I have been reading C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia to our eldest daughter before bed during the past few months. Of course, I have read them many, many times before. This time, however, I had also been reading Richard Bushman’s biography of Joseph Smith, “Rough Stone Rolling.” Joseph Smith’s use of a Seer Stone in translating the Book of Mormon and receiving revelation is treated at some length in the biography.

So as I was reading Lewis’s fiction aloud, this time through I was pleasantly surprised to recognize a seer stone being used by one of the characters.

In chapter seven of “Prince Caspian” the Old Narnian’s have gathered with Prince Caspian to plan for war against Caspian’s usurping uncle Miraz. As they are getting started, Dr. Cornelius, Caspian’s tutor who helped him escape from Miraz, finds them. In the conversation that results, Caspian asks, “However did you find us out?” and Dr. Cornelius replies, “By a little use of simple magic, your Majesty…. I had a pretty good guess from my crystal as to where I should find you.” (emphasis mine)

So there you have it. Dr. Cornelius, a good character, apparently employed a seer stone of sorts to find Caspian and the Old Narnians without any hint of disapproval by the author.

You can add that to your quiver of fun, but useless knowledge. 🙂