Andrew Peterson’s Inspiration and the Wingfeather Saga

Andrew Peterson, the creator of the popular children’s series Wingfeather Saga, shared that reading C.S. Lewis’ works, especially The Chronicles of Narnia, inspired him to craft his own stories. He realized there was a lack of “epic” fantasy adventures designed for kids.

The Wingfeather Saga is a four-book series that was released between 2008 and 2014. It has gained renewed attention thanks to an anime adaptation by Angel Studios. The third season premiered on their platform this month.

This series follows three brothers as they discover hidden familial secrets in a fantasy realm while battling evil and striving to unite a fragmented kingdom.

Peterson, also known for his music in Christian circles, felt a strong urge to create the fantasy saga after reading Lewis’s books to his children. He reflected on his younger days of reading and writing, humorously referring to himself as a “nerdy art kid.”

“I’ve always had this idea in my mind about wanting to write a book someday,” he mentioned to a reporter. Remembering the emotional impact of reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, he vividly recalled the moment he spoke to his kids and ended up in tears, moved by the story’s significance. “The strength of the narrative struck me once again,” he said, emphasizing how the children were his primary audience.

Noticing the scarcity of “big, epic fantasy series” for kids, Peterson felt compelled to create something meaningful. He described the Wingfeather Saga as occupying a space somewhere between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, incorporating strong Christian themes without becoming overtly religious.

“I lean towards the Tolkien side of storytelling most of the time,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to draft a Christian fantasy series; my goal was just to write the best adventure I could. In that process, I knew there was divine inspiration.” He quoted a friend who said, “Wingfeather Saga isn’t overtly Christian, but it’s profoundly so.”

Now, Peterson’s novels are available in bookstores alongside franchises like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, and even Captain Underpants, thanks to Angel Studios’ expansion.

Currently, he is working on a new young adult adventure story. “I’m not quite ready to share the details yet,” he said, smiling.

Related Articles

• 7 Christians Who Influence Believers of All Ages
• Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe