Reepicheep's Loss of Dignity

After the climactic battle that concludes Prince Caspian, Reepicheep came to Aslan with a major problem. During his escapades in the conflict, he lost his tail. As a mouse, that is essentially the equivalent of losing his dignity. Aslan questions his motives and asks why he is always so concerned with his honor.

“’Highest of all High Kings,’ said Reepicheep, ‘permit me to remind you that a very small size has been bestowed on us Mice, and if we did not guard our dignity, some (who weigh worth by inches) would allow themselves very unsuitable pleasantries at our expense. That is why I have been at some pains to make it known that no one who does not wish to feel this sword as near his heart as I can reach shall talk in my presence about Traps or Toasted Cheese or Candles: no, Sir— not the tallest fool in Narnia!’”[1]

Man, this sounds familiar. I think I sound like this. We all have perceived shortcomings. For Reepicheep, it was his small stature. Because nobody would take him seriously, he felt that he had to force them to take him seriously.

For me and for plenty of other people especially in wheelchairs, it can be frustrating when people speak down to us and assume that we don’t understand what they are talking about. The temptation is there to try to put people in their place with sarcasm or some other cutting remark. I admit I have fallen prey to that many times. It is so easy to get wrapped up in how other people perceive us that we get very defensive about our own dignity.

Aslan interestingly does not comment on Reepicheep’s defense of his own behavior but rather notices that the other mice are about ready to sacrifice their own tails. They do not want to have an honor that is denied to their leader.

“’Ah!’ roared Aslan. ‘You have conquered me. You have great hearts. Not for the sake of your dignity, Reepicheep, but for the love that is between you and your people, and still more for the kindness your people showed me long ago when you ate away the cords that bound me on the Stone Table (and it was then, though you have long forgotten it, that you began to be Talking Mice), you shall have your tail again.’”[2]

Aslan performed a miracle because of the kindness of the other mice rather than the dignity of Reepicheep. It was their other-mindedness that caught the attention of the lion. Because they were concerned about the dignity of their fellow mouse, Aslan rewarded that.

When I really began to focus on my own honor or dignity, it is easy for me to forget about other people. When I should be worried about other people, I turn my attention on myself and put myself in the center of the universe. That’s not where I belong; I don’t deserve that spot. I ought to be like the other mice and help raise other people up rather than myself.

God comes first, then other people, and finally myself. If I am not prioritizing things in that order, something is out of balance.

[1] CS Lewis, “Prince Caspian” in The Chronicles of Narnia Complete 7-Book Collection with Bonus Book: Boxen (New York: HarperCollins, 2005), Kindle Locations 8777-8781, Kindle Edition.

[2] Ibid., Kindle Locations 8786-8789.