The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe By C. S. Lewis (Adapted by Jared McDaris) scene 1

BEAVER

Look over there. Patches of grass.

MRS BEAVER

I hear birdsong.

BEAVER

It’s the Witch’s spell, undone.

MRS BEAVER

Let’s hurry to Aslan, then, and thank him. Come, children.

They hurry offstage.

Soon after, the Wolves rush across the stage.

Again, the Witch and her train hustles across the stage, stumbling and furious.
SCENE 10
There is a pause. The Lighting grows warmer. Birdsong can be clearly heard. And low, beautiful music is playing.

Then, the BEAVERS and Children emerge. Everything is slower. The five travelers slowly gravitate toward CS.
MRS BEAVER

Spring is come.

The music plays. Two of the River Folk and two of the Tree Folk dance onstage. A dance a welcome to the travelers, then settle on the floor.

Two animals emerge, nod to the children, then turn and bow.

After them comes ASLAN, an enormous Lion. The BEAVERS kneel toward him, and the children (taking their cue from the Beavers) soon kneel as well.
ASLAN

Welcome Peter, Son of Adam. Welcome Susan and Lucy, Daughters of Eve. Welcome He-beaver. Welcome, She-beaver. You have done well to bring the children here. But where is the fourth? Where is Edmund?

BEAVER

He has betrayed them to the Witch.

PETER

It was partly my fault – Sir. I was too hard on him, I think.

Pause.
ASLAN

This will make things more difficult. Beavers, Daughters of Eve, please rest. Peter, come with me.

PETER

Yes, Sir.

ASLAN and PETER exit.
LUCY

What does he mean, “More difficult?”

MRS BEAVER

Everything will be all right, with Aslan. Come along.

They exit.

ASLAN walks on, followed by PETER.
ASLAN

Peter, down on the shores there is the Castle of Cair Paravel. You have heard of it by now.

PETER

Yes, Sir.

ASLAN

In it sits four thrones, on which I mean the four of you to sit. As the first born, you will reign over all as High King. You must become both wise and courageous, both cunning and selfless. Do you think you can do that?

PETER

I don’t know. Sir. This is all a bit surprising. We really only came for Lucy’s sake, and now I just want to help my brother. I don’t know. But if these people really need us, then I’ll try.

ASLAN

That is a wise answer. We’ll soon see about your bravery.

A horn is heard offstage.
ASLAN

Your sister’s horn is blowing.

A pause. The horn is heard again.
ASLAN

Peter, do you remember the meaning of that horn?

PETER

Danger!
PETER rushes off, followed by ASLAN.

A Wolf’s howl is heard. LUCY and SUSAN rush onstage, but their exit is blocked by a WOLF. They turn to run back where they came from, but are blocked by MAUGRIM. SUSAN is holding her horn, and LUCY her knife, but neither looks confident.

PETER rushes on with his Sword and Shield. ASLAN follows, along with several other animals.
ASLAN

Hold! Let the King prove his courage.

The SECOND WOLF backs away slightly. LUCY and SUSAN make more room as well. MAUGRIM and PETER circle each other.
MAUGRIM

Don’t think that I fear you, child.

After sizing each other up, MAUGRIM leaps at PETER. They fight, and PETER manages to slay MAUGRIM. Immediately, the SECOND WOLF flees.
ASLAN

Follow him. He will take you to Edmund.

The Animals rush off, leaving only the children and Aslan.
ASLAN

In the winter, in the darkness, wolves can thrive. But now the bright sun is come again. Come along children. And Peter?

PETER

Yes, Sir?

ASLAN

Never forget to clean your sword.

They exit.
SCENE 11
The Lighting grows cold again. The WITCH marches on. The DWARF stumbles after, dragging an exhausted EDMUND with him. As soon as they stop, EDMUND collapses.
DWARF

It’s no good, now Spring is come. This must be Aslan’s doing.

WITCH

Speak that name again, and I will tear you to shreds. (Silence) It is too late. Very well. The great cat is come, but he cannot fill all four thrones. Prepare the victim.

