Tilda Swinton is an acclaimed British actress known for her versatile roles and transformative performances. One of her notable roles is that of Jadis the White Witch in the Chronicles of Narnia film series. Jadis the White Witch is a captivating and enigmatic character in C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy series. Tilda Swinton brought this character to life with her exceptional talent and dedication to the role.

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Tilda Swinton brought this character to life with her exceptional talent and dedication to the role. She perfectly embodied Jadis' icy demeanor, powerful presence, and manipulative nature. Swinton's portrayal of Jadis the White Witch is hauntingly beautiful.

Preview — The White Witch by Elizabeth Goudge

“We all of us need to be toppled off the throne of self, my dear," he said. "Perched up there the tears of others are never upon our own cheek.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“she had long accepted the fact
that happiness is like swallows in
Spring. It may come and nest under
your eaves or it may not. You cannot
command it. When you expect to be
happy you are not, when you don't
expect to be happy there's suddenly
Easter in your soul, though it be
midwinter.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“All human beings have their otherness and it is that which cries out to the heart.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“These black times go as they come and we do not know how they come or why they go. But we know that God controls them, as he controls the whole vast cobweb of the mystery of things.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“. there began to come to her a first dim realization of God's humility. Rejected by the proud in His own right by what humble means He chose to succor them; through the spirit of a child, a poor gypsy or an old man, by a song perhaps, or even it might be by the fall of a leaf or the scent of a flower. For His infinite and humble patience nothing was too small to advance His purpose of salvation and eternity was not too long for its accomplishment.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“The sun is still there. even if clouds drift over it. Once you have experienced the reality of sunshine you may weep, but you will never feel ice about your heart again.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“He had discovered that the choice between self-love or love of something other than self offers no escape from suffering either way, it is merely a choice between two woundings, of the pride or of the heart.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“The years stretched before her, a long and dusty way, yet if she could walk humbly along it she might find that life, unfolding slowly, keeps its best secrets till the end.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“. those who break the law should be loved more and not less for their sin, for if we do not forgive then is sin added to sin and the end is death.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“I loathe, detest, hate and abominate the block, the gibbet, the rack, the pillory and the faggots with equal passion," said the old man vehemently. "Not only are they devilishly cruel but they are not even common sense. They do not lesson the evil in the world, they increase it, by making those who handle these cruelties as wicked as those who suffer them. No, I'm wrong, more wicked, for there is always some expiation made in the endurance of suffering and none at all in the infliction of it.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“One is seldom unchanged by the death of those one loves. It gives me a deeper knowledge of them, and so of oneself in regard to them.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“In what he suffered, as in all true suffering and in true joy, there was the quality of eternity. He could not believe it would ever end.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“In moments of exaltation one expressed sentiments that outstripped one's spiritual capabilities by a vast span; and she knew well that unless God is sought for Himself alone, with a selflessness of which she was at present incapable, He is not to be found.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“Reaching for air and light the beech trees had grown very tall. One’s eyes traveled up and up the immense height of the silver trunks, past the various platforms of green leaves to where the blue of the upper air showed through them. The final platforms were so high that the blue of the blue-green pattern seemed no further away in space than the green; but one tree had decided to be content with a lowly position, had grown only a short height on a slender silver stem and then spread out her arms and wings like a dancing fairy. Below on the floor of the wood the colors showed jewel-bright above the warm russet of the beechmast. The cushions of moss about the roots of the trees were emerald and there were clumps of small bright purple toadstools, and others rose-colored on top and quilted white satin underneath.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“I mean our time of judgment, yours and mine. These scourges that come upon us, wars and disasters of all sorts, they’re the retribution that the sin of the world pulls down upon itself and collectively we’re all guilty, though individually we may be innocent. Men choose one side or the other, making the best choice that they can with the knowledge that they have. Yet they know little and the turns and twists of war are incalculable. They may fight for a righteous cause and yet at the end of it all have become as evil as their enemies, or they may in error espouse an evil cause and in defense of it grow better men than they were before. And so the one war becomes each man’s private war, fought out within his own nature. In the last resort that’s what matters to him, Froniga. In the testing of the times did he win or lose his soul? That’s his judgment.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

