#archenland

[lenoreamidala]

the world of narnia + countries/territories (pt. 1)

[fairmerthefarmer]

It’s my headcanon that pretty much any human population in Narnia and the surrounding lands come from people falling through various portals from this world like the telmarines did. And depending where they’re from and where they end up the cultures become a bit of a mishmash and their own thing.

It’d also be cool if others came from some of the other worlds implied to exist in the wood between the worlds but that’s a bigger concept and harder to latch onto.

In my head archenland is maybe at least half Irish or Scottish. Don’t know which one.

[mary-maud]

For this is what it means to be a king: to be first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat, and when there's hunger in the land (as must be now and then in bad years) to wear finer clothes and laugh louder over a scantier meal than any man in your land.

C. S. Lewis, The Horse and his Boy

[herbirdglitter]

My favorite narnia fun fact is that Prince Caspian is canonically a person of color in the books and that between he and Aravis, they’ve ensured that at least the next few generations of rulers in both narnia and Archenland are as well.

And probably more than a few in narnia because tons of Telmarines stayed behind and they’re all or mostly people of color too

So slay

[rainintheevening]

Envoys to Archenland

Rumours and stories had already come trickling and flying over the passes to Anvard, mostly through the Narnians who had once fled the Witch’s winter.

But still it was a surprise when a page came into breakfast with a letter of introduction from:

"Sir Renard and the raven Carrisol, Envoys of Their Majesties the Kings and Queens of Narnia."

King Lune raised his eyebrows at his wife. "Kings and queens? Whatever can they mean?"

"What sort of person is this Sir Renard?" Queen Celeste asked the page boy, still standing by the table.

"He is a fox, your majesty."

A fox he certainly was, when they met him in the throne room an hour later. Sleek and ruddy, keen eyes that surveyed the room, and a confident tilt to his head. The raven hopped beside him, as they both came forward and bowed.

"Your majesties," said the fox, "we come to you in Archenland as envoys sent from Narnia, from the High King Peter, the Queen Susan, the King Edmund, and the Queen Lucy."

"We come in peace and friendship," continued the raven, his croaking voice echoing in the high ceiling, "with hope for the renewal of old treaties, and the return of the goodwill that had long existed between our lands."

"So it is true then!" Queen Celeste leaned forward, her excitement drawing a smile from the king. "The Witch’s reign has ended and the winter is over?"

"Indeed, your majesty." Sir Renard smiled, white teeth gleaming. "Slain by Aslan Himself."

Just the name 'Aslan' caused a thrill to run through the room, and King Lune's heart beat quicker in his breast.

"It was He who called the Four from the Worlds Beyond, and crowned them Lords and Ladies of Cair Paravel, jewel above the eastern sea."

Carrisol hopped in place twice, excitement getting the better of him. "When Aslan bares His teeth, winter meets it's death! So it was written on the High King’s sword, and so it is! This, your majesties, is the age of restoration!"

"Astonishing," Queen Celeste murmured. "Can anyone here recall a time before the reign of the White Witch?"

"A hundred years, and the curse broken." King Lune shook his head in wonderment. He himself had only just reached 30, and his father had died not five years prior having seen less than 80 years. Lune had never visited Narnia, only heard the terrible stories from a handful of Narnian creatures who had escaped to join the Archen court.

"And so in peace and friendship we welcome you," he said aloud. "We will hear the whole story at luncheon, if you will take it with us."

"Certainly, your majesties." Both fox and raven bowed low.

"But briefly." Queen Celeste leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of her. "These kings and queens. There are four of them you said? How is this possible? Who are they? What are they like?"

A laugh from the fox, quickly stifled by a swift peck from the raven.

"Ah, pardon, your highness." Sir Renard regained his dignity with a quick shake of his body. "They are brothers and sisters, called from another world into this land to sit in the four thrones at Cair Paravel, and rule us by Aslan's decree."

"But what are they like?"

King Lune did not try to hide his own smile, but he too was eager for a clearer picture of these new monarchs.

Renard and Carrisol looked at one another for a moment, before the raven tilted his head.

"You have known them since the first days, Renard."

The fox sat back on his haunches, thoughtful. "They are young, your majesties. The eldest has seen but sixteen winters. They are not royalty in their own world, and have a lot to learn of rulership and courtly business. As do we all," he added, with a rueful grin. "So we learn together. And truly these half-grown cubs are... extraordinary.

"The High King Peter is a fierce protector, brave and quick to act. His heart is great, his sight is keen, and his sword is sharp. Even in these few months, he has loved us and our land with his sweat and his blood and his tears. He is one I would follow into the very fires of the Underworld."

"So would we all!" croaked Carrisol fervently.

"The Queen Susan, now," Renard went on. "Gentle Aslan called her, and gentle her hands can be. She is the motherly one, making sure all are heard and cared for, and very much the mistress of the castle. But she has no little skill with a bow, and does not hesitate to defend her family when her gentle words have failed."

He fell quiet then, eyes cast down for long enough to cause unease to creep into the room, but he raised his head as Queen Celeste drew in her breath to speak.

