Editing Puddleglum (section)

==Appearance==

Puddleglum first appears in chapter 5 of ''The Silver Chair'' as the companion of Eustace and Jill as they search for [[Prince Rilian]], heir to the Narnian throne, who disappeared 10 years earlier. He is a caricature of [[pessimism]] and a bastion of gloomy fortitude: "I see you're making the best of a bad job. That's right. You've been well brought up, you have. You've learned to put a good face on things."<ref>{{Harvard citation|Lewis|1953|loc=ch 5}}</ref> But in the end Lewis gives readers a small sign that maybe spending time with Eustace and Jill has had an effect on him. After Jill surprises him with a farewell hug (and kiss), Puddleglum remarks, "Well, I wouldn't have dreamt of her doing that. Even though I ''am'' a good-looking chap."<ref>{{Harvard citation|Lewis|1953|loc=ch 16}}</ref>

While the children initially (and not entirely without merit) consider him a "wet blanket" who removes the good from any situation, he proves to be a strong and steadfast companion, especially in [[Underland (Narnia)|Underland]] where he is all they have to cling to. It is Puddleglum who often spots the best course of action, and ultimately Puddleglum who wins the debate with the [[Lady of the Green Kirtle]], breaking her spell and releasing the Prince by stamping out her magical fire (badly injuring his foot in the process, though not as much as a normal human would, since his feet are webbed). She reacts furiously and turns into a serpent, only to be killed by Rilian. Puddleglum then joins Rilian and the two children on their escape from the Underworld to Narnia.