“Ah, that was the hardest thing to relinquish! Vigor of mind. The material things were not hard to give up, but memory, intellect, even perhaps at last the power to pray, those most precious treasures that had been symbolized by the books upon his shelves, from these it would be hard to part. Being human, he was feeling slightly sorry for himself at the moment and he found himself praying that he might never part from them, that he might die before that final stripping. Then, as he turned north at the corner of the lane and the cold wind struck him, he remembered the season. Christmas Eve. The Child in the manger had not only stripped Himself of the glory of heaven but of His wisdom too. The doing of the will of God had caused Him to lie there possessing neither memory, intellect nor the power to pray.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The White Witch

The witch and her wardrobe

When costuming a witch, certain factors need to be considered. For starters, the black hair and broomstick thing is, frankly, passe. And when the witch in question is Jadis the White Witch from “The Chronicles of Narnia,” black would simply be the ultimate fashion faux pas.

“She’s the Ice Queen; she couldn’t be dark,” says Costume Designers Guild nominee Isis Mussenden, who says the character of Jadis, portrayed with fierce intensity by Tilda Swinton, was the greatest challenge of the job.

Mussenden spent months in the concept phase — because the other thing about dressing witches is that they’re not human, so such mundane tasks as actually getting dressed are irrelevant. “I didn’t want to think that she went into the wardrobe and pulled her dress out,” says the designer. “I didn’t even want to think that she has a closet!”

Dismissing Pauline Baynes’ beloved yet bland illustrations from the original C.S. Lewis books, Mussenden hit upon the missing element thanks to her son’s obsession with Pokemon, in which the game’s characters physically evolve over time. She envisioned the White Witch’s costume as an organic element that would similarly evolve and change colors. “We called it a mood ring,” she says. “It would blow up as she was feeling strong and deflate as her powers would disappear.”

Seven different icy-hued dresses were crafted from hand-felted wool and silk, with a lace overlay that was then burned for texture and depth. But this ice palette is not the glittering white of a department store North Pole; it’s the opaque aqua of icebergs and the steely blue of a frozen sea.

The dresses are imposing, beautiful and feminine — as befits an enchantress who can lure children to her castle with Turkish delight and the warmth of a fur mantle. Alexander McQueen was a design inspiration, and in fact, none of the garments would look out of place on the couture catwalk.

“We were not going to make her evil-looking,” says Mussenden; that was Swinton’s responsibility. Mussenden adds that the alabaster pale, otherworldly beauty will do “anything” to make a costume work, including, in this case, wearing no makeup, which for many fortysomething Hollywood actresses would be a deal-breaker.

Really, who needs makeup when you’re swathed in white fox, ritualistically adorned with black feathers, or dressed, literally, to kill, in what came to be called “the Aslan poncho”: a lion’s mane ruff (synthetic, of course) worn atop a titanium chain-mail skirt that took a week to weld together.

For the Ice Queen’s signature piece — her icicle crown — Mussenden collaborated with the New York City artist Hope Atherton, who uses textiles and taxidermy in her work. “Hope has this little thing in her brain that’s really macabre,” says Mussenden. “It takes her one step further into darkness.”

The designer had always imagined a crown of ice that would melt away, yet it was Atherton who conceived of icicles actually growing from the witch’s skull.

Mussenden widens her eyes. “I mean, shards of ice coming out of someone’s head! It’s just fantastic!” She continues, chuckling at the memory, “And then when I said, ‘OK, how are we going to make this?’ she said, ‘I don’t know, that’s your job.'”

Tilda Swinton speaks about White Witch in Dawn Treader

Actress Tilda Swinton, who portrayed The White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, reprised the role in Prince Caspian, is set to do it yet again in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. She spoke briefly about her time on the set, which should help to ease people’s thoughts about how large her role is on screen.

It happened in an interview with a writer for Examiner.com

You reprise your role as the White Witch in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” the third film in the “Narnia” movie series. How long did it take you to film what you do in that movie?

Oh, you know I’m in it? Yes, it’s true.

I know you can’t give away any spoilers, but it’s not a secret that you’re in the movie since you’re shown in the movie’s trailer.

Well, I’m amazed that that they would put [my scene] in the trailer, because I spent less time filming it than I spent speaking to you [in this interview]. [NOTE: This interview was 23 minutes long.]