The DWARF sits EDMUND up and holds him still.
WITCH

I would prefer to do this on the Stone Table. That is where traitors are executed. But this will have to do.

The WITCH produces a great Stone Knife. She slowly approaches EDMUND. EDMUND tries to struggle, but is too exhausted to resist the DWARF’s hold.

Suddenly, a rumble is heard. The Animals from Aslan’s Camp rush on. In a brief struggle, they overwhelm the WITCH and the DWARF and take EDMUND with them. There is a flash of light and a great boom, and in the confusion the WITCH and DWARF escape.

There is a pause, while they consider the outcome.
ANIMAL

We have the Son of Adam!

They cheer. The Animals parade EDMUND around the stage as they unbind him.
SCENE 12
The Lighting grows warmer. When they finish their travel, ASLAN emerges. ASLAN crosses to EDMUND, and the other Animals move away.

LUCY, SUSAN, and PETER enter.
LUCY

Edmund!
The children rush toward EDMUND, but ASLAN turns and stares at them. They are cowed, and back away. ASLAN takes a moment to whisper, inaudibly, with EDMUND. After a moment, ASLAN turns to the children.

ASLAN

Your brother is safe, and there is no need to speak of what is passed.

LUCY

I’m so happy you’re safe!

EDMUND

I’m sorry. Everyone. I’m sorry for what I did. Lucy, I’m sorry for all the horrible things I said. And I’m sorry for…

Before he can continue, EDMUND is embraced by his brother and sisters, silencing him.

The moment doesn’t last, however. A horn is heard, low and scratchy. The Animals make way for a new approach.

The DWARF appears, followed by the SECOND WOLF. Behind them both comes the WHITE WITCH. Everyone gives her a wide berth.
DWARF

Make way! Make way for the Queen of Narnia!

ANIMAL

Queen of Narnia!? Her!?

ASLAN

Peace. All names will be set right soon.

Everyone settles in place. Every is very uncomfortable, except ASLAN and the WITCH.
WITCH

You have a traitor there.

ASLAN

His offense was not against you.

WITCH

It matters not. Have you forgotten the Old Magic?

ASLAN

Let us say that I have forgotten it. What does the Old Magic say?

WITCH

It is written plain as day on the Stone Table. Every traitor belongs to me, and his blood shall be spilt there.

PETER

No!
SUSAN

That can’t be true!
ASLAN

I’m afraid it is.

SUSAN

But there must be something you can do? Something to stop it?

ASLAN

Work against the Deep Magic? That was written at the beginning of time? (silence. Then, to the Witch) Come, we will speak alone.

ASLAN and the WITCH step away.
LUCY

Everything will be all right. It’s the strangest feeling. We’ve only just met him today, but… I feel as if I’ve known him all my life. It feels like he was there, in warm Summer days and lovely books and the best games and cool sleepy nights. When I look at him, I feel that same sensation, that “everything’s all right after all” feeling I’ve had before. But it’s always there with him. It makes me feel like it’s always there, if I can only find it.

ASLAN and the WITCH return.
ASLAN

The Witch has renounced her claim on the Son of Adam’s blood.

A great cheering goes up all around. EDMUND is hugged by his brother and sisters again. Amidst the celebration, the WITCH, the DWARF, and the WOLF make to leave.
WITCH

How do I know that you will keep your promise?

ASLAN turns and offers a horrendous roar, deafening and terrifying. The WITCH, the DWARF, and the WOLF run in terror. After the good animals recover, they cheer some more for EDMUND’s good fortune.
LUCY

Aslan, what did you say? How did you get the Witch to leave Edmund alone?

EDMUND

What did you promise her?

ASLAN

It doesn’t matter now. Peter, remember what I told you. Your wisdom and your courage will be tested every day, and especially tomorrow. The Witch will soon conclude her business here, and when they happens you must gather your army and pursue her. You must cut off her forces before they reach her castle. From there, she could lay waste to all Narnia. You must stop her forces before she reaches her home.

PETER

Her forces?

ASLAN

Yes. She’ll be summoning her army, even now. Ghouls, trolls, goblins, the mushroom folk, evil dwarves, wolves, and all the wicked animals who have lost their way will join her. The ones who have thrived in winter and darkness, and are not anxious to see it end. You must prepare your army to pursue her tomorrow.

