Ozma of Oz · Character

Cowardly Lion

Dorothy's old friend from Oz, a huge lion who insists he is as cowardly as ever even as he joins the rescue of Ev's royal family.

supporting

Also known as The Cowardly Lion, the huge Lion, the Lion, The Lion

First appearance: VII: Ozma of Oz to the Rescue

As a supporting figure in Ozma of Oz, Cowardly Lion is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

One of the team drawing Ozma's chariot, alongside the Hungry Tiger.

In the storyVII: Ozma of Oz to the RescueOpen this moment free

Reunited with Dorothy, the Lion greets her warmly and immediately confesses that every little thing still scares him and makes his heart beat fast. He has brought along his new friend the Hungry Tiger, and the two beasts trade confessions of flawed natures with disarming honesty. His presence matters because it reconnects Dorothy to Oz and its familiar courage-in-spite-of-fear, grounding the strange new land of Ev in old loyalty.

See Cowardly Lion in VII: Ozma of Oz to the Rescue Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Cowardly Lion sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Main Quest Allies
Protagonist

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological low point where hope collapses: t…

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Relationships

Dorothy Gale
friendship · positive
The Cowardly Lion is Dorothy's loyal friend and protector, despite his own fears. How this plays out →
Dorothy Gale
friendship · positive
The Cowardly Lion is Dorothy's loyal friend and protector, despite his own fears. How this plays out →
Dorothy Gale
friendship · positive
The Cowardly Lion is Dorothy's loyal friend and protector, despite his own fears. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Cowardly Lion in VII: Ozma of Oz to the Rescue

In the story

Cowardly Lion appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Author's Note
Readers ask what became of him.
VII: Ozma of Oz to the Rescue
One of the team drawing Ozma's chariot, alongside the Hungry Tiger.
VIII: The Hungry Tiger
Greets Dorothy and introduces the Hungry Tiger.
The Royal Family of Ev
Brings the Hungry Tiger and joins the expedition, harnessed to the chariot.
The Giant with the Hammer
Trembles with fear but leads the crossing under the hammer, carrying Ozma; later helps rescue the officers.
The Nome King
Attempts to pounce on the Nome King but is magically prevented from approaching the throne.
XIII: The Nome King Laughs
Sleeps after eating cakes; tries to console Dorothy about Billina's disappearance.
XIV: Dorothy Tries to Be Brave
States that he and the Tiger have no business if their friends are gone.
The Scarecrow Wins the Fight
Crouches beside Dorothy, snarling to protect her from the Nome warriors.
The Fate of the Tin Woodman
Carries Ozma at the head of the procession.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Cowardly Lion unlock in the free preview.

See Cowardly Lion in VII: Ozma of Oz to the Rescue