Book Summary – The Horse and His Boy – The Chronicles of Narnia – Book 3
- Jason Montero
- Aug 28
- 13 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Book summary by chapter of The Horse and His Boy. Includes spoilers from the escape in Calormen to the end of the book. A forgotten prince crosses deserts and walls, unaware that every step is guided by an unseen roar; when truth finds him among talking horses and fallen foes, he learns his name had already been whispered into Narnia’s fate.
Introduction – The Horse and His Boy
The Horse and His Boy, written by C. S. Lewis, is the third installment in The Chronicles of Narnia when read in chronological order. This chapter-by-chapter book summary of The Horse and His Boy follows Shasta, a boy raised by a Calormene fisherman, as he discovers that the life he knows is not truly his. Guided by a talking horse named Bree and joined by unlikely companions, he embarks on a journey that challenges his identity, tests his courage, and redefines his destiny. Explore the full reading order of The Chronicles of Narnia ➤
Far from being a simple escape story, this novel unravels through dramatic chases, political tension, inner battles, and divine interventions. Lewis shifts the focus away from the Pevensie siblings to explore a different corner of Narnia’s world — a place shaped by desert kingdoms, ancient tombs, and quiet revelations. Themes of freedom, humility, and purpose emerge through every twist, from silent feline guardians to encounters with royal impostors.
Curious to know how a lost child becomes a prince and what lies beyond the sands of Calormen? Keep reading this chapter-by-chapter book summary of The Horse and His Boy to discover how every step taken holds more weight than it seems.
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Chapter Navigation
Chapter 1 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – How Shasta Set Out on His Journey
Shasta lived with Arsheesh, a Calormene fisherman, in a cove south of the empire. One day, a Tarkaan arrived to stay, and Shasta overheard Arsheesh planning to sell him as a slave. Upon learning that he was not the fisherman’s real son and had been found as a baby in a boat, the boy felt relieved. In secret, he met the Tarkaan’s horse, who revealed himself to be a talking warhorse from Narnia named Bree. The horse proposed they escape together to the north, where animals speak and men are free. Shasta, thrilled by the chance for freedom and to discover his origin, agreed. Bree explained they needed to travel discreetly, avoiding his master, and together they began their journey under cover of night. For the first time, Shasta left the limited world he knew, filled with fear and hope, toward unknown lands where he might finally discover who he truly was.
Chapter 2 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – An Adventure on the Road
At dawn, Shasta awoke sore from the night’s falls. Bree encouraged him to eat breakfast, and they both gazed out over the sea from the heights. The fresh air and absence of the fish smell made Shasta feel free. After eating, Bree rolled in the grass and worried that it was an undignified habit for a talking horse. After a day of rest, they resumed their journey. Shasta gradually improved as a rider, though Bree remained critical. In the evenings, they hid, and at night they traveled. The horse told him tales of battles and life in Narnia, awakening deep admiration in Shasta. One night, while crossing a plain, they suspected someone was following them. Then they heard roaring: two lions were stalking them. They fled toward the sea, dove into the water, and escaped by swimming. On the opposite shore, they discovered that the others fleeing with them were a Calormene girl and her horse… who also talked!
Chapter 3 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – At the Gates of Tashbaan
The girl turned out to be Aravis, a Calormene noble fleeing a forced marriage to an old and deformed man named Ahoshta. Aravis had pretended to accept the engagement only to escape with the help of her talking mare, Hwin. She told how she drugged her maid and left a fake letter to deceive her father, then traveled in disguise toward Tashbaan. After coinciding with Shasta and Bree on the beach while fleeing from lions, they debated whether to travel together. Though Aravis didn’t trust Shasta, they agreed to continue as a group. The horses shared memories of Narnia, reinforcing their shared desire to reach it. As they approached Tashbaan, they planned disguises to cross unnoticed. They trimmed the horses’ tails, packed valuable items, and decided to pose as peasants. Aravis dressed as a slave, Shasta as a servant, and the horses carried the bundles. If separated, they would regroup at the Tombs of the Ancient Kings.
