2026 Narnia Madness: Just Four

What is the greatest Narnia quote? Vote now!

It’s March, so there’s only one way to determine the greatest Narnia quote. ’Tis the season for brackets.

The first two rounds—Valiant Sixteen and Magnificent Eight—have finished. While most of the first batch were blowouts, last week was full of close games. No matchup was decided by more than three votes, and one was separated by only one vote.

Plus, only one No. 1 seed made it out of their region. It’s on to the Just Four!

But first, let’s make you a winner.

How You Can Win Narnia Madness

Besides determining the winning Narnia quote, I also want you to win during the 2026 Narnia Madness.

To enter this week, answer these two questions:

• What is your favorite Narnia book?

• After what real person in C.S. Lewis’ life is Puddleglum from The Silver Chair modeled?

Either comment below or email your answer to WardrobeDoor@gmail.com. Every correct answer for either question submitted by March 24 counts as one entry.¹ You can also get two bonus entries by liking this post and sharing it.²

I’ll announce the contest winners on April 1, the same day the tournament winner is revealed.

Narnia Madness Prizes

• One grand prize winner will win their choice of one of four Narnia companion books³ and a free one-year paid subscription to The Wardrobe Door.

• Three first runner-ups will receive a Narnia companion book and a free one-month paid subscription to The Wardrobe Door.

• Six second runner-ups will win a free one-month paid subscription.

Now, let’s get to the winning quotes from last week and voting for the two that will vie for the championship.

Human Region winner: Edmund

“But even a traitor may mend. I have known one that did.”

— The Horse and His Boy

It wasn’t so much a betrayal this time, but Edmund did take down his younger sister, Lucy, again. His quote from The Horse and His Boy won 55% to 45% over Lucy’s line from The Last Battle. This was one of three top seeds to lose.

But now, Edmund’s opponent is much bigger. In fact, every year Edmund grows, he will find his opponent bigger.

Aslan Region winner: The Horse and His Boy

“I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you.”

— The Horse and His Boy

Aslan’s explanation to Shasta took out one of the top seeds from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Aslan’s reveal to Edmund and Lucy of having “another name” in their world, 55% to 45%.

Now, Aslan’s long quote squares off against one of the shortest lines. Only one quote from The Horse and His Boy can advance to the championship game.

Narrator Region winner: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.

— The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The second Dawn Treader line with the top seed was the only No. 1 seed to survive and advance, but it did so barely. One of the greatest opening lines of a novel moved on over the last line of the entire series from The Last Battle, 52% to 48%.

Narnian Region winner: Puddleglum

“I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia.”

— The Silver Chair

Puddleglum’s heroic statement of faithfulness knocked off the top-seeded Mr. Beaver, who explained how Aslan is not safe, 55% v. 45%.

Now, does Eustace deserve the win, or will Puddleglum stay on the winning side?

Voting in this round ends by March 21, so vote now for your favorites!

1. Everyone, including those who submitted guesses last week or those who won last year, can participate.

2. If you share it on a social channel outside of Substack, just let me know.

3. The four book options are among my most frequently used resources in developing the Narnia read-alongs:

• Companion to Narnia: A Complete Guide to the Magical World of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia — Paul Ford

• Into the Wardrobe: C.S. Lewis and the Narnia Chronicles — David C. Downing

• Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis — Michael Ward

• Past Watchful Dragons: The Origin, Interpretation, and Appreciation of the Chronicles of Narnia — Walter Hooper