Lord Drinian - The Voyage of The Dawn Treader

In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, one of the first new characters to be introduced is Lord Drinian, the captain of the Dawn Treader. He is described as a dark-haired young man who loyally serves Caspian on his voyage to the end of the world. Although the seafaring trade in Narnia was severely limited by King Miraz's fear of the sea, Caspian, through his influence as the king, resurrects Narnia's interest in navigation and sailing. As a result, Drinian is one of a few Narnians with a vast knowledge of seafaring. Armed with these skills and his friendly sense of humor, Drinian greatly aids Caspian and his crew in their search for the seven lost lords.

Though Drinian is one of the most experienced sailors from Narnia, even he is occasionally surprised throughout the course of their journey. For example, when they reach the island that they later rename Dragon Island, they encounter a creature that most of the crew has never seen before: a dragon. Skeptical, Drinian asserts that dragons, like crocodiles, cannot be trusted and refuses to let his guard down. In fact, it is only upon discovering the dragon's identity (Eustace) that Drinian is able to trust it.

This cautiousness proves useful on another occasion. As they near the end of their journey, Drinian spots an odd rock formation that he correctly identifies as a sea serpent. Surviving the sea serpent's attack, Drinian and the ship head for a welcome respite in an approaching harbor. When Caspian suggests that they anchor in a different section of the harbor, Drinian obeys patiently but with a little reluctance at having his own choice for their resting place denied.

As they near the edge of the world, Lucy spots a fantastic view of merpeople who are unlike those she had seen in Narnia. Drinian realizes the possible danger they pose to his crew, as any of the men might fall in love with a mermaid or even in love with the world under the water itself and fall overboard; as a result, he orders Lucy to ignore the merpeople and act as if she had not seen them. When Reepicheep falls overboard, Drinian berates him out of worry because he fears for both Reepicheep's safety as well as the possibility that the crew may discover the merpeople.

After Reepicheep, Lucy, Eustace, and Edmund continue on their journey to the very edge of the world, Drinian successfully returns Caspian and the crew safely home to Narnia.