Chapter 4 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Shasta Meets the Narnians
From the hills, Shasta saw Tashbaan for the first time—a city surrounded by rivers and gardens. Upon arrival, their disguises worked, but Shasta got caught in the crowd and was mistaken for someone else by a group of Narnian nobles. He was taken for Prince Corin of Archenland and brought to the palace where the kings of Narnia—Susan and Edmund—were staying. Shasta didn’t dare tell the truth, fearing he might betray Aravis and Bree. Instead, he stayed silent, afraid of being exposed. Despite his fear, he was amazed by the Narnians’ kindness, the palace’s beauty, and the delicious banquet. Soon after, the real Corin reappeared, battered from his own adventures. Shasta, terrified of being discovered, decided to escape through a window with the help of the real prince, who had taken a liking to him. Thus, he returned to the city in search of his companions.
Chapter 5 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Prince Corin
While the Narnian royals planned an elegant dinner aboard their ship as a cover to flee Tashbaan, Shasta secretly overheard the entire plan. He discovered that Prince Rabadash, angry at Queen Susan’s refusal to marry him, might try to force her to stay as wife or slave. They feared the Tisroc would use the situation as a pretext to attack Narnia and Archenland. The faun Tumnus proposed a strategy: prepare a fake celebration to get everyone aboard the ship that same night and sail north. Shasta, still posing as Corin, worried about Aravis and Bree but chose not to reveal his identity. After napping, the real Corin appeared at the window. Surprised by their physical resemblance, they switched places and said a friendly farewell. Shasta, still fearful but determined, escaped toward the meeting point, knowing he had to cross the desert if he wanted to reach Narnia and fulfill his destiny.
Chapter 6 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Shasta Among the Tombs
Shasta escapes Tashbaan by crossing rooftops and alleys until he finally exits through the city’s northern gates, breathing in fresh air after the stifling urban heat. He heads into the desert and finds the Tombs of the Kings, a solitary and eerie place where he decides to wait for his friends. As the sun sets, the growing darkness deepens his sense of isolation, and the city gates closing convince him he’ll spend the night alone. Tormented by fears of demons and beasts, he is comforted by the presence of a mysterious cat that stays by his side. During the night, distant howls unsettle him, and a large beast suddenly appears, terrifying him—only to transform once again into the cat, bringing him a sense of protection. In the morning, after marking the sand toward Mount Pire, he gathers food and bathes in the river. Upon returning to the Tombs, he despairs when he cannot find his companions—until Bree and Hwin arrive, though without Aravis, filling him with doubt and fear about what might have happened to her.
Chapter 7 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Aravis in Tashbaan
Separated from Shasta, Aravis is recognized by her former friend Lasaraleen while trying to stay unnoticed. Forced to improvise, she hides in Lasaraleen’s litter and is taken to her home, where she tries to convince her to help her escape. Lasaraleen, frivolous and interested only in dresses and gossip, is slow to grasp the seriousness of the situation but eventually agrees to help. Aravis hides for two days, frustrated by her friend’s shallow talk and worried for her safety. Finally, Lasaraleen devises a plan: exit through a secret gate in the Tisroc’s garden and cross the river by canoe. Along the way, they are forced to hide in a secret room when the Tisroc and his court hold a private council. Aravis listens in horror to Rabadash’s plans to invade Archenland and kidnap Queen Susan. The next evening, she escapes by river and reaches the Tombs, reuniting with Bree and Hwin and, later, with Shasta, whom she urgently informs about what she overheard.
Chapter 8 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – In the Tisroc’s House
Hidden behind a sofa, Aravis and Lasaraleen witness the sinister council between the Tisroc, his son Rabadash, and the Grand Vizier Ahoshta. Furious over Queen Susan’s rejection, Rabadash proposes invading Narnia to capture her. The Tisroc, prudent and cunning, refuses to start an open war but allows his son to act independently, pretending to have no knowledge of the plan. Rabadash intends to seize Anvard in Archenland first, then attack Cair Paravel, taking advantage of King Peter’s absence. The Tisroc sees this as a chance to expand his empire without committing publicly. The Vizier, a cowardly flatterer, supports the plan while concealing his disdain for Rabadash. After the meeting, the Tisroc orders that everything be forgotten to deny involvement if it fails. Shaken by what she has heard, Aravis realizes the urgency of warning the kings of Archenland and prepares to flee at dawn, knowing time is critical to prevent disaster.
