THE SLAVE and THE LION
by Aesop · from Aesop's Fables; a new translation
Adapted Version
Androcles was a man. He felt very sad. He had a hard life. He left his home. He wanted a new, happy place. He walked to the desert.
Androcles walked and walked. He saw a big cave. It looked like a safe place. He went inside the cave. But it was a lion's home!
A big lion came. It walked into the cave. Androcles was very scared. He thought the lion would hurt him. He closed his eyes.
The lion did not roar. It made a soft sound. It lifted one big paw. The paw looked very sore. The lion was in pain.
Androcles saw a big thorn. It was in the lion's paw. He felt brave. He pulled the thorn out. He helped the paw feel better. The lion felt relief.
The lion felt much better. It was very happy. It licked Androcles' hand. The lion was his friend now. They were good friends.
Androcles and the lion lived there. They shared the cave. They were friends for many days. It was a peaceful time.
Androcles missed other people. He wanted to see friends. He said goodbye to the lion. He walked back to the town.
In the town, unkind men saw him. They knew Androcles. They took him away. They told him he must go. He would go to a big show. A wild animal would be there.
Androcles went to a big circle place. Many people watched. A very big lion came out. Androcles was very worried. He was very scared.
The big lion looked at Androcles. It stopped and looked again. It was his old friend! The lion ran to Androcles. It did not hurt him. It lay down at his feet. It was very happy.
The people watched the show. They were very surprised. The lion was a friend. They did not want harm. They wanted Androcles to be free.
The King saw this kind act. He saw the lion's love. He said, "Be free!" Androcles was free. The kind lion was free too.
Androcles and the lion were free. They were happy friends. Being kind to others is good. Kindness comes back to you.
Original Story
THE SLAVE AND THE LION
A Slave ran away from his master, by whom he had been most cruelly treated, and, in order to avoid capture, betook himself into the desert. As he wandered about in search of food and shelter, he came to a cave, which he entered and found to be unoccupied. Really, however, it was a Lion's den, and almost immediately, to the horror of the wretched fugitive, the Lion himself appeared. The man gave himself up for lost: but, to his utter astonishment, the Lion, instead of springing upon him and devouring him, came and fawned upon him, at the same time whining and lifting up his paw. Observing it to be much swollen and inflamed, he examined it and found a large thorn embedded in the ball of the foot. He accordingly removed it and dressed the wound as well as he could: and in course of time it healed up completely. The Lion's gratitude was unbounded; he looked upon the man as his friend, and they shared the cave for some time together. A day came, however, when the Slave began to long for the society of his fellow-men, and he bade farewell to the Lion and returned to the town. Here he was presently recognised and carried off in chains to his former master, who resolved to make an example of him, and ordered that he should be thrown to the beasts at the next public spectacle in the theatre. On the fatal day the beasts were loosed into the arena, and among the rest a Lion of huge bulk and ferocious aspect; and then the wretched Slave was cast in among them. What was the amazement of the spectators, when the Lion after one glance bounded up to him and lay down at his feet with every expression of affection and delight! It was his old friend of the cave! The audience clamoured that the Slave's life should be spared: and the governor of the town, marvelling at such gratitude and fidelity in a beast, decreed that both should receive their liberty.
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness is never wasted, and a good deed may be repaid in unexpected ways.
Plot Summary
A slave escapes his cruel master and hides in a desert cave, which turns out to be a lion's den. Instead of attacking, the lion reveals an injured paw, from which the slave removes a large thorn. The lion, immensely grateful, befriends the slave, and they live together for a time. Upon returning to civilization, the slave is recaptured and sentenced to be thrown to beasts in an arena. Miraculously, the lion released into the arena is his old friend, who recognizes him and fawns at his feet, leading the astonished audience and governor to grant both the slave and the lion their freedom.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Aesop's Fables originated in ancient Greece, reflecting common societal structures and moral philosophies of that era, often using animals to personify human traits.
Plot Beats (13)
- A slave, cruelly treated, escapes into the desert.
- He finds refuge in a cave, which turns out to be a lion's den.
- The lion appears, and the slave fears for his life.
- Instead of attacking, the lion whines and lifts an injured paw.
- The slave, seeing a large thorn, removes it and dresses the wound.
- The lion recovers and shows immense gratitude, befriending the slave.