Okay, for those of you who have never been on a film set: 23 minutes of filming doesn’t really amount to a lot. Granted, it was likely a rough estimate, but when they’re filming something like this they usually do many takes of the same shot. Not just from different angles, but to get different performances each time. This shows something that should ease your mind: she’s not in it very much.

• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
• The White Witch
• Tilda Swinton

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24 Comments

I’m relatively sure from what I say in the trailer that she appears in the Dark Island, which makes perfect sense. Edmund’s past actions and his associations with her likely would be his greatest nightmare. If that’s the case, then I have no problem with this.

Wow that is a REALLY short amount of time filming…
Wasn’t worried about it at all… but it should clear other people’s minds.
To those who are still worried… I spent more time filming in a movie than she did in Dawn Treader, and I was an extra! Not even a featured one… lol
23 minutes is nothing on a film set…

thank you paul for clearing that up for everyone!( everyone on the Dancing Lawn were ready to go witch hunting! I’m serious)

Thanks Paul. Someone should notify the poor chaps and chapettes at NarniaWeb that there’s nothing to freak out about.

I really don’t care if she was in or not. I love seeing how the directors use the book and create a good movie with it. And if the White Witch is in it then so be it. Besides, She has to be in the Silver Chair too. As the Green Witch.

no shes not in the silver chair. The green witch is someone else. What the owl said about that is not true caz it was pute in by an editor latter.

I don’t mind the witch being in there all that much. I just don’t like the way its done. The point of the dark island was that it was dark not a green mist.

Did I also see Peter and Susan at the end of the trailer? Where do they turn up? Also saw some scenes that look like fauns fighting again……..not that I am complaining. I prefered the castle battle scene in Prince Caspian to the description of the failed ambush in the book.

I find everyone’s reaction to Tilda Swinton quite strange. She’s a fantastic actress, and honestly she was my favorite character in the 1st Narnia movie-by far. Her ease with which she assumed the role was almost embarrassingly more natural than most of the child actors, as well as most of the adults. That first scene with her and Edmund was just brilliant. The way she could be motherly, just slightly sexy, yet subtly ominous was the best.

This makes it seem like they only put her in the movie so that she could be in the trailer. Very misleading. Just like Peter and Susan.

Douglas, the point is that she is not in the book, not that she is a bad actor. We know they are going to cut huge amounts of the book out because nobody (well, except hardcore fans) would sit through a 6-8 hour movie. It is obnoxious in the extreme when movies created from books remove large parts of the book then add in scenes that are more “Hollywood-esque”. However, I don’t believe this will be the case here. I think a commentor already called it, she will be in Edmund’s nightmare on Dark Island. Not a big deal. People are just worried that Hollywood is going to ruin yet another book/series with silly changes. 😛 Now if they replace the Green Witch with her in the next movie (if there is a next movie)… that’d be something to get upset about.

Rebecca: OK- I can see that point. I think when movies are in a series, there is the desire for continuity sometimes that overrides the author’s original story lines. Sometimes it’s bad, sometimes it’s actually better. Arwen’s character in LOTR was very minor in the books, but central in the movies. But it made a lot more sense to have it that way, and spoke to more realistic motivations, especially for Aragorn’s character. The White Witch in the second Narnia movie- hard to say. I’ve read all the books a number of times, but now can’t remember what that scene was (or wasn’t) in the book. I think it played out reasonably well in the film if taken as such. Honestly, I find one of the shortfalls of the Narnia series is that so few of the children’s character ever experience much in the way of real internal conflict, other than Edmund. And he’s already made out to be a bit of a trouble-maker right from the beginning. What about the others? No problems at all? They are just too earnest. Faith is all well and good, but the best stories usually have faith and trust as something the characters find through a great deal of doubt and struggle. It’s probably why it hasn’t had the reach of LOTR or the Harry Potter series (which obviously owes it’s entire existence to both fantasy forebears). I’ve enjoyed both Narnia movies a lot, and will keep watching until the end (or wherever they get to). But I think most fans will agree the storyline really gets a bit fuzzy after the fourth novel. Much less compelling and harder to follow, and the more you loose the central characters the less you feel invested in the story.

