Did you know that Melbourne is dominated by lions?
When I say lions, I’m not talking metaphorically. I mean actual lions. Mighty beasts, out and about on Melbourne’s streets! Fierce, noble, terrifying, majestic, powerful, glorious lions. All over this great city.
The lions I talk about prowl Melbourne’s streets. They can be found in many places and most interestingly of all, they have a ruler; a king of this great urban jungle, who resides at the heart of the city.
I felt compelled to explore. I wanted to see these fantastic beasts. I wanted to meet the mighty one, the mythical El Lion, the king of Melbourne’s city streets.
Befuddled though I was by long weeks of lockdown, I set myself on a great lion adventure. I reasoned it was sensible to start at the Zoo. Great roars and growls drifted over the high walls, yet not a mighty cat could be seen. Melbourne Zoo was closed, yet lions were within.
I wanted to know what they knew of the Great One. I resolved to take a chance and shout over the wall “Did the great lion reside within?” After long paws, this is what followed:
“Nah, not here man. We have pride in our pride, for sure. But shame is, we are in lockdown. We is always in lockdown man.” drifted the throaty chorus. “Take a kyk in the city to seek the Wonderlik. Make like a butterfly and flutter into town”
Not discouraged, I decided to take the advice and began floating into town.
At the Shrine of Remembrance, I found eight mighty lions, each in pairs, at the corners of the stone monument. Each pair led by a young boy, pulling a chariot. Guardians of something precious, each chariot signified a virtue:
- Patriotism
- Sacrifice
- Justice
- Peace & Goodwill
Respectfully, I approached the mighty sentinels and asked if any knew the Wonderlik Lion?
In measured order, the sombre chorus rang:
“We are great, but we stand in honour of the sons and daughters of Melbourne, who sacrificed everything in wars gone by. We do not stray from this our sacred vigil. Roam deeper in the city. Look to the laneways to seek the Great Lion of this city”
Heartened, I was more determined than ever to maintain my quest. Paying sombre homage to the guardians I floated on, down the grand boulevard.
On the boulevard I passed the monument to King Edward VII, flanked by two grand and regal lions. I stopped to ask my question to them both “Are either of you the Great Lion of this fine city?”
Perhaps there was something too casual in my tone. For the response was as cutting as any claw:
“Be gone with you” came their haughty growl, “We are royal lions. We reflect the regal dignity of a King now laid to rest. He is the only King we recognise. We do not converse with the likes of you.”
Feline somewhat offended – but far from deterred – I hovered steadily on. I had only drifted as far as the old GPO building when, out of the corner of my eye, I sensed I was being watched from above.
A fine looking beast though modest in demeanour, I did not expect him to be the mane event. Though I still had to ask him my well-versed question. His response followed:
“Well … it is not me, though my masters did make me to reflect the roaring success and grandeur of this prospecting city. My fur is not golden, though be sure that gold paid for me. You will see many like me around this place in the ironwork and plaster facades. We are part of Melbourne’s heritage and grandeur. Fine as we are, we cannot claim to be the Mighty One. Prowl on farther and tell them I scent you.”
I did as I was bade and at the Tianjin Gardens I encountered two guardians of time, space and culture. Fierce and exotic to my eyes, I was not at first sure if they were lions at all. But they were. Could one of these creatures be the Great One that I sought?
With trepidation, I asked my familiar question and in response they growled:
“We are not the Great Lion that you seek, though we are fierce and powerful. Our duty is to protect this sacred entrance and drive away all enemies and evil spirits. We are found in pairs. My female consort channeling ‘yin’, resting her great paw upon our playful cub. While I the male, channel ‘yang’, and toy with my ball of imperial influence. Go deeper into the city if you truly seek the King of this Jungle. He has a tail to share.”
Weary I hovered on. Deep now into the city, down streets and laneways, always looking, always seeking. Tall buildings towered above and light itself became reluctant to follow me. I was tired, my spirits low, my energy all but spent.
Turning into a dark and gloomy laneway, a seeming dead-end beckoned. A constraining space holding little promise, though some strange power drew me on. As I progressed, a subtle transformation took effect. Imperceptible at first, though growing with incremental steps, a golden glow grew steadily in warmth and power. By the end of the lane, I was enveloped in light; illuminating the laneway in warmth that almost tingled the skin. The experience held no fear as golden light beaconed me forward, comforting in its warmth. As I rounded the lane and looked up, the source of this power became clear.
Magisterial in glory with a glowing yellow mane, adorned by a crown of gold, the Great Lion transfixed me with his gaze. Jewels and medals glittered, reflecting light from his golden coat. The Great One looked down upon me. Powerful and fierce in his gaze, but with no hint of malice.
Noble and powerful in presence he spoke in a deep throaty lullaby:
“I am the great one of whom you seek, I am El Lion, the great King of Melbourne’s streets. This laneway is my kingdom and this city my hunting ground. Some pass without knowing I am here, but I am lord of this domain, guarding over this laneway and the night-time revellers of the Butterfly Club. The one who created me, CHE, travelled from foreign lands to share love and contribute to the art of this city. A proud King of this urban jungle and a noble lord of Melbourne, I protect this place. Though not so many have passed in recent months, I stand still true and faithful in my duty, undiminished in my resolve. Time has not faded my vibrancy; pandemic has not weakened me. I will stay where I am set until people come once again.”
I have never forgotten my meeting with El Lion, or indeed with any of Melbourne’s mighty cats.
Never again have I found myself in that lane and I have many times wondered if any of this was real, or just a dream? Perhaps the months of lockdown really confused my brain? Perhaps I will never see El Lion again? I cannot be sure.
However, when I think about my adventure, I am reassured by another’s famous words:
“He’ll be coming and going … one day you’ll see him and another you won’t. He doesn’t like being tied down – and of course he has other countries to attend to. It’s quite all right. He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.” [C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]
What I learned from my quest – or dream – is that mighty lions roam all around us. They occupy every part of this great city. They transmit their power, their nobility and their majesty throughout the environment we all call home.
The prestige a lion commands should never be underestimated. Truly, they are the Kings of this our urban jungle.
The El Lion Mural by CHE @Vivacheman @VivacheDesigns
To find the El Lion Mural, you will need to look for the clues and search in the city like I did.
The El Lion was created by CHE. Inspired by great lions of his youth like those found in the ‘Wizard of Oz’, and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and other tales. CHE is also a Leo himself and has an affinity with lions.
Crafted in free hand using a 10-foot ladder, the El Lion took 14 hours and was produced using spray paints and latex. As a street art capital of world importance, CHE was drawn to Melbourne to paint the mural and in so doing provide a ‘hidden gem’ for those brave enough to seek it out.
Happy hunting.
With thanks and credits to CHE of Vivache Designs. The creator of the magnificent El Lion Mural.
