• Androcles and the Lion

Gratitude is the mark of noble souls.

Long ago, there lived a slave named Androcles. One day, he fled from his cruel master and escaped into the deep forest. As he wandered through the trees, tired and afraid, he suddenly came upon a lion lying on the ground, groaning in pain.

At first, Androcles turned to run. But then he noticed something strange—the lion did not chase him. Instead, it stayed where it was, whimpering softly. Gathering his courage, Androcles slowly turned back and approached the lion.

When he came closer, the lion raised its paw. It was swollen and bleeding badly. Androcles looked carefully and discovered a large thorn deeply stuck in the paw—it was the cause of all the lion’s suffering.

Gently and bravely, Androcles pulled out the thorn and bandaged the wound. At once, the lion felt relief. It stood up, calm and grateful, and began to lick Androcles’ hand like a friendly dog. From that moment on, a bond formed between them.

Androcles took the lion to his cave, and every day he brought it food so it could regain its strength. They lived together in peace and friendship.

But their happiness did not last long. Soon, both Androcles and the lion were captured. The slave was sentenced to a cruel fate—to be thrown into an arena and devoured by a hungry lion that had been starved for days.

On the day of the spectacle, the emperor and a great crowd gathered to watch. Androcles was led into the center of the arena. Moments later, a fierce lion was released from its cage. It charged forward with a thunderous roar, ready to attack its prey.

But as it came close, something unexpected happened.

The lion suddenly recognized Androcles—his friend, his savior.

Instead of attacking, the lion gently approached him, wagging its tail, and began to lick his hands affectionately, just like a loyal dog.

The crowd gasped in amazement. The emperor himself was astonished. He ordered Androcles to be brought before him and asked for an explanation. Androcles told the whole story.

Moved by what he heard, the emperor set Androcles free. As for the lion, it was released back into its natural home—the wild forest.

Moral of the story:

Gratitude and kindness are never forgotten, even by the wildest of hearts.