Lion-Hearted Kings

The epithet lion-hearted is more ancient than is commonly believed. The lion-hearted Hercules is celebrated in the Iliad, and in the Odyssey Penelope gives that title to her husband Ulysses.

Richard I, of England, was called "Coeur de Lion," or "Richard of the Lion-Heart," on account of his dauntless courage. At the siege of Acre he performed such prodigies of valor that for many years after his name was used by Syrian mothers to awe their children; and if a horse started suddenly, its rider would cry out, "Dost thou think King Richard is in that bush?" "Coeur de Lion" has been applied also to Ladislaus I., of Poland, who was equally famous in war and peace.

"The Lion" has been applied to many kings, and also to one queen. The Saracen Ali was called "The Lion of God." Gustavus Adolphus, of Sweden, was called the "Lion of the North." Henry, of Bavaria, and Louis VIII., of France, were both called "the Lion." Queen Elizabeth, of England was called the "Lioness."