Hall of Images

The Hall of Images was a section of the royal palace of Charn that survived centuries after Queen Jadis had spoken the Deplorable Word. It probably originally functioned as the palace's great hall.

After Jadis spoke the Deplorable Word that killed all living organisms in the entire world of Charn, she put an enchantment on the Hall's dining table so that all the images that were seated there as well as herself were magically preserved eternally. Jadis seated herself at the very end of the table and from the opposite side, the nobles appeared gentle and kind. As one moved down the table, they became more and more intimidating and frightening until one's eyes fell upon Jadis, the most beautiful yet cruel-looking of all.

By the time Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, two young humans from Earth, discovered the Hall, Jadis had placed a short column in the centre of the Hall with writing inscribed on it; resting on top of the column's capital was a golden bell and small hammer with which to hit it. The writing read approximately as follows:
 * Make your choice, adventurous Stranger;
 * Strike the bell and bide the danger,
 * Or wonder, till it drives you mad,
 * What would have followed if you had.

Ringing the bell, as Digory did, sent out a single note that did not fade but only grew deafeningly louder and louder (until the roof of the building collapsed from the sonic vibrations). Ultimately, the ringing became so loud that it broke the spell, re-awaking Jadis from her preserved state.