Order of the books of The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia, written by CS Lewis, is one of the most influential fantasy sagas in literature. Published between 1950 and 1956, has captivated millions of readers of all ages. This series of seven books transports us to the magical world of Narnia, where animals talk, magic is real and good fights evil in epic adventures.

CS Lewis, a friend and contemporary of JRR Tolkien, imbued these books with deep religious symbolism, although Their narrative richness allows them to be enjoyed by readers of any background..

The saga has generated debate among fans regarding the reading order: following the order of publication or the chronological order of the events within the story. Lewis suggested reading them in chronological order., but many readers prefer the way they were published, as this allows them to appreciate the evolution of the narrative and the growth of Narnia as a fictional world.

Below, I present both orders so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. In addition, We will explore some interesting features of each book that can help you decide which order is best for you:

Order of publication of The Chronicles of Narnia

1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)

It is the best-known book in the series and the first to be published. It introduces us to the Pevensie siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, who arrive in the world of Narnia through a magic wardrobeThere they must join forces with the great lion Aslan to free Narnia from the spell of the evil White Witch, who has condemned the place to eternal winter.

This book is a fascinating gateway to the world of Narnia, full of magic and mystery, which has enchanted generations of readers with its accessible and exciting plot.

2. Prince Caspian (1951)

The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, only to discover that hundreds of years have passed in the magical world and that the country is under the rule of the Telmarines. Together with Caspian, the legitimate heir to the throne, they fight to restore peace and free the magical creatures in exile.

This story highlights the importance of courage and unity in difficult times, and shows how The characters face increasing challenges, strengthening their bonds and their determination.

3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)

Edmund, Lucy and their cousin Eustace embark on the Dawn Treader, a ship that sails the seas of Narnia. Together with King Caspian, Searching for the seven lost lords and discover magical islands full of mysteries and challenges.

This installment is an epic maritime adventure that delves into the development of the characters and shows how hardships transform them. Exploration and discovery are the main themes of this book, which invites the reader on a journey full of wonders.

4. The Silver Chair (1953)

Eustace returns to Narnia, this time accompanied by his friend Jill Pole. Together they must rescue Prince Rilian, Caspian's son, who has been captured by the lady of the green snakeThis story takes us into the depths of Narnia, revealing new and dark places.

In this adventure, the reader discovers a darker and more mysterious side of Narnia, where courage and Perseverance is essential to overcome obstaclesThe friendship between Eustace and Jill is also highlighted, showing the importance of mutual support.

5. The Horse and His Boy (1954)

Although published later, this story is chronologically set during the reign of the Pevensies. It tells of the adventures of Shasta, A young man fleeing the cruel Calormen with Bree, a talking horse from Narnia.

It is a story of personal discovery and rediscovery of Narnia from another perspective. Through this book, Readers have the opportunity to see Narnia through the eyes of characters outside the main core, which provides a fresh and different vision of the magical world.

6. The Magician's Nephew (1955)

This book reveals the origins of Narnia, telling how it was created by Aslan and how certain objects, such as the famous wardrobe, came to our world. Digory and Polly, The protagonists are the first humans to have contact with Narnia., and his journey explains many of the mysteries of the saga.

This book is essential to understand the general context of the story, because shows how it all began and provides a solid foundation to the events that happen in the other books. It is a story that combines the wonder of creation with the internal struggles of its protagonists.

7. The Last Battle (1956)

The epic finale of the saga. Narnia faces its darkest moment when a false Aslan emerges and sows confusion among the inhabitants of the magical world. The ancient heroes are called to one last great battle which will decide the fate of Narnia forever.

This book is an exciting and powerful culmination of the saga, full of symbolism and reflections on the nature of good and evil, loyalty and betrayal. The last Stand It is a moving ending that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Chronological order of The Chronicles of Narnia

As you may have noticed, the links are not ordered in the order of publication, and as I explained above, it is because the author published them in a different chronological order. That is why this is the right one to read the story from beginning to end.:

1. The Magician's Nephew (1955)
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)
3. The horse and the boy (1954)
4. Prince Caspian (1951)
5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
6. The silver chair (1953)
7. The last Stand (1956)

In what order to read The Chronicles of Narnia?

As we have seen, There are two ways to read the saga: the order of publication, which respects the way in which the original readers learned the story, or the chronological order, which follows the events in a linear fashion.

If you are a new reader, The order of publication will allow you to discover Narnia in the same way that readers did in the 1950s., with the surprise and wonder intact. However, if you already know the series, You could opt for chronological order to better understand the events and history. of the world of Narnia since its inception.

Whichever order you choose, The Chronicles of Narnia It is a saga that has left a deep mark on popular culture, inspiring film adaptations, plays, video games and numerous artistic interpretations, being a reference in the fantasy genre.

The magic of Narnia and the teachings of Aslan continue to resonate in the hearts of readers of all ages, making this work one of the most recommended for those seeking adventures full of values, loyalty and courage.

The themes of the saga

The saga also addresses deep themes such as sacrifice, redemption and struggle for what is fair, offering valuable lessons that transcend generations and enrich those who read it.

Besides, The Chronicles of Narnia is A journey full of symbolism and metaphors that can be appreciated in different ways depending on the age and experience of the reader.From the excitement of young adventurers to the wisdom of Aslan, each book has something unique to offer and reflects CS Lewis's ability to connect with his audience.

This connection manifests itself both in the brightest moments of history as well as the darkest ones, achieving a balance that makes the saga a complete and enriching literary experience.

Readers' Note:

Narnia's legacy is not only limited to its pages, but also has influenced the development of the modern fantasy genre, inspiring many authors and creators who found in Lewis's world a source of inspiration for their own stories.

With its unforgettable characters, fascinating settings and timeless messages, Narnia remains a place readers return to again and again, each time finding something new and exciting to discover.