Fables

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 afterwards 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 towards his victim. But as soon as he came near to Androcles he recognised 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.”

Interpretations and Insights:

“Androcles” is a fable that highlights the values of kindness, gratitude, and the potential for bonds to form between even the most unlikely pairs.

  1. Gratitude and Reciprocation: The central lesson of the fable is about the power of gratitude and the positive outcomes that can result from acts of kindness. Androcles, despite being a human and having every reason to fear the lion, decides to help the creature in pain. The lion, in return, not only spares Androcles but also provides for him. Later, the lion recognizes and spares Androcles again, even under starvation and in a stressful environment.

Hidden Insights:

  1. Breaking Stereotypes and Prejudices: This story goes against the commonly held belief of lions being always ferocious and humans being always dominant. It shows that kindness can break barriers, fostering unexpected friendships and loyalty.

  2. The Reward of Courage: Androcles exhibits immense courage when he decides to help the lion. This bravery isn’t unrewarded; the lion’s reciprocation of kindness ultimately saves his life.

  3. Compassion Transcends Species: The bond formed between Androcles and the lion shows that compassion isn’t exclusive to human-human interactions. It can transcend species and form a basis for connection.

  4. The Power of Personal Stories: Androcles’ personal story of befriending the lion moves the Emperor to pardon him. This illustrates how personal stories can have significant impact, influencing decisions and prompting empathy.

  5. Freedom as a Reward: Androcles’ freedom can be seen as a reward for his noble act. This underlines the principle of karmic justice, reinforcing the notion that good deeds lead to good outcomes.

Additional Interpretations and Insights:

  1. Survival and Interdependence: The fable also illustrates the principle of interdependence for survival. Both Androcles and the lion, each in their own time of need, depend on each other for their survival, signifying that even the mightiest beings may sometimes need help from the most unlikely sources.

  2. Reformation through Kindness: The fable subtly communicates the idea that kindness has the power to transform. The lion, a symbol of ferocity, transforms into a symbol of gratitude and friendship after its interaction with Androcles. This highlights the transformative potential of kindness and empathy.

  3. Universal Language of Kindness: Despite the vast difference in their species and natural instincts, Androcles and the lion communicate through the universal language of kindness, illustrating that empathy and understanding can bridge gaps between vastly different beings.

In summary, the fable “Androcles” serves as a powerful testament to the significance of gratitude, the potential of kindness to bridge divides, the impact of personal stories, and the universal nature of compassion. The fable subtly instills the virtues of courage, kindness, and the understanding of reciprocity and freedom as just rewards.