Buy me a coffeeThe Cowardly Lion
“Meet the Cowardly Lion: The Terrified King of Beasts Who Proves That Bravery Isn’t What You Think!”
- Alias – The Cowardly Lion, King of Beasts
- Gender – Male
- Race – Lion (anthropomorphic)
- Occupation – King of the Beasts, adventurer
- Religion – Unspecified (no religious affiliation mentioned in canon)
- Allies – Dorothy Gale, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Toto
- Enemies – Wicked Witch of the West, Kalidahs, other foes encountered during their journey to Oz
- Abode/ Base of operations – Forests of Oz, later crowned King of the Beasts in the forest
- Nationality – Resident of Oz
- Languages – Likely speaks the common language of Oz (no specific language is mentioned)
- Alignment – Good
- Affiliation(s) – Dorothy’s group of travelers, later aligned with the animals of the forest as their leader
- Significant others – None explicitly mentioned; forms strong platonic bonds with Dorothy and her companions
The Cowardly Lion is one of the most memorable and endearing characters from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). Known for his paradoxical nature—being a lion, the “king of beasts,” yet consumed by fear—he represents the idea that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to confront it. His story unfolds as he joins Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man on a journey to the Emerald City, seeking bravery from the Wizard of Oz. Along the way, the Cowardly Lion gradually discovers that courage was within him all along.
Life Story:
The Cowardly Lion first appears in the enchanted forests of Oz, where he frightens Dorothy and her companions by roaring loudly, trying to assert his dominance. However, it quickly becomes apparent that he lacks confidence, as he admits to being terrified of nearly everything. His fears stem from his belief that, despite being a lion, he has no real courage. In Baum’s narrative, the Lion confesses, “I know I’m a coward, but my cowardice is a concern only to myself. If I only had courage, I’d be able to stand up and fight”.
Throughout the journey to see the Wizard, the Cowardly Lion accompanies Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, each seeking something they feel they lack—Dorothy wants to return home, the Scarecrow desires brains, and the Tin Man wishes for a heart. The Cowardly Lion’s goal is simple: he wants courage so he can truly embody the role of the fearless leader of the animal kingdom. He constantly apologizes for his fear-driven actions, feeling guilty that he isn’t living up to the standard of what a lion should be.
During their travels, the Cowardly Lion has many opportunities to show his valor. He battles the Kalidahs (ferocious creatures in the forest), jumps across a chasm with his friends on his back, and even charges at the Wicked Witch’s guards despite his fear. These moments hint at the Lion’s hidden bravery, though he continues to downplay his own courage, believing it insufficient until it’s externally validated.
When the group finally reaches the Emerald City, the Wizard gives the Cowardly Lion a potion labeled “Courage.” This act helps the Lion realize that courage isn’t something that can be handed to him; it is something he already possesses. It is an emotional moment of self-realization for him, as he starts to accept that bravery isn’t about being fearless, but about facing one’s fears and acting in spite of them.
Character Description:
The Cowardly Lion is physically imposing—large, muscular, and covered in a golden mane, as expected from a lion. Yet, his appearance sharply contrasts his inner world, dominated by self-doubt and insecurity. His outward roar may intimidate others, but inside, he quivers with anxiety. The Cowardly Lion’s defining trait is his sensitivity; he is gentle-hearted, compassionate, and quick to sympathize with others’ plights.
The lion fears nearly everything—from dangers on the road to his own shadow. His anxieties stem from his own perception that, as a lion, he should be fearless and mighty. This societal expectation haunts him, and he suffers under the pressure of living up to his title. His fear of failing to embody the fierce image of a lion leads him to believe he is unworthy of respect.
Beneath his anxieties, though, the Cowardly Lion exhibits great potential for courage. Time and time again, when his friends are in danger, he rises to the occasion, protecting them with ferocity and strength. Each of these moments demonstrates that his bravery has always been within him; it is his belief in himself that is lacking.
Motivation and Aspirations:
At his core, the Cowardly Lion’s greatest desire is self-acceptance. He embarks on the journey with Dorothy in hopes that the Wizard will provide him with courage, unaware that true courage can only come from within. His experiences during the quest gradually help him realize this truth. His final encounter with the Wizard, who gives him a symbolic potion, allows him to take the first step toward understanding his own strength.
