# The Lion Becomes the King of Beasts explained — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

> Chapter companion for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

After leaving the china wall, Dorothy and her companions traverse a marshy, wild forest. The Lion expresses his love for the forest, and they encounter a gathering of animals threatened by a giant spider-like monster. The Lion defeats the monster and is crowned King of the Beasts, promising to return to rule after Dorothy reaches Kansas.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Journey as Growth

The Lion's journey culminates in his transformation from a coward to a confident leader, defeating the monster and accepting the role of king.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The Lion bids his comrades goodbye but promises to return to rule after ensuring Dorothy's safe journey, showing his loyalty to his friends.

## Character check-ins

### Cowardly Lion

Finds the forest delightful, defeats the giant spider monster, and is crowned King of the Beasts.

### Dorothy

Travels with the group through the forest and is initially afraid of the gathered animals.

### Scarecrow

Finds the forest gloomy and keeps watch with the Tin Woodman.

### Tin Woodman

Keeps watch over the group during the night.

### Toto

Whimpers at the growling of wild animals but is not frightened.

## Key lines

> This forest is perfectly delightful, Never have I seen a more beautiful place.

The Lion expresses his joy and admiration for the forest, calling it the most beautiful place he has ever seen.

_Highlights the Lion's newfound appreciation for nature and his desire to live there._

> If I put an end to your enemy, will you bow down to me and obey me as King of the Forest?

The Lion negotiates with the animals, offering to defeat the monster in exchange for being recognized as their king.

_Shows the Lion's emerging confidence and leadership._

> Then the beasts bowed down to the Lion as their King, and he promised to come back and rule over them as soon as Dorothy was safely on her way to Kansas.

The animals accept the Lion as their king, and he pledges to return to rule after ensuring Dorothy's safe return home.

_Demonstrates the Lion's commitment to his friends and his new role as king._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/xxi-the-lion-becomes-the-king-of-beasts
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters