Queen Jadis: The Dark Influence of the White Witch in Narnia

Queen Jadis, the White Witch of Narnia, is a complex and deeply influential character in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Her motives and actions in the Battle of Beruna are intriguing, reflecting themes of desire for power, confidence in abilities, and the struggle between good and evil.

Desire for Power

Jadis is driven by a deep-seated need to maintain her control over Narnia. In her quest for absolute dominion, she participates in battles to eliminate any threats to her rule, particularly Aslan and the Pevensie siblings, who represent hope and change for the oppressed inhabitants of Narnia. This desire for power is evident in her relentless pursuit of victory and her willingness to engage in the Battle of Beruna.

Confidence in Her Abilities

Jadis is overconfident in her magical powers and combat skills, a trait that significantly impacts her decisions. She believes that her strength and cunning will allow her to defeat her enemies, underestimating the resolve and unity of Aslan's forces. Her confidence is so high that she may underestimate the potential dangers, as shown in instances where she faces personal risks. This overconfidence is one of the key hallmarks of her character.

Symbol of Fear

The White Witch embodies fear and tyranny in Narnia. By participating in battles, she reinforces her image as a powerful and ruthless leader, intimidating her enemies. Her presence serves to show that she is not afraid to face them directly. This role is crucial in setting the tone for the conflict and emphasizing the theme of evil.

Desperation

As the battle progresses and the tide turns against her, Jadis may feel a sense of desperation. Facing potential defeat, she might believe that personal involvement in the battle is necessary to secure her survival and dominance. This desperation highlights the precarious nature of her position and the intensity of the struggle for power.

Narrative Role

From a storytelling perspective, Jadis's participation in the battle heightens the stakes of the conflict. Her dramatic confrontation with Aslan is essential for the resolution of the story and the themes of good versus evil. This role is multifaceted, providing depth and complexity to the narrative.

Background and Motives

The motivation behind Queen Jadis's decision to engage in the battle is nuanced. C.S. Lewis does not provide direct insight into her inner thoughts, but speculations based on her actions and the context of the Narnian series offer valuable insights.

Since Jadis did not participate in the final battle for Charn on her homeworld before speaking the Deplorable Word, it's interesting to consider what changed. In the time since her initial defeat in Charn, she has grown in experience, living, and ruling for a long time. She has also just killed Aslan, her seemingly invincible rival on the Stone Table, riding high with unprecedented power. Her confidence and desire for control are further amplified.

Because she had previously overseen battles from a safe distance, her decision to enter the fray at the Battle of Beruna demonstrates her extreme confidence and hubris. She underestimates the risks, believing the battle to be an easy win. For example, consider her speech to her allies in Chapter 15 of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: 'Now! Follow me all and we will set about what remains of this war! It will not take us long to crush the human vermin and the traitors now that the great Fool the great Cat lies dead.'

Despite the potential risks, her reckless confidence and commitment to maintaining her power in Narnia likely drove her to take personal risks in battle.

In conclusion, Queen Jadis's decision to engage in the battle is a reflection of her character's hubris, her deep-seated desire for power, and the thematic elements of the narrative surrounding the struggle between good and evil. Her actions and motivations are complex and multifaceted, providing rich material for analysis and appreciation of the Narnian series.