Androclus and the Lion in Greek and Roman Mythology

The cheerful tale of Androclus and the lion is of a runaway slave in ancient Greece whose life was changed forever by a chance meeting with a lion. 

Androclus, or Androcles, and the lion was first told by the famous writer Aesop during the seventh century BC. 

Androclus led a miserable life as a slave for many years and fled from his master into a forest. An overwhelming feeling of joy swept over Androclus as he wandered through the trees.

The young man watched the birds flying through the air when the sounds of moaning and groaning suddenly caught his attention. 

Androculus followed the distressing calls to an injured lion who was licking his paw and crying. The source of the lion’s suffering was a large thorn which has become embedded in his paw.

Androclus was frightened by the sight of the wild beast and was about to run away when he was gripped by pity for the poor animal. 

The lion gazed at Androclus as he approached and gently removed the thorn.

The lion did not roar at Androclus but instead licked his hand in gratitude. Androclus and the lion shared a close bond during their time in the forest. 

The lion brought Androclus food and the young man often petted the lion as a sign of their unusual friendship.

Sadly, Androclus was caught by his master while living in the forest. Androclus received the punishment of death by being exposed to the wild beasts in the arena of Rome. 

The Emperor himself was seated in the area with his family on the day Androclus walked alone into the middle of the arena. 

The crowd rose from their seats and cheered as a lion was set loose from the cages. Androclus watched in horror and then cowered in fear as the lion ran towards him. 

Happily, the lion licked the hand of Androclus and the young man was overjoyed as he recognised his wild friend from the forest. 

The Emperor and crowd were astonished by the display of affection by the lion. The lion was jumping to the shoulder of Androclus and licking his face when the Emperor pardoned the young slave. 

The mercy of the Emperor was great indeed as Androclus was given his freedom and the lion as a token of the Emperor’s clemency.

Androclus and the lion lived out the rest of their days together in bliss. Local people often saw the Androclus and the lion taking long walks together deep into the forest. 

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