Our ancestors knew about the important role of fairy tales, legends and epics in the educational process of children, we also know. Indeed, on the example of fairy-tale heroes, it is much more interesting and easier for children to understand the moral and ethical foundations of mankind. A good fairy tale, like a wise teacher, in a playful and easy way gives children important knowledge about the universal laws of justice. Each character has an important role to play in the learning process. Animals are traditionally heroes in the tales of all the peoples of the world, and each has its own role. And what does the fairy tale about the lion teach and what is the role of the king of animals in it?
Lion as a character
The title "king of beasts" has long been firmly entrenched in the lion. Since ancient times, people have wanted to be like him, admiring the strength, courage and beauty of this animal. It is no coincidence that the image of a lion is so often found on the arms of cities and noble families of the world. However, together with the high rank, mankind endowed the lion as a character with many qualities that are characteristic of the powers that be. But not all of them are positive. Therefore, often a parable or a fairy tale about a lion is called upon to ridicule precisely the negative traits of the beast monarch.
"Lion and the Hare"
In one fairy forest animals lived happily and in harmony, but once their life changed and became completely joyless. A cruel lion settled in the forest, who daily tormented the inhabitants of the forest. All the animals were in mortal fear, and no one knew whose turn it would be tomorrow.
Then they gathered and decided to daily give the lion to be torn to pieces the victim in turn. The rest could live in peace that day. It was the turn of the hare. The lion is waiting, but there is no sacrifice, the tyrant was angry, ran into the forest and threatened to kill all the animals.
Although the tale is about a lion, but the hero in it is not him, but a late hare. The cunning invented how to protect himself and save the rest. He found a deep hole filled with water, and figured out how to lure a lion there. Appearing in front of the tyrant, the hare said that on the way to him he almost fell victim to another lion who wanted to drag him into a deep hole. But instead he himself fell into it and now sits at the very bottom. The lion, of course, wanted to get even with his opponent and, grabbing the hare, went to the pit. Upon reaching the place, the lion leaned over and saw his formidable reflection, but decided that it was the opponent who maliciously grimaced at him in response. Then the forest lord decided to punish the opponent and jumped into a deep hole. There he drowned.
"Lion and mouse"
Once she asked a mouse from a lion for permission to arrange his house near his dwelling in order to live under protection. In gratitude, she promised her help, if necessary. The lion only laughed, saying that such an insignificant animal could not be useful to him. Time passed, the lion caught the hunters. He lies by a tree, tied with ropes, and recalls the mouse. As if the arrogant king of beasts would now need her help. Indeed, for a mouse to cut the rope is easy.
There is another version of the tale "The Lion and the Mouse." In it, the proud predator turned out to be wiser and decided to allow a small vole to settle next to his house. Therefore, when he was caught by hunters and lay bound, the mouse came to the rescue. She bit the ropes and freed the lion.
"On the Lion, the Wolf and the Fox"
One day a lion and a wolf met to decide who should get the most prey in the forest. We thought well and decided that it would be easier to hunt together, which means there will be more food. The friendship with the lion was very flattered by the wolf. Therefore, having met a fox, he began to boast of his formidable friend. Then he invited her to join them. The fox did not really want to, but did not dare to refuse the wolf. While there was a lot of production, there was enough for everyone without a divide. But bad times came, and on the hunt managed to get only a bull, a donkey and a lamb. Then the lion spoke about the section and suggested that the wolf share food. Gray said that the lion will get the bull, he took the donkey, and the fox left the lamb.
This tale is about a lion, so it’s easy to guess that there will be no equal divide in it. For offering to share food in this way, the wolf was mercilessly beaten. After the lion turned to the fox with the same proposal. The cheat looked at the wolf and told the lion to take everything. For such a division, the king of animals praised her and asked where she had learned this so well. The fox once again looked at the wolf and pointed to it. Then she quickly ran into the forest.
"Vacations Boniface"
The good and funny circus lion named Boniface we remember from the beautiful cartoon of the Soviet era. This hero was born thanks to the Czech writer Milos Matsourek, who wrote the fairy tale “Boniface and his nephews”. The plot of the fairy tale basically converges with the cartoon. With one exception.
Recall that in the cartoon, the circus lion found out that its best viewers - children - go on vacation in the summer and go on vacation. Boniface asked his director to give him leave, too, to visit his grandmother, who lives in Africa. However, instead of basking in the sun, he entertained African children with circus tricks throughout the time allotted for rest. After all, there is nothing better than giving others joy.
In the book version, Boniface spoke to the cubs - his nephews.