PETER

But you’ll be there to help me. Won’t you? Sir?

ASLAN

I cannot promise that. Come with me, and I will advise you on how to handle your army.

Silence. ASLAN exits, followed by PETER. More silence. Everyone disperses.
SCENE 13
Darkness. Low blue Lighting arises, signifying night. ASLAN enters. On his entrance, the Lighting grows warmer, brighter, briefly. Soon, he lowers his head in sorrow, the Darkness returns. ASLAN looks back from where he’s come, then turns to leave.

Before he can go, however, LUCY and SUSAN run onstage after him.
LUCY

Aslan!
SUSAN

Where are you going this late?
ASLAN

I’m sorry children, but I must go.

LUCY

Please! Aslan, please, can we come with you?

ASLAN

I should be very happy of company tonight. Very well. But you must promise to do exactly as I say, and to stop when I tell you. Do you promise?

LUCY and SUSAN

Yes, Aslan.

ASLAN

Then let us go.

The three briefly walk about the stage. As they travel, the Lighting grows dimmer. Far off, drums can be heard, along with some cackling and all manner of evil noises.
LUCY

What is that?

ASLAN

That is where we are going.

SUSAN

Aslan, are you… are you frightened?

ASLAN

I am not frightened, Daughter of Eve. I am sad.

LUCY

Sad? Because of (indicates drums and noises) that?

SUSAN

Are they going to hurt you?

ASLAN

I am not sad because of what will be done to me, Susan. I am sad because of what some will do to themselves. There are people in this world, and in yours as well, so full of hatred that even I do not know how to help them. I wish I did. But they feel so powerless without me, and they draw such horrible strength from that hatred. I wish they knew that power does not make greatness. I wish I could help them. Perhaps I will help some. But tonight I am sad.

LUCY

I’m sorry, Aslan. Can we help you?

ASLAN

Perhaps. Please children, will you bury your hands in my mane? Let us walk that way.

With trepidation and excitement, they put their hands in the Lion’s mane. With that, they slowly walk to the edge of the stage. The drums and noises grow louder.
ASLAN

This is the place. Lucy, Susan, you must stop here. You may look if you must, but you may not want to. Whatever you do, whatever you see, you must not interfere. Do you understand?

LUCY

Yes, Aslan.

SUSAN

We won’t, Aslan.

ASLAN

Thank you, children. For being with me. Good bye.

ASLAN exits. The girls look at each other, then after the Lion. They exit.
SCENE 14
The WITCH enters alone.
WITCH

Come you trolls and goblins! Come, you mushroom folk and bog creatures! Dwarves and wolves and every wicked thing that has thrived by my power! Come tonight and bear witness to my ultimate triumph!

The wicked creatures of Narnia storm on. With them comes the Great Stone Table, CS. The creatures dance and tromp about wildly. Drums are playing. Howls and roars and horrible noise are heard. The Witch’s DWARF is holding a great stone knife.

Suddenly, every noise stops. The wicked creatures all look offstage L, then back away as far USR as they can, bunching up, crawling on each other. The WITCH remains, standing behind the Stone Table.

ASLAN enters. The wicked creatures are audibly terrified. The WITCH does an adequate job of disguising her fear.
WITCH

You have come to honor your word?

ASLAN

I have.
WITCH

Then… let him be bound!
A few creatures approach, bearing ropes. They are extremely hesitant, and none of them wants to be the first to touch ASLAN.
WITCH

Do it! Or I will destroy you myself!
Finally, one of the creatures tosses a rope end to another, and they start wrapping from a distance. As they grow more confident, they bind ASLAN with greater zeal. When ASLAN’s legs are bound, the creatures hop and howl as though they have conquered a great enemy, even though ASLAN is obviously not resisting at all. In time, more creatures approach and bind ASLAN further. They all dance and howl and celebrate their false victory.
WITCH

Wait! Now… let him be shaved.