I’m glad they put the White Witch in the film. I know in the book she doesn’t appear, but its a good idea to add it-like they did in Prince Caspian. It’s like bonus stuff for us Narnia-fans. When I first saw the trailer, I was puzzled on when she would appear, so I re-read the book and once I got to the part about the Dark Island, I immediately knew and was/am very excited!

I’m pleased they put the White Witch in the film, she is a great character and I think it would be one of those changes which would add to the storyline. If you look at the Dark island scene there is just a lot of screaming and shouting in the books, if I am correct, so they need to think something up to put in. Its minor, and looks like a good scene so a great idea to add to Lewis’ tale. Like they did in Caspian – I thought Tilda’s scene was one of the best in it! Edmund’s worse nightmare would be the White Witch so for him to see her on the Dark Island would make sense, also gives him a chance to face his fear of her once and for all at the end of his Narnia adventure (I don’t think he appears in any other books). Plus, Jadis is my favourite character, so the more the better. Also, it becoming a little film tradition to keep her in as a cameo it seems? But i would have a problem with her becoming one in the same as the Lady of the Green Kirtle in Silver Chair….yet maybe another cameo?

I also think it would be Edmonds worst nightmare to meet the white witch agian! But, Douglas I do not agree that Edmond is the only one who faces internal conflict, believe that lucy and peter face thair fare share. Can’t wait to see th movie!! 🙂

Personally, I think Swinton is a brilliant actress and that the producers were very smart to put her in the film since the book problematically lacks any real villain. And personally I will be totally upset if they don’t cast her as the Green Witch in Silver Chair. I have read these books over and over since I was a boy (many years now!) and I ALWAYS imagined that the Green Witch was identical in appearance to the White Witch even if not the same person. As an allegory, you can’t have TWO serpents enter paradise in The Magician’s Nephew, so theologically I will be very upset if it’s not Tilda. The Green Witch is just Jadis in another form. Think about it!

Jadis The white witch symbolize the neverending and eternal evil in the Narnia Saga, THAT is the reason why i LOVE the Tilda Swinton “cameos” in all the narnia films. She MUST BE the green witch too in Silver Chair ! she is awesome.

As I agree with most fans in previous comments, I am SO glad that Tilda Swinton reprised her role as The White Witch… even if she is in it less than 23 minutes. Like, in the book Prince Caspian, she never was visible or close to being brought back… she was mentioned by Nikabrik, the hag, and the wereworlf to bring her back.. although it didn’t happen. As in the film, that went further therefore we were able to see her.. which I LOVED. And no she isn’t in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader book, yet on Dark Island your “nightmares become real” and thats what we tare seeing in the Dawn Treader film trailer. Now, next, The Silver Chair, she is not in it. Lady of the Green Kirlte is a complete different witch. People mistake her as The White Witch cause they both come from the North aka Northern Witches. The only film Tilda Swinton should come back in for a full movie is The Magicians Nephew, where the whole Narnia series begins and where The White Witch in originally introduced. As for Peter and Susan for the Dawn Treader, they are only mentioned in the book.. Susan is on vacation with the Pevensie’s parents while Peter is back at the Professors house doing studying. As to why they are seen in the trailer, I am clueless. Be in mind, Dawn Treader is the last time we will see Edmund and Lucy in Narnia… only until The Last Battle the Pevensies that will be back is Peter, Edmund, and Lucy. Why not Susan, because she no longer believes in Narnia. Phew, hoped this has helped anyone who was confused and needed some information. Yay Narnia!

I love Tilda Swinton. I’m happy she’s In this movie. I hope she’s In the silver chair. PS. I hope you got my letter Tilda Swinton.

Crossing Textual Boundaries in International Children’s Literature

“As the first part of the title indicates, my interest in looking at intertextuality and transformation still maintains a prominent place throughout this book as well. If we believe that ‘no text is an island,’ then we will understand that the relationships between and within texts across the years become a fascinating place for academic inquiry. I included the word ‘boundaries’ into the title because we never get tired of voicing our opinions about texts which traverse relegated boundaries, such as genre or medium. Not only am I interested in discussing what these changes across boundaries mean socially, historically, and culturally, but also what they mean geographically, which accounts for the second part of my title.

