Visitors to the Swiss town of Lucerne are moved by the Lion
Monument, a sculpture designed in the early 19th century. The
mortally-wounded lion’s expression is one of heart rending
agony. At the time I saw the statue, I didn’t know the story
behind it, it was just something that you see when you visit
this pretty Swiss town along with the covered bridge, but years
later the sadness inherent in this sculpture is something I
vividly remember. So I wanted to learn the story behind the Lion
of Lucerne. The country of Switzerland has become known for its
neutral status and indeed this mindset goes back over 500 years.
One of the country’s most popular saints, Nicholas of Flue, also
referred to as Brother Klaus, said, “Don’t get involved in other
people’s affairs.” A former soldier, he became a hermit known
for providing counsel and advice to various European figures,
and is credited with preventing a civil war in Switzerland. The
neutrality of the Swiss gave them a reputation for honoring
their agreements; therefo