The setting of The Magician’s Nephew is primarily in two fantastical places: Victorian London and the newly created world of Narnia. The story opens in London during the late 19th or early 20th century, where readers are introduced to two children, Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer. They explore their neighborhood, giving us a glimpse into the time period with its distinctive architecture and societal norms.
The narrative quickly shifts to a magical setting when Digory and Polly discover a way to travel between worlds using magical rings created by Digory’s uncle, Andrew. This leads them to a mysterious, dark world known as the Wood Between the Worlds, a tranquil place filled with pools that serve as gateways to other worlds.
Eventually, they arrive in Narnia, a vibrant and lush land, still in its infancy. This newly born world is marked by the creation scene led by Aslan, the great lion, which adds a sense of grandeur and wonder. The juxtaposition of the mundane world of London with the enchanting realms they discover highlights the themes of adventure and the contrast between reality and fantasy.