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Caspian X, King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Emperor of the Lone Islands, also called Caspian the Seafarer and Caspian the Navigator (born 2290–died 2356, Narnian Time) is a fictional character in the Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. He is featured predominantly in three books in the series: Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair. He also makes an appearance at the end of The Last Battle.
According to author Paul Ford, Caspian's story is "one of the most complete that Lewis tells in the Chronicles and his is the best developed character of all the Narnians."
Prince Caspian
When Lewis first introduces Caspian in this book, he is the adolescent nephew and heir to King Miraz of Narnia. By this time, talking animals apparently no longer exist in Narnia, having been driven into hiding by Caspian's ancestors, the Telmarines. In fact, the talking beasts are thought of as nothing more than myth. Caspian is fascinated by these stories, but the nurse who told him these stories is dismissed by his uncle.
His next teacher, Doctor Cornelius, in reality has human and dwarfish blood. He teaches Caspian the sciences and history that his uncle wants as well as the stories of Narnia's true past. He also discovers that Miraz had killed his father in order to take the throne for himself. Eventually, Miraz's wife gives birth to a son, and Caspian has to flee for his life, taking with him Susan's magic horn, which Doctor Cornelius gives him; this horn will bring help to the person who blows it. He eventually meets the creatures that he once thought were myth; most of them agree to accept him as their king. When Miraz attacks this group, Caspian blows the horn, and summons the old kings and queens back to Narnia. With Aslan's help, they defeat Miraz in what Lewis called the 'War of Deliverance', and restore old Narnia with Caspian becoming King Caspian X in 2303.
Early Achievements
One year after the events of Prince Caspian in 2304, King Caspian X wages war upon the Giants of the North, and successfully defeats them in several decisive victories, the likes of which were not seen since the days of High King Peter. In his own words King Caspian 'gave those troublesome giants on the frontier such a good beating last summer that they pay us tribute now.' (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, p. 19)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
This novel is set three years after the events in Prince Caspian and lasts from 2306–7. Order has been reestablished in Narnia, and Caspian has constructed the ship Dawn Treader to sail the eastern seas in search of the seven Telmarine lords who had been loyal to his father but were sent away by Miraz. On the way to the Lone Islands, the ship discovers Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace in the water; they have been magically transported to the Narnian world. With the aid of the three children, Caspian and the ship's crew uncover the fate of the missing lords and discover several new lands. One member of the crew, the mouse Reepicheep (who had fought to liberate Narnia in the novel Prince Caspian) even travels beyond the edge of the world into Aslan's country. During this voyage, Caspian meets the daughter of Ramandu whom he eventually marries.
Later life
In 2310 Caspian and Ramandu's daughter marry. Fifteen years later Caspian's wife gives birth to Prince Rilian, the heir apparent to the Narnian Throne.
The Silver Chair
By the time of the Silver Chair, Caspian is weak and ailing, depressed about the death of his wife and disappearance of his son Rilian. He sails east to seek Aslan's advice and has a vision to return to Narnia where Eustace and Jill have rescued Rillian from the underworld. Caspian returns to Narnia long enough to embrace his son before he dies. Caspian is revived in Aslan's country and helps Eustace and Jill deal with the gang of bullies at their school. Then Caspian goes off to eternal life in Aslan's country.
The Last Battle
Caspian makes a very brief appearance at the end of The Last Battle. He is present with all the other major characters at the end of the Narnian world.
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