Androcles and the Lion
A long, long time ago, when the Roman Empire stretched halfway across the world, there lived a young man named Androcles. Tragically, he had been captured by the Romans after a fierce battle and was taken to Rome to be sold as a slave.
Androcles the Slave
The man who purchased Androcles in the slave market was harsh and cruel. He treated Androcles badly, lashing out whenever he made even the slightest mistake. The young man was profoundly unhappy and yearned for freedom. He despised serving the rich merchants and shop owners who visited his master’s home, who were greedy, rude, and treated him poorly.
The Escape
One fateful day, Androcles decided he would escape. That night, he gathered his meager belongings, and while everyone else slept, he slipped over the wall of his master’s house. He ran through the silent streets of Rome, resolute in his decision to put as much distance as he could between his master and himself before dawn broke.
The Lion’s Den
For several days he traveled, hiding at the side of the road whenever fellow travelers approached. He was worn and hungry, and as night fell, he sought shelter amidst the surrounding mountains. He found a cave among the rocks in which to rest. However, the next morning as he woke, he was greeted by an enormous mountain lion blocking his exit.
As Androcles and the lion stood face to face, he noticed the lion’s swollen, red paw. Creeping closer, he gently took the lion’s paw, extracting a deeply embedded thorn. The lion expressed its gratitude with a low growl and by licking Androcles’ face.
A Peculiar Friendship
For three years, Androcles and the lion lived together in the mountains, hunting, eating, and sleeping side by side. Androcles found warmth in the shaggy fur of the lion. However, after these three years of peaceful existence, Androcles decided to return to Rome, bidding farewell to his loyal companion.
A Dire Turn of Events
Days after entering the city, disaster struck. At the city’s market, he bumped into his old master, who immediately recognized him and had him thrown into jail. As per Roman law, the recaptured runaway was sent to fight a fierce lion in the arena.
The Reunion
As Androcles entered the arena, he was confronted by the sight of a famished lion held in a cage. To the astonishment of everyone, Androcles befriended the lion instead of battling it. The young man was brought before the emperor and shared his story- how the lion he encountered in the arena was the same one he had befriended. The emperor was charmed by their history and ordered their immediate release.
Androcles was no longer a slave but a Roman citizen. His fame spread, soon bringing him enough money to purchase his own house. Androcles lived out his days in Rome, once a slave but now a distinguished citizen, always seen with a fully grown lion at his heels.