Mary Allen
Introduction: The Famous Tale
The story of the lion and the thorn is a popular folktale that has been retold in various cultures and languages around the world. It is a story that teaches the value of compassion and kindness, even towards those who may be perceived as dangerous or intimidating. The tale has been passed down for generations and continues to inspire children and adults alike with its timeless message.
The Lion’s Cry for Help
In the story, a lion is walking through the forest when he suddenly feels a sharp pain in his paw. He discovers a thorn stuck in his paw and is unable to remove it. The pain is excruciating, and the lion lets out a loud cry for help. The other animals in the forest are afraid of the lion and refuse to come to his aid, except for one.
The Unlikely Hero
The hero of the story is not someone you would expect. It is a tiny mouse who hears the lion’s cries for help and decides to investigate. The mouse finds the lion and sees the thorn in his paw. Without hesitation, the mouse offers to help the lion by removing the thorn from his paw. The lion is surprised but agrees to let the small creature help him.
The Act of Bravery
The mouse climbs onto the lion’s paw and begins to nibble at the thorn. It takes some time, but the mouse eventually manages to remove the thorn from the lion’s paw. The lion is grateful and relieved, thanking the mouse for his help. The mouse is proud of himself for his act of bravery and is happy to have helped the lion.
The Lion’s Gratitude
The lion is so grateful to the mouse that he promises to repay him one day. The mouse is skeptical, as he knows that he is no match for the powerful lion. However, the lion insists that he will find a way to repay the mouse’s kindness.
The Question: Who Did It?
The story of the lion and the thorn has been retold countless times, but one question remains unanswered: who pulled the thorn from the lion’s paw? There are several theories about who the hero of the story really is.
The Controversial Theories
There are three main theories about who removed the thorn from the lion’s paw. Each theory has its own supporters and detractors.
Theory 1: The Hunter
Some people believe that the hero of the story is a hunter who was passing by and saw the lion in distress. They argue that the hunter would have had the tools and expertise to remove the thorn from the lion’s paw.
Theory 2: The Mouse
The most popular theory is that the mouse is the hero of the story. Supporters of this theory argue that the mouse is the most likely candidate because he is the one who is shown removing the thorn from the lion’s paw.
Theory 3: The Shepherd
Another theory is that a shepherd passing by saw the lion in pain and decided to help. This theory is based on the fact that shepherds were known to be skilled in caring for wounded animals.
The Truth Revealed
The truth is that the original version of the story does not specify who removed the thorn from the lion’s paw. The hero is left ambiguous, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
Conclusion: The Moral of the Story
The story of the lion and the thorn teaches us that even the smallest act of kindness can have a big impact. It shows us that we should not judge others based on their appearance or reputation, and that we should always be willing to help those in need. The story is a reminder that compassion and empathy are virtues that we should strive to cultivate in ourselves and others.