Is literary symbolism blasphemy?

C.S. Lewis is widely known to have been a devout Christian. In Narnia, the lion Aslan seems to symbolize Jesus. He is executed in the first book in a manner not entirely unlike crucifixion and rises from the dead, for example. Another character by another author is Franklin, in J.D. Salinger's "Just Before the War with the Eskimos." He injures his feet and hands and is also considered by many to be a reference to Jesus. These are of course just two of many, many times when authors have given a character qualities that symbolize Jesus, or when a major plot point is reminiscent of crucifixion. These symbols have me wondering, though, isn't it some sort of blasphemy? In the first case, Aslan is a powerful and noble hero who works miracles. Could writing this book be akin to worshiping a false idol? In the second, Franklin is unkind and has many vices. He seems rather a poor choice for a Christ symbol. **Under what conditions is it actually appropriate from a religious standpoint to create a Christ figure?** EDIT: I see a downvote wondering what definition of blasphemy I have in mind. My source is [Merriam-Webster dictionary](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blasphemy) : > **blasphemy** > > 1. The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. > 2. The act of claiming the attributes of a deity. C.S. Lewis fits definition 2, where a character he imagines claims the attributes of Jesus. Salinger fits definition 1, for the lack of reverence especially.