Narnian Centaurs facts for kids
Centaurs in Narnia are amazing creatures! They are half-horse and half-human, just like in old Greek stories. But Narnian centaurs are always good and wise. They are very different from most centaurs in Greek myths, who were often wild and troublesome.
In Narnia, centaurs are known for being wise prophets. This means they can see the future. They are also loyal friends and powerful warriors. They are super skilled at astronomy, which is studying stars and planets. They can read the stars to predict what will happen. Centaurs are also good fighters and even healers.
People in Narnia say you would never laugh at a centaur. And no one who cared about their life would ever try to put a saddle on one! Centaurs also have two stomachs: one human and one horse. This means they eat a lot of both human and horse food!
The Narnian centaurs are based on a special Greek centaur named Chiron. Unlike other Greek centaurs, Chiron was noble, wise, and powerful. Many centaurs in modern stories are also inspired by him.
In the Narnia books, only three centaurs are named:
- Glenstorm in Prince Caspian
- Cloudbirth in The Silver Chair
- Roonwit in The Last Battle
Other unnamed centaurs appear too. One makes a prophecy in The Horse and His Boy. Two others let Jill and Eustace ride them in The Silver Chair. The centaur Oreius is named in the 2005 film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. But he is not named in the book.
Contents
The Centaur at Cor's Birth
In The Horse and His Boy, we learn about an unnamed centaur. This centaur was a prophet, like many centaurs are. When Shasta (who was really Prince Cor) and his brother were babies, they were taken to this wise old centaur in Narnia to be blessed.
The centaur made a special prediction. He said that one day, Cor would save Archenland from its greatest danger. To stop this, a bad courtier kidnapped baby Cor. But this act actually helped the prophecy come true later! This story shows how wise and prophetic centaurs are.
Glenstorm: The Brave Warrior and Prophet
Glenstorm is an important centaur in Prince Caspian. He is a strong, serious, and noble warrior. When he gallops, the ground shakes! He has a broad chest and a long, golden beard.
Glenstorm is a prophet and a star-gazer. He knows what is going to happen. When he first meets Caspian, he immediately says, "Long live the King! My sons and I are ready for war." Caspian wasn't planning to fight yet. But Glenstorm's serious words set things in motion.
Glenstorm explains that the stars, Tarva and Alambil (Narnian planets for victory and peace), show that the time is right for war. He believes that a "son of Adam" (Caspian) has come to rule. This shows Glenstorm's great wisdom and foresight. He knows the right time for action. He is also very loyal to Caspian, seeing him as the true King. Glenstorm is brave and can inspire others. Even when Caspian's followers are not ready, Glenstorm knows it's time to prepare for battle.
Glenstorm also gives smart advice during war councils. He supports Caspian in holding a war council right away. When Miraz's army is close, Glenstorm advises against rushing into battle. He says, "Those who run first do not always run last." He suggests finding a strong place to fight. This shows his wisdom and ability to think ahead, making him a valuable advisor.
Cloudbirth: The Famous Healer
Cloudbirth appears briefly in The Silver Chair. He is known as "a famous healer." He comes to check on Puddleglum's injured foot. Cloudbirth is not shown as a prophet. But he is wise and knowledgeable, especially about medicine. This fits the centaur trait of being wise and learned.
Unnamed Centaurs: A Special Ride
In the last chapter of The Silver Chair, two unnamed centaurs offer Jill Pole and Eustace Scrubb a ride across Narnia. This is a very special honor! Centaurs are so grand that no one would ever think of riding them. And you would never try to put a saddle on them. So, Jill and Eustace ride bareback.
These centaurs are very polite and grown-up. As they travel, they teach the children many things. They talk about plants, the planets, and the nine names of Aslan. They are like wise scholars who know all sorts of things.
Roonwit: The Truth-Teller
Roonwit appears in The Last Battle. Like Glenstorm, he is a star-gazer and prophet. While Narnia is celebrating what they think is Aslan's return, Roonwit tells King Tirian that something bad is happening.
He tells Tirian, "Never in all my days have I seen such terrible things written in the skies." He explains that the stars do not show Aslan's return or peace. Instead, they show great evil. Roonwit trusts the stars because they "never lie." He knows that people and beasts can be mistaken or lie. He stands for the truth, even when everyone else believes a lie.
Roonwit is wise and patient. When Tirian wants to act quickly in anger, Roonwit warns him to be careful. He says they are too few to fight rebels right away. He advises waiting. Even though Tirian ignores his advice, Roonwit remains loyal. He follows Tirian's orders to get help from Cair Paravel. Sadly, Roonwit is killed on this mission.
Even as he is dying, Roonwit offers wise words. He tells Farsight the Eagle to remind the King that "noble death is a treasure." Roonwit always stands for truth and justice, showing the true spirit of a centaur prophet and philosopher.
