
Mythic Mind 113 - Introduction to Till We Have Faces
Oct 6, 2025
Delve into the complexities of C.S. Lewis's masterpiece, *Till We Have Faces*, exploring its unique narrative style and Orual's voice. Discover how Joy Davidman's influence refined Lewis's writing and the intricate themes linking this novel to Greek mythology. Andrew contrasts mythic imagination with direct allegory, highlighting significant works and companion readings for deeper insight. Uncover the profound impact of the Psyche and Cupid myth, shaping Lewis's imaginative journey and foreshadowing his conversion themes.
21:55
A Mature, Mythic Masterwork
- Till We Have Faces is Lewis's most mature and sophisticated novel, aiming at imagination and the heart more than direct allegory.
- The book functions like a mythic labyrinth that often requires multiple readings to unlock its deeper meanings.
Narrative Voice Shapes the Novel
- Lewis adopts the persona of Orual, giving the novel a different, more abrupt prose style and an unreliable narrator.
- This narrative choice deepens mystery and forces readers to interpret perspective rather than receive clear lessons.
Joy's Influence On The Novel
- Much of Till We Have Faces owed to Lewis's wife, Joy, who helped shape the novel significantly.
- Lewis considered this his best work, and Joy influenced his style and the book's development.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Why Till We Have Faces Is Lewis's Masterpiece
01:03 • 56sec
Mythic Style Versus Allegory in Lewis
02:00 • 1min
Narrative Voice and Unreliable Narration
03:19 • 1min
Orual's Background and Language Choices
04:24 • 28sec
Joy Davidman’s Influence on the Novel
04:53 • 33sec
Ungit as Venus and Thematic Echoes
05:25 • 55sec
Recommended Companion Reading
06:20 • 34sec
Reading Companion Options Compared
06:54 • 1min
Lewis's Shift from Reason to Imagination
08:20 • 3min
Recommended Reading Order for the Guides
10:51 • 13sec
Psyche and Cupid: The Myth Behind the Novel
11:03 • 57sec
Full Summary of Psyche and Cupid
12:00 • 5min
Consequences of Curiosity in the Myth
16:47 • 1min
The Myth’s Lasting Impact on Lewis
17:48 • 42sec
How to Support Mythic Mind
18:30 • 50sec
Upcoming Courses and Tier Benefits
19:21 • 27sec
Tier Three Patrons Acknowledged
19:48 • 25sec
Preview of Podcast Plans Through Year-End
20:13 • 2min
Outro
21:46 • 2sec
#67475
Reason and Imagination in C.S. Lewis, A Study of Till We Have Faces
A Study of Till We Have Faces

Peter Schakel
This study explores the interplay between reason and imagination in the works of C.S.
Lewis, with a particular focus on his novel 'Till We Have Faces'.
The book examines how Lewis integrates rational thought and imaginative storytelling to convey complex philosophical and theological ideas.
It analyzes the evolution of Lewis's views on reason and imagination throughout his life, tracing the development of his literary and apologetic works.
The study provides insights into Lewis's creative process and his approach to exploring the human condition through literature.
It offers a valuable resource for understanding the intellectual and artistic dimensions of Lewis's writing, inviting readers to engage with his works on a deeper level.
#76870
Bareface, A Guide to C.S. Lewis's Last Novel
A Guide to C.S. Lewis's Last Novel

Doris Meyer
This guide offers a comprehensive analysis of C.S.
Lewis's final novel, 'Till We Have Faces', exploring its themes, characters, and literary significance.
The book delves into the deeper layers of meaning within the novel, providing insights into Lewis's theological and philosophical perspectives.
It examines the historical and cultural context of the story, shedding light on the influences that shaped Lewis's writing.
The guide aims to enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of 'Till We Have Faces', inviting them to engage with the novel on a more profound level.
Through detailed analysis and thought-provoking commentary, the book offers a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring Lewis's last and perhaps most complex work.
#68860
Till We Have Faces, A Reading Companion
A Reading Companion

Christine Norvall
This reading companion provides a chapter-by-chapter analysis of C.S.
Lewis's novel 'Till We Have Faces', offering insights and reflections on the text.
The book aims to enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of Lewis's work, exploring its themes, characters, and allegorical significance.
It delves into the psychological and spiritual complexities of the novel, providing a comprehensive guide for both new and experienced readers.
The companion seeks to illuminate the deeper meanings and connections within 'Till We Have Faces', inviting readers to engage with the text on a profound level.

#1934
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
Out of the Silent Planet


C.S. Lewis
In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston.
They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars).
Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil.
He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra.
After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.

#672
• Mentioned in 36 episodes
The Four Loves


C.S. Lewis
In 'The Four Loves', C.S.
Lewis examines the nature of love from a Christian and philosophical perspective.
He categorizes love into four types based on ancient Greek words: *storge* (affection), *philia* (friendship), *eros* (romantic love), and *agape* (the love of God).
Lewis discusses the characteristics, strengths, and potential pitfalls of each type of love, emphasizing the importance of understanding and balancing these loves to avoid corruption and to draw closer to God. He also explores the distinction between 'need-love' and 'gift-love' and how these concepts relate to human experiences and divine love.

#9551
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The dark tower


Stephen King
The Dark Tower is the seventh and final book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series.
It follows Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger of Mid-World, as he completes his quest to reach the Dark Tower, a structure that is the nexus of all universes.
Roland's world is crumbling, with time and space distorted, and he must navigate through various dimensions and confront his enemies, including the Man in Black and the Crimson King.
The book concludes with Roland reaching the tower, only to find that his journey is cyclical, and he is transported back to the beginning of the series.
The story blends elements of dark fantasy, science fiction, horror, and Western genres, and is a culmination of King's multiverse, linking many of his other works.

#330
• Mentioned in 60 episodes
The Great Divorce


C.S. Lewis
In 'The Great Divorce', C.S.
Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven.
The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell.
The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins.
Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.

#1172
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
Till We Have Faces


C.S. Lewis
This novel is a retelling of the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, narrated by Orual, the ugly and bitter older sister of the beautiful Psyche.
Orual's story is a complex exploration of envy, betrayal, loss, and the journey towards self-awareness and redemption.
The book delves into Orual's life as she grapples with her love for Psyche, her anger towards the gods, and her eventual realization of her own flaws and the true nature of her feelings.
The narrative is divided into two parts, reflecting Orual's transformation from a state of bitterness and self-deception to one of understanding and mercy.

#673
• Mentioned in 36 episodes
That Hideous Strength

C. S. Lewis
Published in 1945, 'That Hideous Strength' is the final book in C.S.
Lewis's Space Trilogy.
The story takes place on Earth and follows the character Mark Studdock, a young sociology faculty member at Bracton College, as he becomes entangled with the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.
I. C. E. ), a sinister organization with totalitarian ambitions.
The novel delves into themes of faith, doubt, and the struggle between good and evil, featuring characters from the previous books in the trilogy, including Elwin Ransom.
It critiques the dangers of logical positivism and the erosion of moral values, drawing parallels with other dystopian works like George Orwell's '1984'.
We are continuing through the Fiction and Philosophy of C.S. Lewis course with an introduction to Till We Have Faces.
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Become a patron and/or enroll in a course at patreon.com/mythicmind.
Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/CSaprLzGIO8
Listen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:
- Mythic Mind
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- Mythic Mind Movies & Shows
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.
