By Always Narnian
C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia series has captivated readers for generations, and among its memorable characters, King Peter, the High King of Narnia, stands out. Portrayed in film adaptations of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian by William Moseley, Peter Pevensie is seen as a noble leader. But how faithfully do these films represent the literary Peter? Let’s delve into a character comparison of King Peter Narnia as depicted in the books versus the movies.
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, both the book and film versions of Peter establish him as the eldest Pevensie sibling, naturally stepping into a fatherly role, particularly for Lucy. The book Peter is characterized by humility, responsibility, and wisdom beyond his years. This is evident when Peter quickly apologizes to Lucy after initially dismissing her Narnia claims, showcasing his willingness to admit fault. Similarly, both book and film Peter take responsibility for Edmund’s betrayal. In the book, Peter says to Aslan, “That was partly my fault, Aslan. I was angry with him and I think that helped him to go wrong.” The film slightly alters this to, “It’s my fault, really. I was too hard on him,” but the core message of Peter’s accountability remains. His protective nature towards his siblings is also consistent across both mediums. The film Peter’s consideration of sending his siblings back to England, stating, “I promised Mum I’d keep you three safe,” echoes his book counterpart’s deep sense of responsibility for their well-being. For the most part, Peter’s foundational traits of heroism, honor, and humility are well-maintained from page to screen in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
King Peter and his siblings first enter Narnia in film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
However, Prince Caspian reveals more nuanced differences between the book and film portrayals of King Peter Narnia. A central theme in the Prince Caspian book is the testing of faith, even for someone as steadfast as Peter. Despite his past experiences with Aslan, Peter grapples with doubt when Lucy insists she has seen Aslan again. His internal conflict is apparent: “I know Lucy may be right after all, but I can’t help it. We must do one or the other.” This internal struggle, highlighting Peter’s realistic yet faith-questioning nature, is somewhat diminished in the film. While the film Peter expresses a desire for proof, telling Lucy, “You’re lucky, you know…To have seen him. I wish he’d just given me some sort of proof,” the depth of his internal debate about faith isn’t as pronounced as in the book. The book Peter’s eventual apology to Aslan, “Oh, Aslan,…I’m so glad. And I’m so sorry. I’ve been leading them wrong ever since we started and especially yesterday morning,” further emphasizes his humility and recognition of his fallibility in faith, a scene absent in the movie.
The film adaptation of Prince Caspian also presents a Peter grappling with discontent and pride, traits less emphasized in the book version of King Peter Narnia. The film Peter is visibly frustrated with his return to ordinary life in England, longing for his former kingship. This frustration manifests as irritability and even anger towards Caspian. While the book Peter is initially cautious about Caspian’s claim, advising him, “I haven’t come to take your place, you know, but to put you into it,” the film portrays a more competitive dynamic. Peter’s line in the movie, “Your first mistake was thinking you could lead these people,” delivered during an argument with Caspian, reveals a sense of rivalry absent in the book. The film Peter’s confidence also veers into rashness. During the castle raid, his impulsive decision to press on, declaring, “No, I can still do this!” despite the risks, leads to significant Narnian losses. This contrasts with the book Peter, whose confidence is rooted in faith in Aslan’s ultimate intervention, not in his own power. The book states, “Aslan and the girls… are somewhere close. We don’t know when he will act. In his time, no doubt, not ours. In the meantime he would like us to do what we can on our own.” This difference highlights a key divergence: the film Peter occasionally displays pride and impetuosity, while the book Peter consistently embodies humility and considered leadership, trusting in Aslan’s plan.
In conclusion, while the films capture the heroic and responsible aspects of King Peter Narnia, particularly in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, they diverge somewhat in Prince Caspian. The book Peter maintains a stronger emphasis on humility, faith, and thoughtful leadership, while the film Peter, especially in Prince Caspian, is depicted with more visible flaws like pride and impatience. Both interpretations offer valuable perspectives on this iconic character, prompting fans to consider which portrayal best embodies the High King they envision from C.S. Lewis’s beloved series. What are your thoughts on the cinematic versus literary King Peter? Share your opinions in the comments below!
