A Joyful Outpost: Exploring the Household Economy of the Beavers from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by Aaron Bair

When it comes to the most likable characters in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia Chronicles, the Beavers are always near the top for readers. They are not the characters that draw the ire of its fandom. Although the Beavers do not fit the mold of controversial characters, they are among those whose depth and significance have been overlooked. And in our day and age, where the household is under attack and gender roles are being inverted, the Beavers and their home is a helpful and needed antidote to the chaos that envelops our world.

Amidst a winter that is waging war on them, the Beavers’ home is a joyful outpost that’s filled with home, hearth, and “a great and gloriously sticky marmalade roll.” And it is not by accident that it is this way. Whether they know it or not, the Beavers’ home endears readers, because these characters are servants of Aslan, the great lion. They have their home ordered in such a way that captures how Godly kings and queens cultivate what has been given to them

From masculinity, femininity, hospitality and feasting, to Biblical rest, this book explores the simple glory this little home had on Narnia, and how these furry creatures were instrumental in the coming of spring.

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

Reviews

[Jordan McKinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review coming soon

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested in how the author would expand relatively minor characters in Narnia into a book length treatment, but it is very well done. He expands on Lewis's views on gender roles and the goodness of the home, and there are minor side comments the author draws out from Narnia that I had not thought of before but make sense in this context. It is a brief book, and it only took me a few hours. However, I enjoyed this book, and I think you would as well.

[ADELLA RULE · Rating 5 out of 5]

WELL DONE

Aaron you have a great outlook on Narnia. I can tell you have put a lot of thought into this.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at the lives of the beavers in ‘The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe’ that explains the beauty of family and our God-given duty within the family structure.

[Kyle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful little book definitely enhanced my love of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and added to my deeper understanding of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe