What some people might not know is that he has a best friend. There is a strange character called the Hungry Tiger who befriends him later on. After that point, the two are pretty always seen together with few exceptions. The reason this likely works out is because the two have very similar psychological issues which draws them together, forming a club of two. (Otherwise known as a friendship.)
Meeting the Cowardly Lion is usually predicated on the idea that he is a terrifying lion... until you get to know him. Characters meeting him for the first time are always afraid. He is very large and bulky. The only visible clue as to his sheepishness is a bow tied to his mane.
After speaking to him, his personality comes out, and then everything softens. He's not really all that ferocious. He can get ferocious if he needs to be, but those are moments where he is pressed to save one of his friends. In general conversation, he usually looks and feels a little sickly.
Despite these odd perceptions, the Cowardly Lion is one of the most trusted individuals of Oz. He is considered one of Ozma's personal gradians and will often pull her wagon during parades along with the Hungry Tiger.
The Cowardly Lion is all about contrast. He is two parts of a whole. He's always afraid, yet he always stands up to the things he is afraid of. He's always been that way even before the Wizard gave him his courage. That's what makes him one of the most perfect Oz characters ever created.
This blog was written on November 8, 2023.
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The Cowardly Lion is courage as it truly is: The fearful overcoming fear to do what is right.
ReplyDeleteYep! He is two sides of his own coin.
DeleteNever really thought too much about the contrasting dual nature of the character until you pointed it out. It is very fascinating and great writing how the character puts his fearful nature aside for the sake of others. A perfect character indeed.
ReplyDeleteAnd he is all over the place too. A very common character.
DeleteHe is usually afraid, but is brave when it is needed. That is a very naturally human perspective. We cannot so easily rid ourselves of fear, but we can overcome it.
ReplyDeleteHis two sides actually are very encouraging for those who have similar problems.
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