The Cowardly Lion's Quest for Courage

The Lion, who believes himself a coward, seeks courage from the Wizard and eventually discovers true bravery within himself.

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The Lion's Confession

The King of Beasts Afraid The Initial Encounter The Lion appears suddenly, roaring and knocking the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman down. He tries to bite Toto, but Dorothy slaps him. He is shocked and admits he is a coward. The Lion's Explanation He says he was born that way. He roars to scare others, but he is afraid of everything. He has never been brave. He thinks if he had no heart, he would not be a coward. Joining the Quest He asks if Oz can give him courage. Dorothy says yes. He joins the party, hoping to overcome his fear. He becomes a loyal friend, though he still trembles at danger.

Facing the Kalidahs

The Lion's First Test The Second Ditch The travelers come to a second ditch, too wide to jump. The Scarecrow suggests chopping a tree to make a bridge. The Tin Woodman does so, and they start crossing. The Kalidahs Attack Two Kalidahs, monsters with bear bodies and tiger heads, rush at them. The Lion, terrified, turns to face them. He gives a loud roar that startles them. Then he crosses the tree and waits. The Tree Chopped The Scarecrow tells the Woodman to chop off the end of the tree. The Kalidahs fall into the gulf. The Lion is relieved. He has faced his fear and helped his friends. He is glad to be alive.

The Poppy Field Ordeal

The Lion's Sleep The Deadly Flowers The travelers encounter a field of poppies. The scent makes Dorothy and Toto fall asleep. The Lion also feels sleepy. The Scarecrow and Woodman tell him to run fast to escape. The Lion's Attempt The Lion tries to run, but the poppies are too strong. He falls asleep just before the end of the field. He is too heavy to carry, so the Woodman and Scarecrow must leave him. The Rescue by the Mice Later, the Queen of the Field Mice offers help. Thousands of mice, with the help of the Woodman and Scarecrow, pull the Lion on a truck out of the poppy field. He wakes up, grateful to be alive. He realizes that even small creatures can save him.

The Audience with Oz

The Ball of Fire A Terrifying Sight When the Lion enters the Throne Room, he sees a Ball of Fire. It is so hot it singes his whiskers. He is afraid but speaks to it. The Condition The Ball of Fire says it is Oz. It demands proof that the Wicked Witch is dead before giving courage. The Lion is angry but cannot argue. He leaves, determined to fulfill the task. The Promise of Courage The Lion agrees to help Dorothy kill the Witch. He says they must go to the land of the Winkies and destroy her. This is the only way to get what they want.

Captured by the Monkeys

The Lion's Imprisonment The Monkeys' Attack The Winged Monkeys throw ropes around the Lion, binding him tightly. He cannot bite or scratch. They carry him to the Witch's castle and put him in a small yard with a high iron fence. The Witch's Plans The Witch wants to harness him like a horse. She tries to starve him into submission. But Dorothy brings him food every night. He refuses to be harnessed. The Lion's Defiance Every day the Witch asks if he is ready. He says no and threatens to bite her. He remains imprisoned but unbroken. His courage grows as he resists.

Receiving the Courage

The Green Bottle The Humbug's Gift Oz, revealed as a humbug, gives the Lion a green bottle of liquid. He says it is courage. The Lion drinks it and feels full of courage. The True Courage Oz tells him that he already has true courage, which is facing danger when afraid. The Lion realizes this is true. He has been brave all along. The Lion's New Confidence The Lion becomes confident and proud. He later kills the spider monster and becomes the King of Beasts. His journey from coward to hero is complete.

King of the Forest

The Lion's Coronation The Challenge The travelers come to a forest where animals are terrified of a giant spider monster. The Lion offers to kill it if they make him king. The Victory The Lion finds the spider asleep, leaps on its back, and knocks its head off. The animals bow to him. He declares he will return to rule after Dorothy is safe. The Promise Fulfilled After Glinda helps Dorothy, the Lion is carried by the Winged Monkeys back to his forest. He becomes the King of Beasts, ruling wisely and bravely. His quest for courage has ended in triumph.

In the great forest

During the forest journey

After the river crossing

At the Emerald City

During the Witch's assault

After the discovery of Oz

On the journey to the South