The Last Battle – Summary
“The Last Battle” is the seventh and final book in C. S. Lewis’s beloved Chronicles of Narnia series. Set approximately 200 Narnian years after the events of “The Silver Chair”, the story unfolds in the western regions of Narnia, where a clever and greedy ape named Shift manipulates a naive donkey called Puzzle into wearing a lion’s skin. Shift introduces Puzzle to the Narnians as the Great Lion Aslan, using this deception to gain power and wealth.
As Shift’s influence grows, he aligns with the Calormenes, led by Rishda Tarkaan, claiming that Aslan and the Calormene god Tash are one and the same. This false deity, dubbed “Tashlan”, is used to manipulate the Narnians into cutting down trees and submitting to Calormene rule. Those who question Shift’s authority are sent into a stable where “Tashlan” supposedly resides, only to be secretly murdered.
King Tirian, a descendant of Caspian X, learns of these events and attempts to confront the imposters. However, he is captured and tied to a tree. In his desperation, Tirian calls upon Aslan for help, leading to the arrival of Jill Pole and Eustace Scrubb from Earth. Together with a small band of loyal Narnians, including Jewel the Unicorn and Poggin the Dwarf, they set out to expose Shift’s deception and save Narnia.
The situation quickly deteriorates as news arrives that the Calormenes have massacred the Narnian army and taken Cair Paravel. Tirian and his companions engage in a final battle against Shift and the Calormenes, but they are vastly outnumbered. The conflict culminates in a confrontation at the stable, where the true nature of Tash is revealed, and the real Aslan appears.
As the battle concludes, Aslan brings about the end of the Narnian world. The characters find themselves in Aslan’s country, a paradise that represents the true Narnia. Here, they are reunited with characters from previous books in the series, including the Pevensie siblings (except for Susan, who has stopped believing in Narnia).
The story ends with the revelation that their adventures in Narnia were just the beginning of their real story in Aslan’s eternal kingdom.
Key themes:
- Faith and doubt
- Good versus evil
- Deception and truth
- Loyalty and betrayal
- The nature of belief and scepticism
- The end of times and afterlife
Character Details
King Tirian
King Tirian is the last monarch of Narnia, a descendant of the legendary King Caspian X. He is a brave and noble ruler, deeply committed to the welfare of his subjects and the principles of Old Narnia. Tirian is characterised by his strong sense of justice and his unwavering faith in Aslan. When faced with the deception orchestrated by Shift and the Calormenes, Tirian doesn’t hesitate to take action, even at great personal risk. His initial rash behaviour, which leads to his capture, is balanced by his humility and willingness to admit his mistakes. Throughout the story, Tirian demonstrates leadership, courage and adaptability as he fights to save Narnia from its enemies. His loyalty to Aslan and Narnia remains unshaken even in the face of overwhelming odds, making him a true hero in Narnia’s darkest hour.
Shift
Shift is the primary antagonist of the story, an old ape whose greed and cunning set the tragic events of the book in motion. Intelligent but morally corrupt, Shift manipulates those around him, particularly his naive friend Puzzle, to gain power and wealth. He creates the false Aslan deception, aligning with the Calormenes to exploit the Narnians. Shift’s character embodies the dangers of selfishness, lies and the corruption of power. As the story progresses, his actions become increasingly destructive, leading to the downfall of Narnia. Shift’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others.
Puzzle
Puzzle is a well-meaning but simple-minded donkey who becomes an unwitting accomplice in Shift’s schemes. His naivety and desire to please others make him easily manipulated by Shift into wearing a lion’s skin and posing as Aslan. Puzzle’s character arc involves a journey from blind obedience to understanding the gravity of his actions. As he realises the extent of the deception he’s been part of, Puzzle shows courage in admitting his mistakes and joining Tirian’s side. His character highlights themes of redemption and the importance of thinking critically rather than blindly following others.
Jill Pole
Jill Pole is one of the human children from our world who comes to Narnia’s aid in its time of need. Having previously appeared in “The Silver Chair”, Jill returns as a more confident and capable character. She demonstrates bravery, resourcefulness and a strong moral compass throughout the story. Jill’s skills, particularly her archery, prove invaluable in the final battle. Her unwavering faith in Aslan and her commitment to helping Narnia, even in its darkest hour, make her a crucial ally to King Tirian.
Eustace Scrubb
Eustace Scrubb, another returning character from previous Narnia adventures, arrives in Narnia alongside Jill. His character has evolved significantly since his first appearance in “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, showing growth in courage, loyalty and wisdom. Eustace’s experiences in Narnia have shaped him into a staunch defender of the realm. He provides both moral support and practical assistance to King Tirian, fighting bravely in the final battle. Eustace’s transformation from a once-selfish boy to a noble defender of Narnia is a testament to the series’ themes of personal growth and redemption.
Jewel the Unicorn
Jewel is King Tirian’s loyal friend and retainer, embodying the nobility and purity often associated with unicorns in mythology. He is brave, wise and utterly devoted to Tirian and the ideals of Old Narnia. Jewel’s unwavering faith in Aslan and his ability to distinguish truth from lies make him a valuable ally in the fight against the false Aslan. His character represents the enduring spirit of true Narnia in the face of corruption and deceit.
Rishda Tarkaan
Rishda Tarkaan is the Calormene captain who leads the invasion of Narnia. He is cunning, ambitious and ruthless in his pursuit of power. While initially aligned with Shift in the “Tashlan” deception, Rishda’s true allegiance is to himself and his own advancement. His character represents the threat of external conquest and the dangers of political manipulation. Rishda’s fate at the hands of the real Tash serves as a dramatic illustration of the consequences of deceit and false worship.
Reader Fit
“The Last Battle” would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy literature with deep philosophical and theological undertones. Fans of the previous Narnia books will find this a fitting, if bittersweet, conclusion to the series.
The book is particularly suitable for those interested in exploring themes of faith, morality and the nature of reality through allegory. While written for children, its complex themes and sometimes dark tone make it equally engaging for adult readers, especially those who appreciate Christian symbolism in literature.
Readers who enjoy stories that blend adventure with profound questions about life, death and the afterlife will find much to ponder in this book.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Children’s fantasy, Christian allegory
- Publication Year: 1956
- Reading Time Estimate: 4-6 hours
- Notable Awards: Carnegie Medal (1956)
Related Books
- “The Magician’s Nephew” by C. S. Lewis (the first book chronologically in the Narnia series)
- “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien (another classic fantasy series with Christian themes)
- “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman (a fantasy series that explores similar themes from a different perspective)
Buy the Book
Embark on the final adventure in C. S. Lewis’s beloved Narnia series. “The Last Battle” offers a profound exploration of faith, loyalty and the nature of reality, all wrapped in a thrilling fantasy narrative.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Narnia or new to the series, this book promises to challenge, inspire and leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss your chance to experience this timeless classic – get your copy today and discover why generations of readers have been captivated by the world of Narnia.