Chapter 9 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Across the Desert
After fleeing the city, Aravis crosses the river by canoe and reunites with Bree, Hwin, and finally Shasta at the Tombs. Alarmed by Rabadash’s impending attack, they set off toward Mount Pire. Their desert journey is grueling, marked by scorching heat, exhaustion, and thirst. They move by alternating walking and trotting, following a trail Shasta marked in the sand. The horses push themselves to the limit despite the draining conditions. Eventually, they find a valley descending to a stream that becomes a river. On the brink of collapse, they discover a pool where they rest and drink. Exhausted, they fall into a deep sleep, losing precious time. Aravis is the first to awaken, angry at herself for not rising earlier. Though they know they must hurry, Bree, still prideful, insists on eating before continuing. It’s Hwin, timid but resolute, who urges the group onward, reminding them they must act like truly free horses.
Chapter 10 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – The Hermit of the Southern March
The group reaches Archenland’s border after crossing a river and trekking through a mountainous region. From a hilltop, they see Rabadash’s army closing in behind them. A desperate race toward Anvard begins, but a lion’s roar startles them. Bree gallops in terror, leaving behind Hwin carrying Aravis. Shasta, seeing the danger, jumps from the horse and faces the lion unarmed. The beast wounds Aravis but, upon confronting Shasta, quickly retreats. A mysterious man opens a door in a grassy wall, guiding them into a protected enclosure where he tends to their wounds. This man, a hermit, tends to Aravis and the horses, revealing his wisdom and affirming that nothing happens by chance. He commands Shasta to continue on and warn King Lune of the attack. Though exhausted, the boy obeys and sets off without rest. As the skies darken, Aravis and the horses reflect on their fears and failures. Bree, ashamed, decides to return to Calormen, but the hermit shows him he has lost his pride, not his courage, and that he can still become a truly free horse.
Chapter 11 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – The Troublesome Traveling Companion
Shasta manages to warn King Lune about Rabadash’s imminent invasion, who is marching with two hundred horsemen toward Anvard. Exhausted but determined, Shasta is mistaken for Prince Corin, causing confusion among the knights of Archenland. Despite his humble appearance, he demonstrates courage and skill in riding, impressing those around him. During the journey to the castle, he becomes lost in a thick fog and is separated from the group. Later, he finds himself accompanied by an invisible presence, which turns out to be a Lion who has intervened in his life more often than he realized. The Lion—none other than Aslan—reveals that he was the one guiding and protecting every key moment of Shasta’s journey. This revelation deeply transforms Shasta, filling him with humility and understanding. The fog lifts, and Shasta sees the Lion walking beside him, majestic and radiant, before disappearing into the light of dawn.
Chapter 12 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Shasta in Narnia
After Aslan’s appearance, Shasta wakes up in Narnia, confused but surrounded by peace. He notices the Lion’s paw prints and drinks from a spring that miraculously appears, reviving him. As he enters a forest, he encounters talking animals—including a hedgehog, a rabbit, and a faun—whom he warns about the Calormene invasion. Though they are initially unconcerned, a swift stag finally runs off to Cair Paravel to inform Queen Lucy. Hungry and weak, Shasta is taken in by a kind dwarf named Duffle, who brings him to his cottage where he enjoys a delicious, unfamiliar feast and rests deeply. The next morning, he witnesses the arrival of the Narnian army led by King Edmund, Queen Lucy, and the impulsive Corin. Although confused, he is warmly received. Queen Lucy notes his resemblance to Corin, and Edmund, after a few firm words, forgives any misunderstandings. Corin plots to secretly take Shasta into battle, disguising him in the armor of a wounded dwarf.
Chapter 13 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – The Battle of Anvard
The Narnian army marches toward Anvard and prepares for battle. Corin and Shasta, disguised and hidden at the rear, observe the military formations. As they advance, Shasta remembers Aslan walking beside him the night before, keeping him from falling off a cliff. They soon arrive at a clearing where they spot the besieged castle and a Calormene group using a battering ram. The Narnians organize quietly as tension mounts. In the battle, Shasta becomes disoriented, loses his sword, and falls off his horse, but survives. From the hermitage, the Hermit watches everything in a magical pool and narrates the combat to Aravis, Bree, and Hwin. He sees Shasta fighting clumsily, then falling. However, the arrival of the Narnian army turns the tide: giants crush the enemy, cats defeat enemy horses, and Lune’s troops join the fight. Rabadash is finally defeated, trapped on the wall, and ridiculed by all, hanging from his torn armor like laundry on a line.
