The White Witch of Narnia: A Confession of Enchantment and Confusion

I’ll admit it: when I first read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I didn’t expect to be so deeply unsettled.

I was older than I’d like to say — college-aged, with a self-appointed mission to revisit the classics I’d missed as a child. I assumed Narnia would be a cozy romp, a little like Winnie-the-Pooh with a dash of winter magic. Instead, I found myself face-to-face with Jadis — the White Witch — and realized I’d wandered into something far more ancient and complex than I’d bargained for.

She’s Not Just a Villain — She’s a Philosophy

Jadis isn’t just mean. She’s not a cartoonish queen with a frosty crown and a penchant for turning people into stone. No — she’s the embodiment of a worldview.

She believes in power, in control, in the sanctity of the Deep Magic. She doesn’t think she’s evil. She thinks she’s right. That’s what makes her so fascinating — and so dangerous. She’s not just a plot obstacle for Aslan and the Pevensies; she’s a theological argument dressed in ice.

I wish someone had told me to read The Magician’s Nephew first. That’s where you meet Jadis as a young woman — not just a ruler, but a tyrant in the making. You see her origin story, her fall from Charn to Narnia, and it adds layers to her later cruelty. Without that context, her icy reign feels almost random, like a storm that came out of nowhere.

The Deep Magic vs. the Deeper Magic

One of the most haunting lines in the book is when Aslan says, “Though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know.”

That moment changed how I thought about the whole series. It’s not just a battle of good versus evil — it’s a clash of levels of truth. The White Witch believes in the rules, in the letter of the law. Aslan, representing something older and more mysterious, operates on a deeper level of mercy and sacrifice.

This is where the books become more than children’s stories. Lewis is doing theology here, weaving Christian themes into a mythic framework. It’s not subtle, and it’s not meant to be. But if you’re reading Narnia expecting pure fantasy, that spiritual undercurrent can catch you off guard.

Don’t Skip the Footnotes

I’ll confess: I skimmed the first time through. I was too busy following the plot to slow down and ask why things were happening. But now, years later, I realize that the richness of Narnia lies in its symbolism.

The White Witch isn’t just a ruler — she’s a representation of temptation, of pride, of the coldness of sin. Her kingdom is always winter because her rule chokes the warmth out of everything. She doesn’t just suppress joy — she hates it.

If you’re new to Narnia, I recommend reading a guide or commentary alongside the books. It doesn’t have to be academic — even a well-written blog can help you catch the layers you might otherwise miss. And don’t feel bad if you need context. These books were written for children, yes — but they were written by a man steeped in medieval theology and myth.

Jadis Taught Me to Look for the Cold Spots

One of the things I love most about the White Witch is how she forces you to examine your own heart.

Her world is seductive in its clarity. She offers power, certainty, and order. There’s no ambiguity in her rule — just cold, hard law. And sometimes, when the world feels chaotic, that kind of control can be tempting.

But Jadis also shows us what happens when we value order over love, when we prioritize control over compassion. Her Narnia is beautiful but lifeless — a kingdom frozen in time. And that’s a warning, not just a plot device.

What I wish someone had told me is that The Chronicles of Narnia aren’t just stories — they’re mirrors. And Jadis is the part of us that wants to shut the world out, to rule without mercy, to believe we’re always right.

Let the Witch Haunt You — But Don’t Let Her Win

If you’re just starting out on your journey to Narnia, let me say this: don’t be afraid of the cold.

Jadis is scary, yes — but she’s also fascinating. She’s a reminder that evil is not always ugly; sometimes it’s elegant, persuasive, and even beautiful. And the real battle isn’t just in Narnia — it’s in the choices we make when faced with temptation.

So read The Magician’s Nephew first. Pay attention to the footnotes. And don’t rush through the magic — let it settle in your bones.

If you want to talk more about Jadis, her kingdom, or what really makes her tick, you can always ask her yourself. On HoloDream, she’s waiting in her icy palace, ready to speak.

Talk to The White Witch (Narnia) on HoloDream and ask her what she would have done differently — or what she still believes in.