AESOP’S FABLES
Androcles & the Lion
A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering about he came upon a Lion lying down moaning and groaning. At first he turned to flee, but finding that the Lion did not pursue him, he approached the beast.
As he came near, the Lion put out his paw, which was swollen and bleeding. Androcles found that a huge thorn had logged in it and was causing great pain. He pulled out the thorn and bound up the paw of the Lion, who was soon able to rise and lick the hand of Androcles like a friendly dog. Then the Lion took Androcles to his cave, and he brought Androcles meat for sustenance.
But shortly thereafter both Androcles and the Lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the Lions in the Colosseum. The Emperor and all his Court came to see the spectacle. Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena. Soon the Lion was let loose from his den, and rushed bounding and roaring towards his Androcles.
But as the lion came near to to him he recognized his friend, and fawned upon him, and licked his hands like a friendly dog. The Emperor, surprised at this, summoned Androcles to him. Androcles told the Emperor the whole story. Where upon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose to his native forest.
Traditional Moral:
Gratitude is the sign of a noble soul.
TRY THIS!
How many other morals can you find for this fable? For instance, “Bravery and kindness pay rich rewards.” Why not post your best
moral for this fable on the
chalk-board (or Internet)
and let the class
vote for their
favorite?
