Jill Pole

Lore & Background

Jill and Eustace are sent to Narnia by Aslan to find the kidnapped Prince Rilian, son of Caspian X. They accomplish this with the assistance of the marshwiggle Puddleglum. Jill has to learn to face her claustrophobia and nyctophobia during her quest, and also is the one Aslan has tasked with remembering the four signs that will guide them on their quest. When she is distracted from doing this by temptation of good food and rest as part of the Lady of the Green Kirtle's trickery, the group lose their way and find themselves in serious danger from the man-eating giants of Harfang. Jill is also the first to discover the exit from the Underland that leads back to Narnia, and she saves her wonderful clothes from Narnia to wear at fancy dress balls once she is back in England.

Reader's Guide

Jill Pole's journey is defined by her struggle with fear and distraction. In The Silver Chair, Aslan gives her four specific signs to guide the quest, but she fails to recite them when tempted by comfort at Harfang, leading the group into danger. Her growth comes through learning to trust the signs even when circumstances seem contradictory. In The Last Battle, she shows courage by entering the Stable alone, discovering the truth about the false Aslan, and befriending Puzzle the Donkey. Her archery skills prove vital in battle, and she ultimately enters Aslan's Country as a Queen.

Did You Know?

• Jill saves her Narnian clothes to wear at fancy dress balls back in England.
• In The Last Battle, Jill disobeys King Tirian's orders by entering the Stable, where she discovers Puzzle the Donkey.
• Jill becomes a Queen in Aslan's Country alongside Polly and Lucy, while Eustace becomes a King like Digory, Peter, and Edmund.