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characters - In-universe, is Aslan actually Jesus?


In the Narnia series, the character of Aslan bears many similarities to Jesus Christ:



  • worshipped as a god but only the son of a much greater god (the Emperor-over-the-Sea)

  • sacrificed for the sake of his people but then resurrected

  • very powerful but sometimes taking the form of a lamb


Out of universe, parts of the series were clearly intended as Christian allegory (and there are quotes by Lewis to confirm this). But my question is about in-universe. Some say that Aslan is actually the same person as Jesus, taking the form of a lion when in the world of Narnia.



The most relevant quote I've found is the following:



"Dearest," said Aslan very gently, "you and your brother will never come back to Narnia."
"Oh, Aslan!!" said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices.
"You are too old, children," said Aslan, "and you must begin to come close to your own world now."
"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are — are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."


-- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Chapter 16: The Very End of the World




This says that Aslan does have an alternative identity in our world, but doesn't say explicitly who this is. Is it necessarily Jesus, or could it be another religious leader or legendary historical figure?


Is Aslan Jesus?


A more specific quote from the books would be great for an answer, though I'm pretty sure Jesus is never mentioned explicitly. Quotes from Lewis would also be fine, provided they're about an in-universe rather than allegorical identification of Aslan with Jesus.



Answer



Yes.


There are a few quotes by C.S. Lewis relating to Aslan and Jesus.



In a letter to a young girl named Sophia, Lewis writes, "I don't say. 'Let us represent Christ as Aslan.' I say, 'Supposing there was a world like Narnia, and supposing, like ours, it needed redemption, let us imagine what sort of Incarnation and Passion and Resurrection Christ would have there.'" - NarniaWeb




Aslan is the representation of Christ in the world of Narnia. He is the savior of Narnia who redeems the people.


And also



An 11-year-old girl named Hila wrote to Lewis and asked what Aslan's other name in our world was (mentioned in VDT). Here is Lewis' response: "As to Aslan's other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never been anyone in this world who (1.) Arrived at the same time as Father Christmas. (2.) Said he was the son of the great Emperor. (3.) Gave himself up for someone else's fault to be jeered at and killed by wicked people. (4.) Came to life again. (5.) Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb... Don't you really know His name in this world? Think it over and let me know your answer!" - NarniaWeb



If there is another person who meets that description, I am ignorant of them.


Then you have the quote supplied by Richard.



Laurence can't really love Aslan more than Jesus, even if he feels that's what he is doing. For the things he loves Aslan for doing or saying are simply the things Jesus really did and said. So that when Laurence thinks he is loving Aslan, he is really loving Jesus: and perhaps loving Him more than he ever did before. - C. S. Lewis on Loving Aslan More Than Jesus




Laurence isn't capable of loving Aslan more than Jesus, because they are the same.


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