winter, symbolizing her control over the natural world, and rules with fear and cruelty. The contrast between the alchemical pursuits of the White Witch and the selfless, sacrificial love of Aslan, the lion, is a central theme in the novel. Aslan represents a different kind of power - one that is based on love, sacrifice, and redemption. His death and subsequent resurrection symbolize the transformative power of selflessness and the defeat of evil. Ultimately, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" suggests that the alchemical pursuit of power and immortality is misguided and inherently corrupt. True power and transformation come from love, sacrifice, and a deeper understanding of the natural order of the world. By exploring the character of the White Witch as an alchemist, C.S. Lewis provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking power and immortality at the expense of others..
Reviews for "The Alchemist's Role as a Mentor in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the inclusion of the alchemist character in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." In my opinion, it felt like a forced addition to the plot and did not blend well with the magical world already established in the book. The alchemist's presence and role seemed unnecessary and did not contribute much to the overall story. I found myself skimming through the scenes involving the alchemist as they didn't hold my interest. It was a letdown for me as I had high hopes for this classic fantasy book.
2. Emily - 3/5 - While "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a beloved book, I personally found the alchemist character to be underdeveloped and lacking in depth. The alchemist's motivations and actions were unclear, which made it difficult for me to connect with the character. Additionally, the alchemist's role in the plot felt disconnected and didn't add much to the overall story. I wished the author had delved deeper into the alchemist's backstory and given them more significance in the narrative. Overall, I think the alchemist could have been better executed in this book.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - The inclusion of the alchemist in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" felt like a desperate attempt to add more mysticism and intrigue to the story. However, the character and their actions were confusing and didn't contribute much to the overall plot. I found myself skipping over the parts that involved the alchemist as they felt irrelevant and forced. I believe the book would have been better off without the alchemist, as they seemed to distract from the main storyline and added unnecessary complexity.