Every Chronicles of Narnia Book Hero Ranked: Who Rises Above the Rest?
A New Narnia Spotlight
Greta Gerwig’s upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ series has brought Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer to wider attention. David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell portray the pair, who lead The Magician’s Nephew.
That story is the series’ first chronologically, though it was published last. Its focus offers a departure from the Pevensie siblings and draws attention to a Narnia hero who is often overlooked.
Tirian’s Difficult Finale
In The Last Battle, King Tirian’s story competes with the larger events surrounding Narnia’s end and the question of who may enter Aslan’s kingdom. Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole take focus, followed by most of the Pevensie siblings, leaving Tirian less prominent.
Tirian is the only hero described here whose trials begin after he becomes monarch. He represents the pressures of ruling and holding to one’s morals, but his record includes killing two unarmed Calormene soldiers in anger over the Talking Trees. His courage at the battle of Stable Hill, and his companion Jewel the Unicorn, remain notable.
Digory’s World-Changing Choice
Readers first encounter Digory as the Professor who houses the Pevensies during the Blitz. In The Magician’s Nephew, he is a prideful, curious boy who uses his uncle’s magical rings to travel between worlds with Polly.
The two visit Charn, where Digory awakens Queen Jadis. She follows them to London, then reaches the newly created Narnia after Digory takes her there. In doing so, he brings evil into the world, setting events in motion for the books that follow.
More Heroes Await Discovery
The books each have a different main character, though some share the spotlight. Lucy Pevensie is widely loved, while her cousin Eustace—who is turned into a dragon—may be less readily remembered.
Netflix’s purchase of rights to all seven books could introduce audiences to more of Narnia’s protagonists. The available discussion names Tirian and Digory, but does not include enough information to establish the complete ranking.
Key points
- Each Narnia book has a different central hero, though some protagonists share the spotlight.
- Tirian’s story is overshadowed by the events of The Last Battle.
- Digory’s actions allow Queen Jadis to enter the newly created Narnia.
- Netflix holds the rights to all seven Narnia books.