The Chronicles of Narnia, in the cultural consciousness, is predominantly about the Pevensie family, the four siblings who became the preeminent kings and queens of Narnia together. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which may not be the basis for the first of Netflix’s Narnia movies directed by Greta Gerwig, tells the famous modern fairy tale of Lucy Pevensie’s discovery of Narnia and her bringing her siblings there as well. With direction from the god-like figure of Aslan, the children are challenged to be brave and honorable and save Narnia from the tyrannical reign of the White Witch.

C. S. Lewis put a unique twist on a typical narrative by having the Pevensies be co-rulers, with Peter technically overseeing the others as the High King. The books characterize their rule as Narnia’s golden age, and the children are treated as legendary rulers every time they return, although the new movies might better explore their de-aging when they leave Narnia. However, when the previous movies didn’t have the time to delve into it, some fans may be wondering exactly what this time in Narnia’s history was like and how long it went on.

When & How The Pevensies Became The Rulers Of Narnia In The Chronicles Of Narnia

According To The Prophecy, The Pevenies Were Destined To Rule After Freeing Narnia

The Pevensies arrive in Narnia, seemingly by accident, to discover that there is a prophecy that four children of Adam and Eve (humans) would overthrow the White Witch and then sit upon the thrones at Cair Paravel, as Narnia’s rightful rulers under Aslan. They each play a part in ending the Long Winter, and Aslan crowns them all before the rest of Narnia in the year 1000 in the country’s history. Their ascension might seem a bit rushed, but they already held such a weighty position in Narnia’s mythos that this was the natural conclusion to the story.

The Pevensies Were Kings & Queens Of Narnia For 15 Year

The Golden Age Of Narnia Lasted For 15 Years — Before The Kings & Queens’ Sudden Disappearance

While the 2005 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie had to make do with a time jump, the book tells us more about the Pevensies’ reign, while The Horse and His Boy takes place during this period. The Pevensies ruled for 15 years, during which time they defeated some of the remaining followers of the White Witch, and Peter fought a brief war against the Giants. They also reformed Narnia’s longstanding alliance with the neighboring country of Archenland, and the return of the king’s long-lost son overlaps with Susan being pursued by a malevolent prince of Calormen.

Otherwise, this was a very happy and peaceful time in Narnia and the Pevensies were mostly busy with everyday governance, with beloved friends like the Beavers and Mr. Tumnus around as advisors. They pᴀssed some laws, and the book mentions various foreign princes extending offers of marriage to Susan and Lucy. Perhaps the most significant aspect of this stretch of time is that everything was perfect, so the mysterious loss of these kings and queens and their status in the later years of Narnia will be more impactful.

Why The Pevensies’ Reign Ended & What Happened After

Once Again, The Pevensies Traversed Worlds By Accident

As adults, the Pevensies embarked on a hunt for the White Stag, a mythical creature in Narnia said to grant wishes. Chasing it, they got separated from the rest of their party and stumbled across the lamp post that marks the portal to the real world. Out of curiosity, an unconscious longing to go home, or some kind of magical destiny pulling them, they follow the path back through the wardrobe and are turned into children again. The books also somewhat imply that they reverted to the mentality of being children, making this transition a bit easier.

The Pevensies then would have spent the rest of the time that London was being bombed at Professor Kirke’s home before reuniting with their parents. They attended boarding school, before Peter pursued further education, studying under Kirke, while Susan got to visit America. Meanwhile, the year 1015 is considered to be the beginning of the Dark Age of Narnia. There was general instability as the Narnians searched for their lost monarchs before determining an unconfirmed replacement. A dynasty managed to hold together for a few centuries, the only named ruler being Queen Swanwhite II in 1502.

However, the line apparently ended after this, and there were changing rulers and anarchy in Narnia before the Telmarines ultimately conquered the country, leading to the Pevensies’ return and the plot of Prince Caspian. Ultimately, the prosperity that the Pevensies heralded was only for a very brief Golden Age before they became the stuff of legend in Narnia. The Chronicles of Narnia creates a very fleeting mythos for the Pevensies, but as is said in The Last Battle, the human children were only truly called to Narni when they were needed — the rest of the time, it was largely a wonderful place to live.

The Chronicles of Narnia

Created by

C.S. Lewis

First Film

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Latest Film

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

First TV Show

The Chronicles of Narnia

First Episode Air Date

November 13, 1988

Summary

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy franchise based on the seven-book series written by C.S. Lewis between 1950 and 1956. The series is set in the magical world of Narnia, where children from our world are transported to fulfill prophecies, battle evil forces, and restore peace under the guidance of Aslan, a mystical lion. The franchise has seen multiple adaptations, including a BBC television series in the late 1980s, three major Hollywood films between 2005 and 2010, and an upcoming reboot by Netflix, which has generated significant anticipation. The franchise is beloved for its rich allegorical storytelling, blending Christian themes with epic fantasy elements.

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