Chapter 14 Summary – The Horse and His Boy – Rabadash the Ridiculous
Rabadash is presented as a prisoner before the kings. Arrogant and defiant, he rejects any offer of mercy and threatens terrible revenge. Suddenly, Aslan appears and transforms him into a donkey as punishment for his pride. The spell will only be broken if he returns to the temple of Tash in Tashbaan during the autumn festival and never strays more than fifteen kilometers from it again. Thus condemned to a restricted life, Rabadash is sent back to his land. In Anvard, all celebrate with a great banquet, sharing songs and tales. Shasta, now revealed as Prince Cor, learns his history: he was kidnapped as a child by a traitor and taken to the fisherman by Aslan. Discovering he is heir to the throne, he hesitates, but the law dictates he must rule as the elder of the twins. Aravis joins the court, and over time, she and Cor marry. Together, they rule Archenland wisely. Bree and Hwin live happily in Narnia, frequently visiting their friends.
Conclusion – The Horse and His Boy
The Horse and His Boy is not merely a tale of escape, but a layered journey where every encounter — from a silent cat to a fearsome roar — carries hidden meaning. Shasta doesn’t just flee from a life he didn’t choose; he stumbles into a truth that had been waiting for him all along.
Compared to other volumes in the saga, this one feels more introspective — rooted in personal transformation rather than grand wars. Yet the novel doesn’t shy away from battles, conspiracies, and heroic moments; rather, it builds everything around one central idea: the dignity of choosing courage when fear is near, and the quiet strength of freedom earned. Aslan, in his most symbolic and unpredictable form, walks beside the characters unseen, only revealing himself when the moment is right.
If you want to continue exploring the series through this emotional and narrative lens, continue with the chapter-by-chapter book summary of the next volume, Prince Caspian ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – The Horse and His Boy
How does Shasta’s true identity come to light, and why does it matter?
After warning King Lune and stumbling through the Battle of Anvard, Shasta is revealed to be Cor—the elder twin and rightful heir. Kidnapped as an infant and providentially delivered to the fisherman by Aslan, his life of drift snaps into focus. The resemblance to Corin, his courage under pressure, and the recovered tale of his abduction confirm the truth. This isn’t just a royal twist; it resolves the novel’s central tension: a boy without a name or home learns he was claimed from the start, and duty now aligns with desire.
What’s the point of Aslan’s hidden guidance if he barely shows up?
Aslan orchestrates without spectacle. He is the “cat” guarding Shasta among the Tombs, the roar that herds fugitives away from danger, and the Lion who walks beside him in the fog. He wounds Aravis to teach compassion and strips Bree of vanity so he can regain true courage. Only when Shasta has chosen bravery on his own does Aslan appear openly. The pattern suggests providence that respects freedom: the characters grow because they act, yet their steps are quietly aligned toward mercy and meaning.
In what ways does Aravis complicate the ‘escape’ narrative?
Aravis begins as a sharp, privileged runaway determined to control her fate. Her plan-making keeps the plot alive, but her wound—given by Aslan—forces her to face harm she caused and to soften into empathy. Sheltered by the Hermit, she learns trust and responsibility; by Anvard, she is no mere co-fugitive but a partner whose judgment steadies Cor. Her arc reframes escape as transformation: freedom is not just slipping the leash, it is choosing to care for others, even when it slows you down or hurts.
What growth do Bree and Hwin experience beyond ‘talking-horse’ novelty?
Bree, the boastful warhorse, discovers his bravado collapses before a lion; the shame cracks his self-image so humility can enter. The Hermit helps him see he lost pride, not courage. Hwin models a quieter strength: patient, clear-eyed, and the first to nudge the party forward when comfort tempts delay. Together they embody two paths to maturity—unlearning swagger and practicing gentle steadiness—reminding us that freedom is sustained by discipline, not daydreams, and that dignity is measured in how you bear fear and care for friends.
Why is Rabadash turned into a donkey, and what are the rules of the spell?
Rabadash’s punishment fits his arrogance: transformed into a donkey, he regains human form only by returning to Tash’s temple during the autumn festival and must never stray more than fifteen kilometers from it again. The sanction curbs his reach without bloodshed, prevents open war, and satirizes power unmoored from wisdom. It’s restorative justice with teeth: public folly mirrors inward folly, and stability is secured not by humiliation for its own sake but by boundaries that protect others from his restless pride.
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