There is more hesitation. Finally, a great creature appears with a huge knife and slowly approaches the thoroughly-bound Lion. Trembling, the creature reaches out and grabs ASLAN’s mane, then begins cutting. After a short while, the mane is cut through and removed. The creature hoists the shorn mane over its head like a great trophy. There is more dancing and howling, and the mane is dropped behind the Stone Table.
CREATURE

He’s nothing but a big cat!

ANOTHER CREATURE

Does puss-puss want some milk?

ANOTHER CREATURE

Does kitty want a treat?

WITCH

Enough! Place him on the Stone Table.

All fear is gone. The creatures swarm around the giant Lion and, with some difficulty, hoist him up on the Table.

All goes silent. The DWARF approaches and hands the Stone Knife to the WITCH, who accepts it.

The WITCH leans close to ASLAN.
WITCH

This is my victory. You fool. Do you think you have saved the traitor? Or anyone? Once you are dead, my armies will swarm all over Narnia. The Sons of Adam will die. The Daughters of Eve will die. And all your beloved animals will be turned to stone, and the stones broken upon the rocks of my castle. You have sacrificed yourself for nothing. In that knowledge, despair. And die.

The WITCH raises the Knife over her head, then hesitates. Even now, she fears something will reverse her seeming victory. Then, she plunge the Knife downward.

Blackout.

There is deafening Thunder. Flashes of light. The evil creatures howl in terror. When the Lighting returns, they are scattered everywhere.

ASLAN is still and silent.

The WITCH is standing, staring. Despite it all, she seems strangely dissatisfied. Then, she marshals herself.
WITCH

Go! Gather all our forces. We must return to the castle at once to repel the invaders. From there, we will wash out and destroy every being in this world. There is nothing to stop us, now that the Great Cat is dead!

A great chorus of howls and cheers and roars come up. More dancing and howling, and the creatures all rush offstage. The DWARF is left alone with the WITCH. He looks up at her, expecting something, but the WITCH just stares at ASLAN. The DWARF exits after the others. Silence. The WITCH exits.

Silence.

LUCY and SUSAN rush onstage, weeping horribly, and embrace ASLAN.
LUCY

How! How could they do it!?

The girls rest by ASLAN, still crying. As they rest, the Lighting slowly grows warmer. The day is growing closer. Suddenly, the girls start and look behind ASLAN.
SUSAN

Oh! What’s that?

LUCY

Mice! Get off of him!

SUSAN

I don’t think they’re talking mice. Look, they’re chewing at the ropes.

LUCY

Poor things. They don’t know he’s – dead.

The ropes snap and come loose. Silence. The Lighting slowly brightens.
SUSAN

It’s morning. We have to go. We should warn Peter.

LUCY

Aslan warned him. Aslan knew.

SUSAN

We’re not safe here, Lucy. We have to go back.

The girls rise. Very slowly, they start to go.

As they reach the edge of the stage, there is a bright flash, then complete darkness. Then that darkness. A huge cracking sound is heard. Another flash of light. When the Lighting returns, the Stone Table has been cracked in two. ASLAN is gone.
LUCY

Aslan? Aslan!

An enormous, deafening roar is heard. The Lighting grows brighter than ever. From behind the Stone Table, ASLAN emerges. His mane is restored, and he seems more magnificent than ever.
LUCY and SUSAN

Aslan!
The girls rush to ASLAN and embrace him.

SUSAN

We thought the Witch had killed you.

ASLAN

She did, and so the Deep Magic was appeased. But the Witch only knew of the Deep Magic itself, made back when time began. But there is another, Deeper Magic that goes back further still. It says that one an innocent creature, who has never done harm to another, volunteers to die in another’s place, then Time itself will turn backwards, and Death will begin to work against itself. (silence) I am very happy, children, and especially that you are here. But now, you should cover your ears, I feel I am going to roar again.

The girls oblige, and another deafening roar comes from ASLAN.
ASLAN

Thank you, children, for comforting me in my sorrow. But now there is work to be done. We must get to the Witch’s castle and undo her horrible magic. You may ride on my back. Let’s go!

