Reveling in the nuances of ‘Narnia’

Just as J.R.R. Tolkien fans eagerly awaited the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy a few years back and J.K. Rowling fans anticipated Harry’s return last month, C.S. Lewis-philes have their turn this weekend as “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” opens. The Web’s abuzz with sites such as www.narniafans.com that help guide enthusiasts and initiate newbies to the seven-volume book series and the Disney release.

Now for those who can’t tell Hogwarts from Hobbits, here’s the skinny on the “Wardrobe” story: Four British siblings travel to a magical land through a wardrobe (that’s an armoire to you Pottery Barn denizens); they join forces with Aslan the lion to battle the White Witch who keeps Narnia in a state of perpetual winter.

The site’s “Fan Section” houses tributes to all things Narnian, including artwork, poetry, essays -- and recipes. That latter category even features the cornstarch-and-sugar confection Turkish Delight. (Avid readers will recall that the witch uses the addictive treat to make one young protagonist do her bidding.)

The free verse and rhyming couplets provided by visitors to Narniafans.com are serious in tone -- there’s not a limerick in sight. The site’s essays are just as earnest. Contributor “Ian aka Aslan the Wise One” examines the series’ Christian allegories: “... [This essay] will demonstrate that the Narnia Chronicles are not so much didactic allegories, but rather are well-crafted children’s fantasies that incorporate Biblical themes in a way that young readers can appreciate.”

Whoa. Heavy stuff. But Narniafans.com has a flippant side as well. Visit the site’s “The Dancing Lawn” forums to read more puerile postings -- like this film comment from Ite: “Maybe I shouldn’t feel this way but doesn’t the evil White Witch look hot in this?”

Now that’s reminiscent of those LOTR message boards debating who had better -- ahem -- attributes, Aragorn or Legolas, isn’t it?