From the start of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Edmund has not made a good presentation of himself. In most of the interactions we see him in, he is being cruel to his sister Lucy, the youngest of the four children. He only ends up in Narnia out of an attempt to tease/torment his sister further. Unfortunately for him, this puts him on the path with the cruelest, most dangerous being in Narnia: the White Witch.
For all that Edmund has done and for the low-regard many might have for him at this point in the story, it is interesting to note that Edmund is uneasy and frightened on his first encounter with the White Witch. Lewis even tells us that he does not like the idea of getting in the sledge with the White Witch, but does not dare disobey her. It is also interesting to note that the White Witch is pretty clear about what she thinks of Edmund when they first meet. She despises that he does not call her by her title, "your Majesty", although we should note there is no way Edmund would know to do this. She calls him an "idiot" to his face. She even audibly says to herself that "he is easily dealt with." While her initial tone is cruel, the White Witch then puts on airs of being sweet. She offers Edmund something to drink and something to eat. Both items are clearly enchanted, and as long-time fantasy readers will know, one should never eat or drink anything magic that has been offered by a stranger because the results are never good. The White Witch appears to care, but only so she can learn about Edmund's siblings, and further that there are, in total, four children: two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve. Clearly this is important information to the White Witch, and all she cares about. The food she offers is important as well. Turkish Delight is already something Edmund is clearly fond of. Lewis tells us that the enchantment on this Turkish Delight is such that anyone will continue wanting more and eating it until eventually doing so eventually kills them. It becomes a form of addiction. The Witch Witch then uses flattery, calling Edmund clever and handsome, in stark contrast to her comments before. She even appears helpful by providing Edmund clear directions on how to get back with all his siblings. The final thrust is suggesting that they keep their visit a secret between themselves. Then she discredits anyone who might say bad things about her, for she knows they will. Before he knows it, Edmund has merely become the White Witch's tool. Even though she threatens him saying "you must bring the others with you. I might have to be very angry with you if you came alone", even though there's a little nagging in the back of his mind at how dangerous the White Witch really is, and even though all of this is accompanied by what we can only imagine is the worst stomach ache ever, Edmund is hooked. He wants that Turkish Delight again so bad that he is willing to do anything to get it. It's important to look at the story of Edmund. It might be easy to dismiss what happens to Edmund because he is so cruel at the start of the story, but if we are honest with ourselves, we have all been an Edmund at one point in our lives, even if just for a very brief period. Edmund provides us with a cautionary tale of how evil can get us to do its bidding even when we know something is wrong and even when all our instincts are screaming at us not to listen. It can be particularly easier to be tempted if we are in a dark period of our own lives. Forewarned is forearmed, though. Put yourself in Edmund's shoes so that when you face your White Witch, whatever it may be, you are ready and prepared. Certainly, don't take candy from a stranger or accept food or drink from people you don't really know. Disclaimer: unless otherwise stated, the majority of images produced here are not owned or created by me. Commenting is encouraged. Please use discretion leaving comments below, letting the love of God guide you.
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