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***This post contains
spoilers***
I
experienced a range of emotions after reading The Warden and the Wolf King,
including sadness and joy. The story was powerful and beautiful, ending the
series with unexpected twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew what would
happen next, Andrew Peterson threw in surprises that left me guessing until the
end. Demonstrating masterful skill, Peterson weaves all the threads of the
events and characters together and finishes the saga in a bittersweet moment
that leaves readers breathless.
Although I could focus on any number of scenes in the
story, including Leeli’s battle against the Fangs with her music, there is one
part that stood out among all the rest. After the intense battle with Gnag the
Nameless, the Wingfeather children return to their homeland of Anniera. Kalmar
brings the community of cloven from the Hollows and any Fangs that chose to
accompany him with the promise of healing. He had talked with the Maker in the
Fane of Fire, learning he must carry the stone as the Fangs and cloven sang the
song of the ancient stone. The Maker was already at work, preparing to redeem His
marred creation.
Janner’s Love
As
I mentioned in the first post in this series, Janner is the Throne Warden. His
job is to protect his brother, which he accomplishes many times in the series.
Janner’s scars prove that he loves his brother. At the end of this book, he
proves his love once and for all.
On the morning when the cloven and Fangs would sing the song for restoration, Janner tells Kalmar to sing along with them. Previously, he had discovered that the stone must have another creature (or person) holding it, which would meld the singers with the creature holding the stone. Just as the stone begins to light up, Janner reaches Kalmar and affirms his love for his brother. At that moment, “he tore the stone from Kalmar’s hands, astonished by its weight and warmth, and hugged it tightly. He fell to the ground and curled his body around it” (Peterson 483). Janner took Kalmar’s place in holding the stone, which kills him.
In his
death, Janner brought healing to his brother and the other people who
had suffered being a Fang. Only a human could restore the cloven and Fangs to
their human forms. He was the promised seed, the one who would be planted to
bring a new garden (Peterson 486).
After
the shining light decreases, Kalmar realizes what Janner did for him. No longer
is he a wolf, but a boy. He kneels by Janner’s body, which lay “steaming, and
though all life had gone out of it, the look on his face was one of abounding
peace. The old scars on his neck and cheeks adorned him like badges of honor”
(Peterson 485). The death of his brother brought him and countless others
healing. Janner truly loved his brother to the end, as the songs of Anniera
would declare (Peterson 489).
The Hope of Resurrection
Even
though Janner died, the story ends on a hopeful note. Kalmar and his family
plan to take Janner’s body to the First Well (Peterson 492-493). The Maker had
created this well, known for its healing capabilities. In previous books, the
water from the First Well had healed their dog Nugget and helped their
grandfather, Podo.
Janner
had died, but there is a sparkle of hope in a resurrection.
Christ’s Death and
Resurrection
Janner’s loving sacrifice to save his brother reflects
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Although humans do not deserve grace, God the
Son came to save us anyway. He willingly took our place and endured the
punishment we deserve.
Isaiah 53:4-5 describes this well: “Surely he took up our
pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by
him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed
for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his
wounds we are healed” (NIV).
Our redemption cost Jesus everything, but He offers us
salvation for free (Ephesians 2:8-9). He will always bear the scars of His crucifixion, a
constant reminder of the price He paid for us – and a vivid reminder of His
great love. Like Janner in the story, Jesus willingly laid down His life (John
10:28). Even as our Savior suffered, He loved us.
Furthermore, the gospel contains the hope of
resurrection. On the third day of His burial, Jesus was resurrected (Matthew
28:6). He rose to life in victory, still bearing the scars of His crucifixion.
He forever lives as the exalted Lord and Savior, the One who brings us life (2
Corinthians 5:14-15).
If we trust in Christ’s death and resurrection, then we
can receive the gift of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). He gives us eternal
life, which is an everlasting relationship with God (John 17:3). When we die,
we will be with our Lord and know that one day, He will resurrect us in
glorified bodies (John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55). Our life is hopeful and
abundant because of Jesus.
New Life, New Identity
After
Janner’s sacrifice, Kalmar gives the recently transformed Fangs new names
(Peterson 488). No longer are they defined by their past as hated creatures.
Instead, they receive a promising future as Annieran citizens. Kalmar’s life is
also permanently changed because of his transformation. He has a new chance to
live as the fully human King of Anniera.
Similarly, believers in Christ also have new
lives (2 Corinthians 5:17). We cannot go back to the people we once were
because we have been transformed. Everything changes when we know Jesus. He
begins to work in our lives to gradually grow us and change our perspective.
Because
He lives, we have a new life of purpose, grace, and love. May we all seek to
show others the same love Christ showed for us.
Works
Cited
Peterson, Andrew. The
Wingfeather Saga: The Warden and the Wolf King. WaterBrook, 2014.
The Bible. New
International Version. Zondervan, 2011. Bible Hub.
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