They rush off.
SCENE 15
Drums. PETER enters with EDMUND and the army. On the opposite side, the WITCH enters with the DWARF and her army. One of the Animals produces a sheet of paper and hands it to PETER, who reads.
PETER (reading)

Jadis, White Witch, for crimes against Narnia and her peoples, for the use of harmful magics against innocent creatures, for the abuse of your power and the usurpation of the Throne, you are hereby arrested. Surrender at once into our custody, or be prepared to defend your crimes and yourself in open combat.

WITCH

Insolent boy! The Great Cat is dead. You think that because these beasts have cut me off from my castle that you now have the right to command me? You are a child, and a treacherous child stands beside you. You will surrender at once your crown to me, or you will all be destroyed.

PETER

You have heard our terms. If you will not surrender, then I shall meet you on the field of battle.

WITCH

How noble. You will be squealing like a baby within a minute. I hope you survive long enough for me to destroy you myself. Come!

The WITCH and her army withdraw.
EDMUND

Well… Here we go.

PETER

Well, well…

PETER and his army withdraw.

Horns blast out.

The two armies march on, PETER and EDMUND at the front of theirs. The fighting continues, both sides evenly matched, until the WITCH appears. She uses her golden scepter to petrify many victims. EDMUND spies this and rushes toward her.

EDMUND attacks the scepter and destroys it, but the WITCH runs him through with her Stone Knife. The battle overwhelms them, and the armies scatter and exit.
SCENE 16
Dim Lighting. Blue Lights come up on several statues, including the stone Lion. Nearby, TUMNUS can be seen, also stone. A Roar is heard.

ASLAN enters, followed by LUCY and SUSAN.
LUCY

Look at them all…

ASLAN approaches the Lion and breathes upon him. Slowly, the Lion begins to move again.
LION

(Yawning and stretching) Oh my, what a sleep! What… Is that… Aslan?

ASLAN breathes on TUMNUS, who slowly begins to move again.
TUMNUS

I can move! I thought… Aslan!

TUMNUS kneels before ASLAN, as does the Lion. ASLAN continues to breathe on statues, and each one starts to move again.
LUCY

Mr. Tumnus!

LUCY rushes in and hugs TUMNUS, who returns the embrace.
TUMNUS

Lucy! You’re all right!

LUCY

And so are you, now!

ASLAN

Come! We must search the entire castle. Every nook and cranny. There’s no telling where statues may be. Once we are all free, we must hurry and join the battle that is even now being fought. Hurry!

Everyone rushes offstage.
SCENE 17
PETER’s army rushes on and meets the WITCH’s army. EDMUND is not present. In the swarming battle, PETER meets the WITCH and they fight. It looks as though PETER and his army will be overwhelmed.

Then, suddenly, a deafening roar is heard. Everyone freezes. They look off SL. ASLAN rushes on and pounces on the WITCH.
DWARF

Aslan! Run!

All the wicked creatures retreat. ASLAN, PETER, and the army pursue them off.

LUCY and SUSAN enter.
LUCY

Edmund! Where is Edmund?

Two Animals come on, bearing the wounded EDMUND. PETER enters after them.
PETER

It was Edmund who saved us. The Witch was turning everyone to stone, but he charged in and destroyed her scepter. Without that, I don’t know what might have happened.

LUCY produces her crystal cordial and pours a single drop into EDMUND’s mouth. He instantly comes to his senses and starts breathing easier.
EDMUND

Lucy? Where have you been? What’s happened?

LUCY

Aslan’s back!

EDMUND

Back?
SUSAN

(shushes Lucy, then to Edmund) He’s taken care of the Witch, and everyone’s running now.
ASLAN enters.
ASLAN

Lucy. There are others who are injured, on the point of death. They will need your help.

LUCY

Oh Aslan, please let me stay.

ASLAN

Lucy. Must more die for Edmund’s sake?

EDMUND

Go. Please.

LUCY exits. The Animals bring EDMUND offstage.
ASLAN

Peter. Do you now feel that you are ready to rule a kingdom?

PETER

Not at all, Sir.

ASLAN

Wise again. Your courage will try to blunt your wisdom, and your wisdom will try to weaken your courage. Always watch them both. Closely.