How does the Cowardly Lion demonstrate bravery during the journey through Oz?

In L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Cowardly Lion joins Dorothy’s journey seeking the courage he believes he lacks. Throughout their travels, the group encounters numerous trials that they overcome, often relying on the specific strengths of each companion. The text explicitly notes that the group's success in navigating these obstacles is frequently due to the bravery of the Cowardly Lion.1

Although the Lion perceives himself as cowardly, his actions during the journey demonstrate inherent courage as he faces various dangers alongside his friends. Ultimately, the story carries the message that the characters already possessed the qualities they sought; the Wizard later provides the Lion with a drink that he claims is courage, reinforcing the idea that the Lion’s bravery was present all along.1