Tradition: German Mythology
Alternative Names: Lion of Brunswick, Heinrich’s Lion
Category: Lion
The Myth
The Brunswick Lion is a legendary lion whose story is connected to Henry the Lion, the medieval Duke of Saxony and Bavaria. According to the legend, Henry encountered a lion fighting a fierce dragon while on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Rather than leaving the beast to face the monster alone, Henry joined the battle and helped the lion defeat the dragon. Grateful for his aid, the lion became devoted to Henry and accompanied him on his journey home.
The lion remained faithfully at Henry’s side until the duke’s death in 1195. Overcome with grief at the loss of its master, the animal refused to eat and eventually died upon Henry’s grave. Its extraordinary loyalty moved the people of Brunswick, who erected a statue in the lion’s honour. The monument commemorated the bond between the duke and his faithful companion, preserving the memory of a creature whose devotion endured even beyond death.
Sources
“Brunswick Lion.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 21, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunswick_Lion