“I am very excited that this book will be placing even more emphasis on children’s literature in an international scene than my first book did, in the sense that I have added more scholars on an international level. I hesitate to list the nationalities of all of the contributors here because quite a few have themselves crossed international boundaries in different ways, by either studying abroad or finding permanent residency in foreign countries. Nevertheless, the writers have lived extensively in or identify as being from Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United States of America, and Wales.”

With her pale complexion, piercing blue eyes, and flowing white hair, she exudes an otherworldly charm. Her ability to capture the essence of this iconic character is truly remarkable. Jadis the White Witch is known as the main antagonist in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. As the self-proclaimed Queen of Narnia, she ruled with an iron fist, keeping Narnia trapped in a never-ending winter. Swinton's performance as Jadis captured the character's complexity. She portrayed the White Witch as a ruthless and power-hungry dictator with a tragic past. Through subtle nuances and expressions, she conveyed the inner turmoil and vulnerability underneath Jadis' cold exterior. What sets Swinton's portrayal apart is her ability to strike a balance between terrifying and alluring. She captures Jadis' seductive charm that lures unsuspecting characters into her web of deceit and manipulation. Swinton's ability to convey both the beauty and the darkness of Jadis make her portrayal unforgettable. Tilda Swinton's portrayal of Jadis the White Witch received critical acclaim and cemented her status as a versatile actress capable of immersing herself in any role. Her dedication to capturing the essence of this iconic character is evident in her mesmerizing performance. In conclusion, Tilda Swinton's portrayal of Jadis the White Witch in the Chronicles of Narnia film series showcases her immense talent and ability to bring complex characters to life. Through her exceptional acting skills, she captured the chilling allure and manipulative nature of this iconic character, leaving a lasting impression on audiences..

Reviews for "Jadis the White Witch: Tilda Swinton's Spellbinding Performance"

1. John Smith - 1 star

I found Tilda Swinton's portrayal of Jadis, the White Witch, to be extremely disappointing. Her performance lacked depth and charisma, making the character feel one-dimensional and uninteresting. Swinton seemed to be going through the motions without truly embodying the role. Additionally, her line delivery felt forced and unnatural, further detracting from the overall experience. I was left feeling underwhelmed and wishing for a more captivating portrayal of this iconic character.

2. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars

While Tilda Swinton is undeniably a talented actress, her depiction of Jadis, the White Witch, fell flat for me. Swinton's interpretation lacked the malevolence and wickedness that made the character so intriguing in the books. Her portrayal felt more aloof and detached, failing to capture the essence of Jadis' power and cruelty. I was hoping for a more captivating and menacing performance that would truly bring the White Witch to life, but Swinton's portrayal left me wanting more.

3. Robert Thompson - 1 star

Tilda Swinton's portrayal of Jadis, the White Witch, was a complete disappointment. The character lacked any semblance of complexity and failed to evoke any genuine emotion. Swinton's performance appeared wooden and robotic, making it impossible to connect with the character on any level. Jadis is meant to be a captivating and formidable villain, but Swinton's portrayal turned her into a forgettable and unimpressive presence. This was a missed opportunity to bring one of literature's most iconic villains to life.

4. Rebecca Clarke - 2 stars

I had high hopes for Tilda Swinton's portrayal of Jadis, the White Witch, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. Swinton's performance lacked the commanding presence and captivating allure that the character requires. Her portrayal felt lackluster and failed to convey the depth and complexity of Jadis' motivations and inner turmoil. While Swinton is undoubtedly a talented actress, she did not bring the necessary conviction and intensity to the role, leaving me wanting more from this iconic character.

5. David Miller - 1 star

Tilda Swinton's portrayal of Jadis, the White Witch, was underwhelming and lacked the necessary gravitas. Swinton failed to capture the essence of the character's iconic villainy. Her performance felt lackluster and uninspired, making it difficult to truly invest in Jadis' story arc. The role required an actress who could portray both the sinister and charismatic sides of Jadis, but Swinton's portrayal missed the mark on both fronts. I was left feeling disappointed and wishing for a more compelling performance.

Behind the Scenes: Tilda Swinton's Transformation into Jadis the White Witch