Malenau: The Disguised Philosophy of CS Lewis
C.S. Lewis is far from being considered a science fiction author. With its author being better known for his fantasy and theological nonfiction, The Space Trilogy is rarely connected with other works such as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters . Despite its low profile as far as Lewis’ works are concerned, the trilogy is still rich with strong storytelling and a deep underlying connection to Christian faith. In reality, The Space Trilogy is philosophy disguised as science fiction. The first book in the trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet, exhibits this disguised philosophy beautifully. One creature that becomes central in the story is the eldil. This being is of a higher existence than the other rational creatures on the planet Malacandra (77). Throughout the book, the creature is described in close connection with light and in many ways resembles what we know as angels. A higher form of the eldil , known on Malacandra as Oyarsa, is also introduced and plays an ...