The Lion also deeply values friendship and loyalty. Although he joined the quest for personal reasons, he develops strong bonds with Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. He is motivated by his desire to protect and support them, which often helps him confront his fears head-on.
Achievements and Legacy:
By the end of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion has transformed. He no longer believes himself to be a coward but sees himself as someone capable of great bravery, especially when his friends need him. His crowning achievement comes when he is appointed King of the Beasts by the animals of the forest. Though he still has moments of doubt, the creatures of the forest respect him, recognizing his hidden courage.
The Cowardly Lion’s legacy as a character extends beyond Baum’s novels, becoming a symbol of the everyday struggles with fear and self-doubt. He teaches readers that courage is not about being fearless but about facing challenges despite fear. His iconic status was cemented in the 1939 film, where Bert Lahr’s portrayal made the character an enduring figure in pop culture.
Conclusion:
The Cowardly Lion’s journey is a timeless tale of self-discovery, growth, and the realization that we often possess the traits we seek. His fears are universal, yet his evolution shows that courage and strength come not from magical solutions, but from embracing who we truly are. From his timid beginnings in the forests of Oz to his role as the wise King of Beasts, the Cowardly Lion’s story continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us all to find courage within ourselves.
Cowardly Lion
Large Beast, Neutral Good
Armor Class 16 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 105 (10d10 + 50)
Speed 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 (+4) | 13 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 10 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) |
Saving Throws Strength +7, Wisdom +4
Skills Perception +5, Survival +5, Intimidation +5 (when his bravery is temporarily boosted)
Damage Resistances Psychic
Condition Immunities Frightened (when under the effect of Medal of Courage)
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 15
Languages Common, understands Sylvan but cannot speak it
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Traits
Medal of Courage.
The Cowardly Lion proudly wears his Medal of Courage, awarded by the Wizard of Oz. This medal grants him advantage on all saving throws against the Frightened condition. Additionally, once per day, the Cowardly Lion can activate the medal to gain 10 temporary hit points for 1 hour and immunity to the Frightened condition during that time.
Bravery in Moments of Need.
When an ally within 30 feet is reduced to 0 hit points or is under the effect of a fear condition, the Cowardly Lion gains advantage on attack rolls for 1 minute. He also becomes immune to the Frightened condition for the duration of this effect.
Keen Smell.
The Cowardly Lion has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Pack Tactics.
The Cowardly Lion has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of his allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Indomitable Will (Recharge 5–6).
When the Cowardly Lion fails a saving throw against the Frightened condition, he can choose to succeed instead. After using this feature, he cannot use it again until it recharges.
Actions
Multiattack.
The Cowardly Lion makes two attacks: one with his Claw and one with his Bite.
| Attack | Melee Weapon Attack |
|---|---|
| Claw. | +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage. |
| Bite. | +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage. |
Roar of False Courage (Recharge 5–6).
The Cowardly Lion lets out a mighty roar, attempting to bolster his courage and that of his allies. Each creature of the Lion’s choice within 30 feet that can hear him must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If any allies are frightened, they can instead use their reaction to make the save with advantage.
Protective Pounce.
If an ally within 10 feet of the Cowardly Lion is attacked, the Lion can leap between the attacker and the ally as a reaction. The Cowardly Lion makes a Claw attack against the attacking creature and, on a hit, the target’s attack is made with disadvantage.
Lair Actions
When in a familiar forest, the Cowardly Lion can take Lair Actions on initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties). He can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row.
- Sudden Stampede. A group of forest creatures (elk, deer, or smaller animals) rush through the battlefield. Each creature of the Lion’s choice within 20 feet must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
- Frightening Howls. The howls and roars of nearby creatures reverberate through the woods, imposing disadvantage on any Wisdom (Perception) checks made by the Lion’s enemies for the next round.
Equipment and Magic Items
Medal of Courage
The Medal of Courage grants the Cowardly Lion advantage on all saving throws against the Frightened condition. Additionally, once per day, the wearer can activate the medal to gain 10 temporary hit points for 1 hour and become immune to the Frightened condition during that time.
Tactics
The Cowardly Lion prefers to stay on the edges of combat, initially avoiding confrontation. However, when his friends are threatened, he leaps into action with Protective Pounce, shielding allies from harm. His Roar of False Courage is used both offensively to frighten enemies and defensively to bolster the resolve of allies.