The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a story of discovery because it is a story of desire. Longing is the wind that fills the story’s sails and drives the characters to the destinations along their individual journeys.

Lost in a world he had no control over, Eustace pursued power. He found what he wanted, but it was nothing like what he expected. Instead of the power of wealth, he had the physical strength and stature he’d always lacked, along with teeth, claws, and fiery breath.

For a moment he relished the thought of unleashing his newfound might in revenge. But in an instant, his confidence gave way to the despair of loneliness.

Lucy’s deepest longing was always for Aslan himself, but another longing claimed her attention when found herself alone with the magician’s book—a desire for validation and admiration. A question: “What do they think of me?” Though she escaped the lure of “beauty beyond the lot of mortals”, she received her answer and wished she hadn’t.

But when she turned to see the true desire of her heart and lesser longings faded in His presence, an unconscious beauty as brilliant as she could have imagined rested on her face.

The longing that propelled the Dawn Treader to the world’s end was the desire of Reepicheep’s heart—Aslan’s Country in the Utter East. The strength of this longing empowered him to face the journey’s challenges with courage and joy.

When he finally laid eyes on his long-awaited destination, its glory overwhelmed everyone’s expectations.

Your longings are at the helm of your own voyage of discovery. Who and what you choose to treasure will define your destination, and what you find there will reward you with joy or pain beyond your wildest expectations.

Make sail for the east. Let worthy desires guide your curiosity, and your questions will lead you to discoveries more wonderful than you can imagine.

“Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter East.”

Reepicheep’s Verse, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis