Aslan Returns, Part II: Lucy

For all the threats, fears and doubts that harass Susan and Peter, Edmund and Lucy have few. For all the responsibility Edmund picks up, Lucy carries little. But it is not because she is the youngest. I think her siblings learned that lesson last time. Instead, it is because of her faith.

Lucy, in a way, is the most static character in the series. While she does have the child-like faith that Aslan knows exactly what he's doing and will, in his own way, fix everything, she rarely feels challenged in her faith.

As the younger of the two Pevensie girls, Lucy serves as an open ear to Susan's doubts and fears. When Susan wonders why Aslan is not appearing, or if he even exists anymore, Lucy is quite confident that Aslan will appear, and will set everything right. When Susan continues to question, Lucy points out that "maybe he wants us to prove ourselves to him, first." This seems to be an encouragement to Susan, who promptly rolls over and goes to sleep. Lucy, on the other hand, has her first encounter with Aslan, which has a very dreamlike quality to it. While it seems real, when Aslan she and Aslan begin to speak, she suddenly wakes up, once again. It is upon her going to investigate, and Peter following her, that they discover the Narnians. But if her dream was a dream or not is for us to decide, as she and Aslan have a nearly identical conversation in a nearly identical setting later on.

Other than that, Lucy plays a very minor roll among the Pevensies, until the duel, in which, to note, Peter's shoulder is dislocated, whereas in the book he sprains his wrist. But Lucy is not there. She has gone into the woods. The original intent of Lucy's departure is undefined, but it seems she is going to get help. Whether she is looking for Aslan or not is unclear, but, she finds him, after an extended chase in the woods, that includes the famous picture of Susan and Caspian on a horse together.

Then the Lion roars, the trees awake, and Lucy sets to work beside Aslan. Her faith never falters, she never stops and looks back. She only asks Aslan for more courage.

And she is a lioness.