What does “velvet” mean in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”?

In "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the term "velvet" has a significant meaning in the context of the story. It refers to a specific type of grass that grows only in Narnia, which is described as "bright green and soft as velvet." The grass plays an essential role in the story, as it is used by the characters to hide and move around without being detected by the White Witch's spies.

Aslan, the lion who is the rightful king of Narnia, tells the children that the grass will help them in their quest to defeat the White Witch. He says, "The grass is hiding you. The trees are holding you up. The river is moving you forward. You must not fail to use any of these aids." Thus, the velvet grass becomes a symbol of hope and guidance for the characters as they navigate through the treacherous terrain of Narnia.

Moreover, the velvet grass is also used as a means of communication between the characters. They leave signs for each other on the grass, which serves as a secret language to communicate important messages. For example, when Lucy finds Tumnus the faun after he has been arrested by the White Witch's forces, she writes a message on the grass using a stick: "I've been here, and I still am. Waiting for you." This message alerts Tumnus that he is not alone and that Lucy is there to help him.

Overall, the term "velvet" in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" represents the unique flora and fauna of Narnia, which adds to the magical and otherworldly atmosphere of the story. It is a symbol of hope and guidance for the characters, and it plays a vital role in their quest to defeat the White Witch and restore peace to Narnia.