"His Majesty, King Edmund is wise beyond his years, swift to see that which is not shown, and hear that which is not said. His story is his own to tell, but I can say that though he followed after the Witch in the first days of their coming to Narnia, he learned the error of his way, and was restored by Aslan, showing great bravery in the Battle of Beruna against the Witch. He is his brother's beloved right hand, and shows mercy in ways I do not think I ever could. He too would I follow wherever he might ask."

There was something in the fox's tone that Celeste could not understand, something suggestive of far more than was said. But her heart squeezed with sympathy for a boy gone astray and brought back. She wondered who their parents were, and if they still lived in that other world.

"As for our Queen Lucy," and Renard's voice lightened, "why her laughter makes the trees dance. She is small, but strong in hope. She is like a light, and she brings healing wherever she goes. She cares for all, even the smallest, most forgotten creatures, and all love her in return."

"Indeed we do!" agreed Carrisol.

"They do sound extraordinary," said King Lune after a respectful pause. "We look forward to hearing more at the noon hour."

"Indeed, your majesties." Both bowed low again. "King Lune, Queen Celeste."

As they were shown out of the audience chamber to rejoin their centaur escorts in the courtyard, the raven Carrisol was heard to remark, "Very nice, decent people they are."

And Sir Renard answered, "Indeed. I think the Four will be very glad to know them."

[demigodofhoolemere]

One last Narnia pronunciation poll, unless something else comes to mind.

[whats-in-a-sentence]

A map of Narnia and adjoining lands

"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" - C. S. Lewis

[justjudethoughts]

I have finished the Chronicles of Prydain and am experiencing chaotic mixed feelings, but I will say that if C.S. Lewis had ever chosen to write "The Chronicles of Archenland" I think they would have been something like this.

[knightofthenewrepublic]

[cynicalclassicist]

Corin can be made awesome through just a paragraph. And it's just dropped in there.

[ellynneversweet]

Little known fact about me that my favourite CS Lewis monarch is actually Lune of Archenland. He gets like one chapter, in which we see he’s a good and loving dad, ready general, cares a lot about the needs of his people, and happily takes in a fleeing Calormen noblewoman despite that being the country that is currently invading his own. Plus, he’s jolly.

[mary-maud]

Do not by any means destroy yourself, for if you live you may yet have good fortune, but all the dead are dead alike.

C. S. Lewis, The Horse and His Boy

[titanicnerd-blog]

This is EXACTLY as I imagine her BTW. And Hwin, her beloved horse. ❤️

People of Narnia

Aravis Tarkheena Queen of Archenland

[rohirric-hunter]

*props up table on its side between me and wrathful ghost of C.S. Lewis* So the Telmarines and Calormenes must speak a different language from the Narnians and Archenlanders, right? Like, the Narnians and Archenlanders most likely speak English, or something very similar to it, as all the humans are descended from the British Frank and Helen and Aslan probably would have given the talking animals the same language as their king and queen. But the Telmarines and presumably the Calormenes are descended from humans who made their way into the world of Narnia by accident, and most likely didn't speak English, so they would have their own languages descended from whatever languages their ancestors spoke.

(Actually, I don't know if the text ever establishes that the Calormenes are human. They could be something else; Narnia and Charn both have denizens that seem to be nearly indistinguishable from humans while not being humans, and there are thousands of pools in the Wood Between the Worlds. But for the sake of this argument let's assume they're human. Actually for the sake of this argument if they're not human they're even less likely to speak English. So it doesn't matter.)

Like, yeah, I know that Canonically they all speak English because C.S. Lewis thought this sort of question was a stupid thing to consider while inventing a fantasy world, but I follow a different school of thought and I think it's fun to consider the lingual barriers. Most characters we meet are some sort of royalty or nobility, but consider Shasta learning really odd English from Bree and Hwin, who haven't spoken it in years, and Aravis, who learned it as an elective in school and only knows a really stilted, formal version laced with cultural misunderstandings. His tutors try to train it out of him, to no avail, and when he becomes king he's always saying idioms he translated literally from Calormene and he has just the weirdest pronunciations of some things.

The four Pevensies learn Calormene and possibly Telmarine because they have to be able to speak to the other world powers and never quite forget it -- like their other skills that they learned in Narnia it fades somewhat the longer they stay in England, but also like their other skills it comes back quickly at need. When Peter goes to study at university his professors are amazed at the speed with which he picks up Arabic, and equally baffled by some odd cultural assumptions and seeming nonsense that he brought to the discussion.

Most Old Narnians speak a fair bit of Telmarine -- if they're of the sort that can pass as human it's useful, but even if they can't evesdropping and spying is an essential part of how they've survived this long -- but in their own hidden communities they never stopped speaking their own language. There are many factors in why they trust the fleeing Prince Caspian, but one of them is the fact that he speaks English -- awkward, rudimentary, unpracticed English, but English nonetheless. Someone taught him the language of Old Narnia, and he speaks to them in their own tongue, respectfully, like no Telmarine any of them have ever heard.

