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[Said Emeth,] 'And this is the marvel of marvels, that he [Aslan] called me Beloved, me who am but as a dog - ' - 'Eh? What's that?' said one of the Dogs. [...] - 'He doesn't mean any harm,' said an older Dog. 'After all, we call our puppies Boys when they don't behave properly.' - 'So we do,' said the first Dog. 'Or girls.' - 'S-s-sh!' said the Old Dog. 'That's not a nice word to use. Remember where you are.' (ch. 15)

C. S. Lewis#160

FaithFantasyHumilityHumorNarniaDevotionDivine

About this quote

What does it mean?
Emeth feels honored by Aslan's affection, while dogs joke about puppy behavior.
In plain terms
Emeth is loved by Aslan, and dogs joke about boys and girls.
What can you take from it?
Humility and humor coexist in sacred spaces.

Where it applies

  • reading fiction
  • discussing loyalty
  • reflecting on faith

Putting it to work

  • accept love freely
  • balance reverence and humor

Questions to consider

  • How is humility rewarded?
  • Can humor serve faith?

Another view

The humor trivializes the holy moment slightly.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. 'Sir,' said Peter, 'I do not know whether you are my friend or my foe, but I should count it to my honour to have you for either. Has not one of the poets said…

    Permalink to quote #159
  2. 'Perhaps you will get some idea of it if you think like this. You may have been in a room in which there was a window that looked out on a lovely bay of the se…

    Permalink to quote #161
  3. [Aslan speaking,] He went to the door and they all followed him. He raised his head and roared, 'Now it is time!' then louder, 'Time!'; then so loud that is co…

    Permalink to quote #158

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