Who Was The Cowardly Lion In Wicked

You know the Cowardly Lion. Of course you do! That big, fluffy, lovable creature with the booming roar that’s really just a squeak. He’s the guy who’s terrified of his own shadow, longs for courage, and ends up being one of the bravest heroes in Oz. But have you ever wondered about his story before Dorothy arrived? What was life like for this mighty-but-mushy feline in the magical land of Oz? Well, the amazing musical Wicked gives us a peek, and it’s a totally different, surprisingly funny, and wonderfully heartwarming tale.

In Wicked, we meet a younger, more nervous version of the Lion. He’s not yet the beloved companion of Dorothy, but a rather anxious young cub named Franklin. Yep, the Cowardly Lion had a first name! And trust us, he was a far cry from the king of the forest we know. He was more like the king of the… well, the king of scaredy-cats.

The story of Wicked centers around the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who will become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the bubbly, popular girl who will become the Good Witch. And guess who pops up in their world? Our pal Franklin! He’s not some random lion wandering around; he’s actually connected to some of the key players in the Ozian government, which is where things get interesting and a little bit silly.

Imagine this: Franklin is a young lion, not quite grown into his roar, and he’s terrified of… pretty much everything. The rustling of leaves? Terrifying. A butterfly fluttering by? Heart-stopping. The thought of facing a grumpy squirrel? Pure panic. He’s constantly being nudged and prodded by his father, the stern and frankly rather overbearing Wizard of Oz (yes, that Wizard!). The Wizard is desperate for Franklin to be a brave, strong lion, a true prince of Oz, but Franklin just can’t seem to muster it. He’d much rather hide behind a curtain or practice his tiny roar in a secluded glade.

One of the funniest parts is when Franklin first encounters Elphaba. He’s sent on some sort of diplomatic mission, probably by his dad, and he’s already trembling. He’s supposed to be a noble representative, but he’s so mortified by his own fear that he tries to make himself seem as small and unnoticeable as possible. He might even try to camouflage himself with a strategically placed bouquet of flowers. It’s pure comedic gold, watching this enormous creature shrink from the slightest potential threat.

And then there’s Glinda. Oh, Glinda. She’s already well on her way to becoming the epitome of glamour and grace. While Elphaba is focused on social justice and challenging the Wizard, Glinda is more concerned with appearances and popularity. Franklin, in his timid way, is drawn to her brilliance and kindness, even if he’s too shy to ever really say hello. He probably admires her from afar, a safe distance, of course. He might even imagine himself a dashing knight protecting her, but then a loud noise would send him scurrying back into his den.

The real turning point for Franklin, and the one that leads him to become the Cowardly Lion we know and love, comes through his interactions with Elphaba. Elphaba, despite her reputation, has a deep sense of empathy. She sees Franklin’s struggle, his genuine desire to be brave even when his body betrays him with shivers and whimpers. She doesn’t mock him; instead, she understands his predicament. She knows what it’s like to be misunderstood and judged.

"Elphaba sees Franklin’s struggle, his genuine desire to be brave even when his body betrays him with shivers and whimpers."

There’s a particularly heartwarming scene where Elphaba, perhaps feeling a bit lonely herself, finds Franklin hiding from a very small, very fluffy bunny. Instead of laughing, she sits down with him and talks. She explains that true bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it. She might even tell him a story or two about overcoming her own challenges. It’s in these quiet moments, away from the pomp and circumstance of the Wizard’s court, that Franklin starts to believe in himself. Elphaba’s belief in him is a powerful catalyst.

By the time the events of The Wizard of Oz unfold, Franklin has had experiences that have helped him grow. He hasn’t magically become fearless overnight – that wouldn’t be our Cowardly Lion! – but he’s learned to manage his fear. He’s discovered that even when he’s terrified, he can still act. He can still protect his friends. His loyalty to Elphaba, and later to Dorothy, becomes a driving force. He might still jump at sudden noises, but he’ll stand his ground when it matters most.

So, the next time you see that magnificent, trembling lion in The Wizard of Oz, remember Franklin from Wicked. Remember the shy cub, the son of the Wizard, the friend of Elphaba. His journey is a reminder that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about finding the strength to be brave, even when you’re shaking in your fur. And that, my friends, is a truly heartwarming and utterly fun twist on a classic character!