Androcles and the Lion

The authorship of today’s fable has been the subject of much debate although Aesop is most often credited. Regardless, it holds a clear and endearing message. I hope you enjoy Androcles and 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, Androcles turned back and went up to him. As he came near, the Lion put out his paw. It was swollen and bleeding. Upon examining it, Androcles soon found a huge thorn. He pulled it out, and dressed the wound as well as he could. The lion rose and licked his hand in appreciation. He then took Androcles to his cave, and every day he would bring the man meat from which to live.

Soon, however, both Androcles and the Lion were captured, and the slave was sentenced to be thrown to the Lion, after the latter had been kept without food for several days. The Emperor and all his Court came to see the spectacle. Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena and the Lion was let loose from his den. He came rushing and roaring towards his victim, but to everyone’s astonishment, as he neared Androcles he recognized his old friend from the cave. Soon he was lying at the man’s feet and licking his hands like a friendly dog. The approving crowd immediately began clamoring for the man’s life to be spared, leading The Emperor to summon Androcles to him to hear the whole story. Marveling at such gratitude and fidelity in a beast, the Emperor decreed that both should receive their liberty, whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose to his native forest.

The moral of today’s story: Be thankful. Gratitude is always a sign to others of noble souls.