Classic story

Androcles and the Lion

A Pan-European tale
1 chapter
about 4 min

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A weary slave named Androcles escapes into the forest, where he encounters a great lion limping in pain. Instead of running away, he notices a large thorn stuck in the beast’s paw and bravely removes it to help the animal. The grateful lion becomes his companion, bringing him food and showing kindness in return. However, soldiers soon capture Androcles and force him back to Rome to face severe punishment for his escape. Condemned to be thrown to the lions as entertainment for the public, he is left alone in the arena to meet his fate. When the lion emerges from its cage, it does not attack but instead recognizes Androcles and fawns upon him joyfully. The Emperor witnesses this unusual display of gratitude and curiosity. Androcles explains how he once saved the lion’s life by pulling out the painful thorn. Touched by this story of friendship and loyalty, the Emperor pardons Androcles and orders his freedom. The grateful lion is also set free to return to the wild, ending their adventure with a heartwarming reunion.

How it begins

ANDROCLES AND THE LION It happened in the old days at Rome that a slave named Androcles escaped from his master and fled into the forest, and he wandered there for a long time till he was weary and well nigh spent with hunger and despair. Just then he heard a lion near him moaning and groaning and at times roaring terribly. Tired as he was Androcles rose up and rushed away, as he thought, from the lion; but as he made his way through the bushes he stumbled over the root of a tree and fell down lamed, and when he tried to get up there he saw the lion coming towards him, limping on three feet and holding…

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Androcles and the Lion

How it begins

Every story, fully told

A voice for every character

The mood of every line

Pictures of every place

Read along

Your AI voice, for any character

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