The Lion’s Skin Symbol Analysis

In The Last Battle, the lion's skin symbolizes the perversion of truth and authority. Shift, an ape, discovers a lion's skin and persuades Puzzle, a simple and trusting donkey, to wear it. This deceitful act is designed to convince the Narnians that Puzzle is Aslan, the deity-like lion who rules over Narnia, thereby granting Shift manipulative control over the land. While Aslan's presence in Narnia traditionally symbolizes justice, divine wisdom, and redemption, the fraudulent use of his likeness represents the antithesis of these values. Shift's exploitation of the lion's skin illustrates the dangers of authority wielded by those who lack authenticity, showing how symbols of power can be misused to mislead and manipulate. This misuse of Aslan's likeness not only leads to the destruction of Narnia but also serves as a poignant critique of the ways individuals in power can use religious iconography as tools of deception.