He’s a beast. A massive, golden-maned predator who should be the absolute terror of the forest. Instead, he’s a nervous wreck. Most of us grew up watching the 1939 Technicolor film, seeing Bert Lahr’s expressive face as he tearfully sings about being a "dandy-lion." But if you really dig into the question of what did the lion want in wizard of oz, the answer is more than just a single word. It’s a psychological journey about self-perception.
Basically, the Cowardly Lion wanted courage.
He felt like a fraud. In L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Lion explains his plight to Dorothy almost immediately after trying to bite Toto. He admits that whenever there is danger, his heart beats fast. He thinks he’s a coward because he feels fear. That's the kicker. He’s a victim of his own expectations of what a "King of Beasts" should be.
The Physicality of Fear in Oz
When we look at the Lion’s quest, we have to look at the "why" behind the "what." He joins Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman because he’s tired of living a lie. He believes that if he just had a dose of courage, he would finally be the animal nature intended him to be. He’s looking for a physiological change. He wants to stop shaking. He wants his roar to mean something more than a bluff.
Honestly, his predicament is the most relatable out of the whole group. Think about it. The Scarecrow wants a brain, but he’s already the one coming up with all the plans. The Tin Woodman wants a heart, yet he’s so tender-hearted he cries when he accidentally steps on a beetle. But the Lion? He’s a massive predator who is genuinely terrified of everything.
In the book, Baum describes the Lion’s internal struggle with a bit more grit than the movie. He isn't just a comic relief character; he’s a creature in a mid-life crisis. He tells Dorothy, "Whenever I roar, I’m afraid someone will be afraid of me." He’s trapped in a cycle of performance. He roars to keep others away so they won't find out he’s scared. It’s a classic "fake it 'til you make it" scenario that has gone horribly wrong.
What the Wizard Actually Gave Him
So, they get to the Emerald City. They face the Great and Terrible Oz. And what does the Lion get?
In the MGM film, the Wizard gives him a medal—the "Triple Cross." It’s a symbol. It’s a piece of metal on a ribbon that represents "valor." The Wizard tells him that he has plenty of courage, but he lacks "merit." He essentially tells the Lion that courage is just a matter of official recognition.
The book is different. It’s weirder.
In the original text, the Wizard (who we know is just a humbug from Omaha) makes the Lion drink from a "square green silk dish." He tells the Lion it is a liquid form of courage. The Lion drinks it and immediately claims to feel full of bravery.
It’s a placebo. Obviously.
But that’s the genius of Baum’s writing. The Lion didn't need a chemical change or a magical spell. He needed the permission to believe in himself. The Wizard didn't give him courage; he gave him a reason to stop doubting the courage he already had. Throughout the journey, the Lion leaps over huge chasms to carry his friends. He stands his ground against the Kalidahs—those terrifying tiger-bear hybrids. He was already the bravest member of the group because he acted despite being terrified. That is the definition of courage, isn't it?
The Misconception of the "Easy Out"
Some people think the Lion’s wish is the "weakest" of the three. People say, "Oh, he just needs to toughen up." But that’s a misunderstanding of the character’s depth. The Lion represents the struggle with anxiety. He represents the "imposter syndrome" we all feel.
When you ask what did the lion want in wizard of oz, you’re really asking about the human need for validation.
- He wanted to feel "large."
- He wanted the internal voice telling him to run to finally shut up.
- He wanted to lead.
Interestingly, after the Wizard leaves in his balloon, the Lion actually does become the King of the Forest. But he doesn't do it by being a bully. He does it by protecting the other animals from a giant spider-like monster. He earns his crown through service, not just by having a loud roar.
Why the Lion's Wish Still Matters Today
There's a reason this story has stuck around since 1900. It isn't just about a yellow brick road. It’s about the fact that we often possess the very things we are searching for.
Psychologists often point to the Cowardly Lion as a perfect example of "self-attribution error." He attributed his fear to a lack of courage, rather than realizing that fear is a prerequisite for courage. If you aren't scared, you can’t be brave. You're just reckless. The Lion was the only one in the group who was consistently "brave" because he was the only one who had to overcome his own nature to help his friends.
It’s also worth noting the differences in his ending. In the 1939 movie, everything ends at the farm in Kansas. But in the books, the Lion’s story continues. He becomes a ruler. He finds his place. He realizes that "courage" isn't a feeling of being invincible; it’s a choice to stay when you want to run.
Digging Deeper into the Lion’s Motivation
If we look at the historical context of when L. Frank Baum wrote the book, some scholars suggest the Lion represents William Jennings Bryan, the populist politician. Bryan was known for his "roar"—his incredible oratory skills—but he was often criticized for lacking the "teeth" to follow through on his promises.
Whether you buy into the political allegory or not, the character's core motivation remains the same. He felt incomplete. He looked at the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and saw things he lacked. He didn't realize they were looking at him and seeing a protector.
The Lion's journey is a masterclass in shifting perspective. He starts the story looking for a handout from a magician. He ends the story realizing he’s been the muscle and the heart of the operation the whole time.
Actionable Insights from the Lion’s Quest
If you’re feeling a bit like the Cowardly Lion yourself lately—stuck in a cycle of feeling like a fraud—there are some actual takeaways from his story that apply to real life.
Recognize the Placebo Effect
The Lion felt brave the moment he drank the "magic" liquid. In your own life, sometimes you just need a "talisman." Whether it's a specific suit you wear to meetings or a ritual you do before a big presentation, if it makes you believe you have the skill, the result is the same as if you actually gained a new power.
Fear is the Compass
The things the Lion was most afraid of were the things he had to do to save Dorothy. Usually, the thing you’re avoiding is the exact thing that will prove your capability.
Redefine the Goal
Stop trying to "not be afraid." That was the Lion’s mistake. He thought the goal was the absence of fear. The real goal is the presence of action despite the fear.
The Cowardly Lion didn't just want a "brain" or a "heart"—he wanted the spirit to use the strengths he already possessed. He’s the most "human" character in the Land of Oz because his flaw was entirely in his head. He was never a coward. He was just a lion who thought too much.
To truly understand the Lion’s character, compare his actions in the "Forest of the Fighting Trees" versus the "Poppy Field." In the poppies, he falls victim to his physical size and weight, falling asleep. He's vulnerable. But in the forest, he's the one who stands ready to fight. His journey is a constant see-saw between his perceived weakness and his actual strength. That nuance is why we are still talking about him over a century later.
Next Steps for Oz Enthusiasts
If you want to understand the deeper lore beyond the movie, read Chapter 21 of the original book, "The Lion Becomes the King of Beasts." It provides the closure the movie skips over, showing exactly how the Lion uses his newfound "courage" to lead an entire kingdom of animals. You can also look into the 1902 stage play version, which portrays the Lion’s "want" in a much more slapstick, vaudevillian light, offering a completely different take on his insecurities. This contrast shows just how much the character can be molded to fit the fears of the era he's being told in.