- They live together in the cave for some time.
- The slave eventually longs for human company and returns to town.
- He is recognized, recaptured, and sentenced to be thrown to wild beasts.
- In the arena, a large lion is released, and the slave prepares for death.
- The lion recognizes the slave, bounds towards him, and affectionately lies at his feet.
- The amazed spectators demand the slave's release.
- The governor, moved by the animal's loyalty, grants freedom to both the slave and the lion.
Characters
★
The Slave
A man of average height and build, likely lean due to his harsh life and time in the desert. His skin is probably sun-darkened and weathered from exposure, with visible scars or calluses from his life as a slave. He moves with a cautious, somewhat weary demeanor.
Attire: Initially, he wears simple, tattered linen garments, possibly a tunic and trousers, in muted, earthy tones, stained and worn from his escape and time in the desert. Later, when captured, he would be in similar, though perhaps cleaner, rough slave attire, possibly with visible chains.
Wants: To escape cruel treatment and find freedom; to survive; to alleviate suffering (of the lion); ultimately, to return to human society.
Flaw: His fear of his former master and the consequences of his escape; his longing for human society which leads him back to danger.
He transforms from a fearful fugitive to a compassionate caregiver, then back to a captive, only to be miraculously freed by the very compassion he showed. He learns that kindness can be repaid in unexpected ways.
Compassionate, resourceful, fearful, longing for human connection, grateful.
◆
The Lion
A large, powerful African lion with a muscular build, typical of its species. Its fur is a rich golden-brown, and it possesses a magnificent, thick mane that frames its face, ranging in color from tawny to dark brown. One of its front paws is noticeably swollen and inflamed at first, later healing completely.
Attire: N/A (animal)
Wants: To alleviate its pain; to express gratitude and loyalty to its rescuer; to protect its friend.
Flaw: Its initial injury makes it vulnerable; its strong emotional bond makes it predictable in its loyalty.
Transforms from a suffering, dangerous beast into a loyal friend, demonstrating profound gratitude and fidelity, ultimately becoming a symbol of compassion's reward.
Initially suffering and vulnerable, then immensely grateful, loyal, affectionate, and protective. Can be ferocious when threatened or in an arena setting.
⚔
The Master
Likely a man of substantial build, perhaps well-fed, contrasting sharply with the slave's lean physique. His appearance would suggest a life of comfort and authority, possibly with a stern or cruel countenance.
Attire: Rich, flowing robes of fine linen or wool, possibly dyed in deep colors like crimson or purple, indicative of wealth and status in a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern setting. He might wear simple, yet expensive, jewelry like a signet ring.
Wants: To maintain control and authority over his slaves; to punish disobedience severely; to uphold his reputation.
Flaw: His cruelty and lack of empathy; his rigid adherence to societal norms of punishment.
He remains unchanged, serving as a static representation of injustice and cruelty.
Cruel, unforgiving, authoritarian, vindictive, determined to make an example.
○
The Governor
A man of dignified bearing, likely well-dressed and of a respectable age, reflecting his position of authority. He would appear thoughtful and just.
Attire: Formal, well-tailored robes of a high-ranking official in a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern city, possibly in rich blues or greens, with subtle embroidery. He might wear a simple, elegant head covering or a circlet indicating his status.
Wants: To maintain order and justice; to make wise decisions; to uphold the moral integrity of the town.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his initial willingness to allow the slave's execution could be seen as a weakness of conventional justice.
He experiences a moment of profound wonder and makes a just decision, demonstrating the power of extraordinary events to influence even rigid authority.
Observant, just, open-minded, impressed by fidelity and gratitude.
Locations
Desert Cave
A natural rock formation, likely carved by wind and erosion, offering rudimentary shelter in a harsh desert environment. The entrance would be wide enough for a lion, leading into a darker interior.
Mood: Initially terrifying and desolate, then surprisingly safe and intimate.
The slave finds refuge, encounters the injured lion, and forms an unlikely bond by removing the thorn.
Roman Amphitheatre Arena
A vast, circular or oval arena with a sandy floor, surrounded by tiered seating for spectators. The walls are high, likely made of rough-hewn stone, with gates for beasts and condemned individuals.
Mood: Tense, cruel, public spectacle, then astonishment and joy.
The slave is thrown to the beasts, and the lion recognizes him, leading to their freedom.