The Cowardly Lion
Fictional Character
20th century (fictional)
Character from The Wizard of Oz who presents himself as ferocious and brave but is actually deeply cowardly. His roar disguises his fear.
Notable Works
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum) / MGM film (1939)
Appears in the Archive
Context within the Archive
The Wizard of Oz — The Cowardly Lion
“"Oh, what a valiant roar / What a bland goodbye / The coward claimed he was a lion"”
The subject's grand declarations are revealed as hollow, like the Cowardly Lion's roar. Angela & Uncle Jerry connect this to a parallel allusion in 'The Black Dog' ('you said I needed a brave man and proceeded to play him').
Podcast analysis