ANDROCLES
by Unknown · from The Junior Classics, Volume 1: Fairy and wonder tales
Adapted Version
Androcles was a man who was not free. He ran away into a big forest. He walked far away from his bad master. He went deep into the green trees. He wanted to be safe there.
Androcles walked in the forest. He saw a big Lion. The Lion lay on the ground. It made sad sounds. Its paw was very big. The paw looked very sore.
Androcles felt a little scared. But the Lion did not move. Androcles walked closer to the Lion. He saw a big, sharp thorn. The thorn was stuck in the Lion's paw.
Androcles was very brave. He pulled out the sharp thorn. The Lion felt better right away. Androcles tied a cloth on the sore paw. The Lion felt much less pain.
The Lion was very happy. It licked Androcles's hand. The Lion took Androcles to its cave. They lived there. The Lion brought food each day. They were good friends.
One day, bad men came. They found Androcles and The Lion. The men caught them both. They took them far away. Androcles was sad. The Lion was sad too.
People told Androcles bad news. He must face a big Lion. This was for a big show. Many people would watch. Androcles felt worried. He did not want to fight.
The Emperor sat in his big chair. Many people watched the show. Androcles stood in the middle. A gate opened. A big Lion ran out. It ran fast to Androcles.
The Lion came very close. It stopped running. It looked at Androcles. The Lion knew its friend! It did not roar. It licked Androcles's hand.
The Emperor was very surprised. He called Androcles to him. "Tell me your story," he said. Androcles told about the thorn. He told about helping the Lion.
The Emperor heard the story. He said Androcles was free. The Lion was free too. Androcles and The Lion went home. They lived well ever after.
It is good to be kind. Good things can happen when you help others. Kindness is always a good choice.
Original Story
ANDROCLES
A slave named Androcles once escaped from his master and fled to the forest. As he was wandering about there 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 turned back and went up to him.
As he came near, the Lion put out his paw, which was all swollen and bleeding, and Androcles found that a huge thorn had got into it, and was causing all the 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 dog.
Then the Lion took Androcles to his cave, and every day used to bring him meat from which to live.
But shortly afterward 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 and Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena. Soon the Lion was let loose from his den, and rushed bounding and roaring toward his victim. But as soon as he came near to Androcles 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, who told him the whole story. Whereupon the slave was pardoned and freed, and the Lion let loose to his native forest.
“GRATITUDE IS THE SIGN OF NOBLE SOULS.”
Story DNA
Moral
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls, and kindness can be repaid in unexpected ways.
Plot Summary
Androcles, a runaway slave, encounters a lion in the forest suffering from a thorn in its paw. He bravely removes the thorn, and the grateful lion befriends him, providing food and shelter. Later, both are captured, and Androcles is sentenced to be thrown to a starved lion in the arena. However, the lion released is his old friend, who recognizes and fawns over him. Astonished, the Emperor learns their story and grants freedom to both Androcles and the lion.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to relief to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects ancient Roman practices of slavery and public spectacles involving wild animals, often used for executions or entertainment.
Plot Beats (11)
- Androcles, a slave, escapes his master and flees into the forest.
- He encounters a lion in pain, moaning with a swollen, bleeding paw.
- Despite initial fear, Androcles approaches the lion and discovers a large thorn in its paw.
- Androcles bravely removes the thorn and binds the lion's paw, alleviating its pain.
- The grateful lion licks Androcles's hand and leads him to its cave, sharing food daily.
- Later, both Androcles and the lion are captured.
- Androcles is sentenced to be thrown to a starved lion in the arena as a public spectacle.
- The Emperor and his court gather to watch as the lion is released, rushing towards Androcles.
- The lion, upon reaching Androcles, recognizes him and instead of attacking, fawns over him.
- The surprised Emperor summons Androcles, who explains their past encounter.
- The Emperor, moved by the story, pardons Androcles and grants freedom to both the slave and the lion.
Characters
Androcles
A man of average height and lean build, likely showing signs of hardship from his life as a slave. His skin would be tanned from outdoor labor, and his hands calloused. He moves with a cautious but determined gait.
Attire: Simple, roughspun tunic of undyed linen or coarse wool, likely torn or patched, reaching to his knees. He would wear simple leather sandals or be barefoot, reflecting his status as a slave.
Wants: To survive and find freedom. He is driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to alleviate suffering, even in a wild beast.
Flaw: His vulnerability as a slave, subject to the whims of his master and the state.
Transforms from a fearful, fleeing slave into a pardoned, free man whose act of kindness is publicly recognized and rewarded.
Compassionate, courageous, resourceful, humble, grateful.
The Lion
A large, powerful African lion with a thick, shaggy mane. Its fur is a rich golden-brown, and its muscles are well-defined. One paw is initially swollen and bleeding from a thorn.
Attire: None, as it is a wild animal.
Wants: To alleviate its pain, then to survive and show gratitude to its rescuer.
Flaw: Vulnerability to injury and capture.
Changes from a suffering beast to a loyal friend, whose actions ultimately save Androcles and lead to its own freedom.
Initially suffering and vulnerable, then grateful, loyal, and protective. It demonstrates intelligence and a capacity for friendship.
The Emperor
A figure of authority, likely of robust build, reflecting his position and access to resources. His demeanor is one of power and command.
Attire: Richly dyed toga or tunic, possibly purple (a color of royalty), made of fine wool or silk, with intricate gold embroidery. He would wear ornate sandals and possibly a heavy gold ring or two.
Wants: To maintain order, be entertained by spectacles, and dispense justice.
Flaw: Initially ignorant of the full story, leading to an unjust sentence.
Initially a dispenser of harsh justice, he becomes a symbol of enlightened rule by pardoning Androcles and freeing the Lion after hearing the full story.
Authoritative, curious, just (once informed), surprised.
Locations
The Forest
A dense, wild forest where Androcles seeks refuge after escaping his master. It is here he encounters the injured lion.
Mood: Initially fearful and desolate for Androcles, then becomes a place of unexpected solace and companionship.
Androcles encounters the injured lion and removes a thorn from its paw, forming an unlikely bond.
The Lion's Cave
A natural rock cave within the forest, serving as the lion's den and a temporary shelter for Androcles.
Mood: Safe, primitive, a sanctuary for both man and beast.
The lion provides food for Androcles, solidifying their bond of gratitude and survival.
The Roman Arena (Colosseum-like)
A vast, circular or oval amphitheater, likely inspired by Roman architecture, with tiered seating for spectators and a central sandy arena floor.
Mood: Tense, expectant, cruel, then shifts to surprise and wonder.
Androcles is brought out to face the lion, leading to their miraculous reunion and his eventual pardon.