Karen’s post about women in war calls to mind the comments of one of my favorite writers, C.S. Lewis, in the classic Chronicles of Narnia. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, chapter ten, “The Spell Begins to Break,” the children are on their way to meet Aslan (who represents Jesus) at the Stone Table (Calvary). The spell of the White Witch (Satan) has been weakened by Aslan’s sacrifice, the snow begins to melt, and Father Christmas returns to Narnia to distribute his gifts. But the Witch will not give up without a battle:
“Peter, Adam’s Son,” said Father Christmas. “Here, sir,” said Peter. “These are your presents,” was the answer, “and they are tools not toys. The time to use them is perhaps near at hand. Bear them well.” With these words he handed to Peter a shield and a sword …. Peter was silent and solemn as he received these gifts, for he felt they were a very serious kind of present. “Susan, Eve’s Daughter,” said Father Christmas, “These are for you,” and he handed her a bow and a quiver full of arrows and a little ivory horn, “You must use the bow only in great need,” he said, “for I do not mean you to fight in battle.” …Last of all he said, “Lucy, Eve’s Daughter,” and Lucy came forward. He gave her a little bottle…and a small dagger. “The dagger is to defend yourself at great need. For you also are not to be in battle.” “Why, sir?” said Lucy. “I think–I don’t know–but I think I could be brave enough.” “That is not the point,” he said.
Later Father Christmas says “Battles are ugly when women fight.” Lewis also opposed the ordination of women to the priesthood and in That Hideous Strength used the idea of “woman as warrior” as a personification of “ugliness.”
11:06 am on May 5, 2004
