From Bacchus to Plato: Greco-Roman Mythology and Philosophy for Children in The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Résumé
The Chronicles of Narnia are fantasy tales destined for children and their style is therefore clear and simple. This does not prevent them from being deep and complex, presenting the reader with multi-layered meanings, thanks to a very rich intertextuality. Among C. S. Lewis’s many sources of inspiration, Greco-Roman mythology and Plato’s philosophy play an important part in the construction of his universe. Greco-Roman mythology has become hugely popular in children’s and young adult fantasy. Plato and his interest in the difference between reality and illusion has also inspired numerous authors. However, Lewis was among the first to draw from these sources and to use them in fantasy books meant for children. He introduced mythological creatures and Platonic ideas in his stories, not just by copying them but by adapting them in a way which was natural and effective, while at the same time being highly original.