Are you ready for Narnia?

The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven fantasy novels for children written by Irish author Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963). Possibly his best known work, it has grown to be recognised as a classic of children's literature.

The series is an amalgam of Christian themes, Greek and Roman mythology, and Irish fairy tales. It has proved to be extremely popular since its publication between 1950 and 1956, and has led to adaptations for television, theatre and radio. Now, the big-screen version is set to take India by storm.

In a nutshell, The Chronicles of Narnia describes the adventures of four ordinary children who are suddenly transported to the mythical land of Narnia, and find themselves in an epic battle being fought between good and evil.

Narnia is one world in a 'multiverse' of countless worlds, passage between which is rarely possible. It is populated by all kinds of creatures, most of which you will see on the big screen when the film opens.

Published in 1950, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the first part of the series. It is the story of four children -- Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie -- who are sent to a professor's country home for protection during World War II. They accidentally stumble across a magic wardrobe that leads them to the magical land of Narnia, where animals can talk.

It is ruled by the wise and benevolent lion, Aslan, but Narnia is cursed. It is being kept in a perpetual winter by the evil White Witch Jadis, who turns anyone who doesn't obey her into stone. The children suddenly find themselves in a battle against the witch.

There are seven books in all, each involving the children in a different adventure.

Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia (1951) tells the story of the Pevensie children's second trip to Narnia where they discover that an evil king from Telmar has taken control. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952) has them accompany King Caspian on a voyage to find seven banished lords. The Silver Chair (1953) has Aslan call Eustace back to find missing Prince Rilian.

The Horse and His Boy (1954) is the story of a talking horse called Bree and a boy called Shasta, who have been held in bondage in a country near Narnia. The Magician's Nephew (1955) brings us to the beginnings of Narnia when Aslan creates the world and evil enters. Finally, The Last Battle (1956) chronicles the end of Narnia.

The Chronicles have long become a favourite with children as well as adults. The film has already broken records worldwide since its release last month. It was the 22nd most successful opening day ever and the second most profitable December opening weekend. It also scored the 37th best second weekend of all time.

If the movie continues its successful run, the other six parts of the may be made into films.

For now, go ahead and let the magic overtake you.