---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Peter, Adam's Son,\" said Father…"
description: "\"“Peter, Adam's Son,\" said Father Christmas. \"Here, sir,\" said Peter. \"These are your presents,\" was the answer, \"and they are tools, not toys. The time..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c7/c-s-lewis-121_father-christmas_peter-adam-s-son-said-father-christmas-h_2435926.jpg"
---

#  Peter, Adam's Son," said Father Christmas. "Here, sir,"…

![“Peter, Adam's Son,&quot; said Father Christmas. &quot;Here, sir,&quot; said Peter. &quot;These are your presents,&quot; was the answer, &quot;and they are tools, not toys. The time to use them is perhaps near at hand. Bear them well.&quot; With these words he handed to Peter a shield and a sword. The shield was the color of silver…” quote by C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c7/c-s-lewis-121_father-christmas_peter-adam-s-son-said-father-christmas-h_2435926.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c7/c-s-lewis-121_father-christmas_peter-adam-s-son-said-father-christmas-h_2435926.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c7/c-s-lewis-121_father-christmas_peter-adam-s-son-said-father-christmas-h_2435926.jpg)

> ““Peter, Adam's Son," said Father Christmas. "Here, sir," said Peter. "These are your presents," was the answer, "and they are tools, not toys. The time to use them is perhaps near at hand. Bear them well." With these words he handed to Peter a shield and a sword. The shield was the color of silver and across it there ramped a red lion, as bright as a ripe strawberry at the moment when you pick it. The hilt of the sword was of gold and it had a sheath and a sword belt and everything it needed, and it was just the right size and weight for Peter to use. Peter was silent and solemn as he received these gifts, for he felt they were a very serious kind of present. "Susan, Eve's Daughter," said Father Christmas. "These are for you," and he handed her a bow and a quiver full of arrows and a little ivory horn. "You must use the bow only in great need," he said, "for I do not mean you to fight in the battle. It does not easily miss. And when you put this horn to your lips and blow it, then, wherever you are, I think help of some kind will come to you." Last of all he said, "Lucy, Eve's Daughter," and Lucy came forward. He gave her a little bottle of what looked like glass (but people said afterwards that it was made of diamond) and a small dagger. "In this bottle," he said, "there is a cordial made of the juice of one of the fire-flowers that grow on the mountains of the sun. If you or any of your friends is hurt, a few drops of this will restore them. And the dagger is to defend yourself at great need. For you also are not to be in the battle." "Why, sir?" said Lucy. "I think- I don't know- but I think I could be brave enough." "That is not the point," he said. "But battles are ugly when women fight.””

[C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis-2/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Father Christmas gives each child a symbolic tool that represents responsibility, courage, and aid, emphasizing that gifts are meant for purpose, not frivolous play.

**In simple terms:** Tools symbolize duty and help, not toys.

Key Takeaway

Use gifts wisely and responsibly.

Themes

responsibility courage help purpose gender roles

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

narrative inspirational

When to use this quote

- family gatherings
- holiday traditions
- coming‑of‑age moments
- role‑playing games

Key Concepts

symbolism mythic archetype gift theory

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you decide when to use a gift for help versus self‑interest?
- What responsibilities come with power?

A Different Perspective

The narrative may oversimplify complex moral choices by assigning clear‑cut roles to characters.

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[Father christmas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/father-christmas/) [Gifts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gifts/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [Weapons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/weapons/)

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