Inklings Week 2025: Nothing is Wasted
A Journey into The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
It’s that time of year, where we celebrate all things Inklings for the annual Inklings Week and International Inklings Day on May 11th! This year marks the 10th year of Inklings Week (I don’t know how that is even possible, because WHAT?!) and is the 99th anniversary of when Tolkien and Lewis met. We have a great set of posts this year and even a giveaway, so be sure to subscribe and not miss a post. You can find all the posts here. And don’t forget to enter this year’s giveaway!
Known for one of the most iconic opening lines, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is not only full of funny moments and one liners, but also depth and wisdom within the pages of this children’s book. We see how even when things are bad, they can be used and aren’t wasted, we see the power of a community coming together, and tales of self-discovery.
Lewis never shied away from bringing real life into his Narnian stories. Enjoyable for children, not doubt, but this book is one that hits different reading it with decades of life experience. Those themes never quite go away, often just looking different as you get older. But while circumstances and motivations may change as you age, the truths Lewis brings reminds us of the foundations that never change.
Nothing is Wasted
One of the things I loved reading this, was how each stop, each mishap of the adventure with the crew led to something bigger and revealed pieces the crew may not have known they needed. Take the Lone Islands - they were restored and Lord Bern, a good and just leader was put in place. Illegal slavery was abolished. And all because the crew took a route without checking, and for a while it looked bad, but was ultimately used for great good.
Community
It takes Eustace being a dragon to realize he doesn’t actually want to live all alone. He sees his friends accept him, even in his dragon form, and is one of the many things that help change him into a better human. They never leave him, even as nasty as he was prior to becoming a dragon. That’s the kind of community that changes a person.
Self-Discovery
Eustace has one of the biggest “adventures” in the novel, first realizing that he acted the way he did for many reasons, one being the realization that all along he wanted his friends to care. That was a big step for a punk like Eustace! And his next step of discovery is accepting Aslan’s “cure” for being a dragon. While it is a painful process that involved Aslan scratches, after the pain he was fully and truly free.
And then there is my favorite Reepicheep. He is always ready. He gets the crew to go through the darkness island, he is the first to drink at Aslan’s table, with the seven sleeping Lords. And when they learn what it takes to break the enchantment (they must sail to the World’s End and leave one behind), Reepicheep doesn’t hesitate, as he knew long ago, that it is his heart’s desire.
I hope you’ve connected with the stories of Narnia in ways that have encouraged and brought you hope. What were some of the themes that stuck out to you from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader?
Thank you joining the 10th Anniversary of Inklings Week! Already looking forward to next year with the 100th Anniversary of their meeting!!
© 2025 Jamie Lapeyrolerie