Androcles and the Lion
- a folk tale from Italy

What would you do the show appreciation to someone who helped you out in a way you couldn't yourself? Find out what this Lion does in the felt story of Androcles and the Lion.

The Story of Androcles and the Lion Set includes:
-9 felt figures
-story included

The felt figures in the Androcles and the Lion felt story vary in size. This felt story is a folk tale from Italy.

Androcles is a young slave. He runs away and while trying to escape the people chasing him, he finds a lions with a thorn in this paw. The thorn has made his paw terribly swollen and painful.

Androcles takes pity on the Lion and quickly takes the thorn out. The paw immediately begins to feel better and the lion is so grateful that e licks the hand of Androcles. Because of his kind deed, Androcles is captured and put in jail. He is sentenced to go into the Coliseum with a wild animal.

A few days later, Androcles is released into the Coliseum. He is sent the most ferocious lion to be in with him. The lion charges Androcles and just before the crowd thought Androcles would be gobbled up, the lion stops and licks his hand. The king was very confused and asked Androcles to explain why the most fierce lion would only lick his hand. Androcles tells the story of the thorn and the King is so touched that he grants both Androcles and the Lion their freedom. The two depart but were always the best of friends.

Use the felt story of Androcles and the Lion to talk about friendship. You can also talk about giving of yourself without expecting anything in return.

There are several books that have to story of Androcles and the Lion. Try visiting your library and see if you can find "Androcles and the Lion:An Aesop Fable" by Janet Stevens, "Androcles and the Lion" by Bernard George Shaw, "Androcles and the Lion" by Dennis Nolan, or "Stories to Stir the Imagination, Album #2" by Frances Kelley.

Another great option for our Figures to Tell Collection, Androcles and the Lion is a story your whole family will love! And if you don't have a felt board to tell this felt story with, you may want to check out our felt board page.

I recommend the story of Androcles and the Lion for kids ages 2 to 10 years old.