Aesop

The Slave and the Lion

A classic tale to open together.

Ages 7–12Grade 3

Read NowStart reading Back to ClassicsStory shelf

A few story details

Who you'll meet

Slave: A runaway slave who is kind-hearted, compassionate, and resourceful., Lion: A wild lion who is injured and becomes grateful and loyal to the slave after being helped., Slave's Master: A cruel man who mistreats the slave and seeks to punish him harshly., Governor of the Town: The official who is moved by the lion's gratitude and grants freedom to both the slave and the lion., Spectators/Crowd: The townspeople who watch the arena spectacle and demand the slave’s life be spared.

A few story details

Where the story goes

Desert: A hot, barren landscape where the slave flees to hide from his master., Lion’s Den / Cave: A secluded cave in the desert that is the lion’s home and a refuge for the slave., Town: The town where the slave’s master lives and where public spectacles are held., Theatre / Arena: A large public arena where wild beasts are released for the entertainment of the townspeople.

Guiding ideas

Themes

kindness, gratitude, freedom, forgiveness, compassion, friendship

Moral

Takeaway

An act of kindness is never wasted and can be returned in unexpected ways.

Comments

What families thought of this classic

Comments are reviewed before they appear.

Opening comments...