IDK. I just think it would be coo-- *Wrathful ghost of C.S. Lewis knocks the table over onto my head and I fall unconscious immediately*

[whats-in-a-sentence]

"Well as soon as he saw Corin and me, it seems this Centaur looked at me and said, A day will come when that boy will save Archenland from the deadliest danger in which she ever lay. (...)"

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy" - C. S. Lewis

[luunaz]

Can I please make a request where Edmund and reader marry in a arranged marriage and they literally don't know each other very well even after two months of being married, but edmund is worried that he my be perceived by his wife as a cold and distant husband and king, so he plans a surprise. One day reader explodes in happiness when she finds a puppy in their room given to her by edmund, and edmund is surprised when reader "attacks" him kisses and "thankyouthankthankyou"s after one of his reunions. Is a bit of grumpy x sunshine vibes

Thanks for your request! I really liked the idea, so I enjoyed writing the story. I hope you like it too ~

A gift [Edmund Pevensie]

pairing: Edmund Pevensie x reader

type: fluff 🌸

Masterlist

Edmund was always bad at showing his feelings. It's not that he doesn't feel love, joy, or other positive emotions. It's just that it's hard for him to open up to people. When Peter announced that he was going to marry the daughter of an influential aristocrat from Archenland in order to strengthen the alliance between the two countries, Edmund immediately decided that he would treat this as a royal duty. He was not happy about this decision, but he understood that it would be important for Narnia. If it's important for the country, then he's ready to do what needs to be done. But when he first saw you, when your smile lit up the Great Hall, something broke in him. Feelings like a raging sea surged over him. And that scared Edmund.

After your wedding, Edmund was quite cold towards you. His gaze was always directed at someone else, but not at you. His hands were only holding yours because it was necessary. And it wasn't because he didn't like you, on the contrary, he was so fascinated by you that it scared him. But you didn't know about it. Every day the happiness in your eyes faded. Edmund saw it, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to show how he really felt. Is it possible that he was afraid that you would reject his feelings? How stupid.

Everything changed the moment he saw you talking to Peter. You were just talking about the affairs of Narnia, but Edmund noticed how you were blooming, how your eyes were shining, and how charming you were laughing. It's not like when you're with him. It hurts him, but it's sobering. Yes, he's jealous. You should only smile at him like that. You should only look at him like that. Even if he has to fight the White Witch again for your love, he will do it.

He's been thinking for days about what he can do for you. He asked Lucy what you love, what you're passionate about, and what you could get. Lucy laughed, watching her embarrassed brother, but offered him to give you a puppy. You love animals so much.

On the same day, when dusk covered Cair Paravel and the air smelled of rain, Edmund decided to find you to give you a gift and apologize for his behavior. He assumed that he would most likely find you on the balcony in your bedroom. You've always liked the view of the sea there. And he was right. You stood there and listened to the rumble of thunder in the distance and how the sea was getting more restless by the minute. A gust of wind made you shiver a little, but you didn't want to leave.

— How was your day? — Edmund asked softly, throwing a silk cape over you. His hot palms rested on your shoulders longer than they should have.

— It was the same as always, — you replied, smiling. Edmund nodded and stood next to you, bracing himself against the stone fence. There was an awkward silence that arose every time you were alone.

When you were about to leave, Edmund grabbed your wrist. You looked at the man in surprise. His face was calm, but his eyes reflected all the unspoken feelings. Tenderness, care, and worry were reflected in them. Edmund loosened his grip a little and ran his fingers over your palm. Your hands were cool, so he gently squeezed your palm to warm it up a little. Your cheeks are flushed from the tension between you.

— I would like to apologize to you for my behavior. I was rude to you.

— It's all right. Maybe you need more time to get used to me, — you smiled again. You were so charming that Edmund barely had the strength not to kiss you.

— There's a little present waiting for you in the bedroom, — Edmund let go of your hand. He turned around and looked out at the sea again. He heard your dress rustle behind him and how quickly you ran into the bedroom, clearly excited about the gift.

He grinned when he heard your joyful squeak. The puppy seemed to be as excited as you were, judging by the ringing bark. Edmund didn't even have time to enter the bedroom, as you attacked him with hugs. Your ringing laughter filled the room.

— Thank you, Ed! — you said happily. You were so excited that you cupped Edmund's surprised face in your hands, brought him closer and kissed him on the cheek. It was only after a couple of seconds that you realized what you had done. Quickly removing your hands, you pulled away. Your face showed concern. Could you just kiss him like that? What if he gets angry? Edmund didn't give you much time to think, he closed the distance between you and kissed you on the lips. In this kiss, he put everything he was afraid to say, all the love and desire. His arms wrapped around your waist and brought you closer to him. As close as possible. Edmund chuckled when he felt your palms touching his face again to deepen the kiss even more. He only pulled away from you when you both started running out of air.

— Tell me next time if you want to thank me that way, — Edmund muttered. He touched your forehead with his forehead.

— That applies to you too, — you smiled and gently punched the man in the chest.

— I'm warning you, — Edmund said with a grin, touching your lips again for a kiss.