Nickodemus the Mule

Origin
Nickodemus is a mule with a strong personality and a knack for adventure.

He is generally a tame creature and a children's pet: he lives with Fluff and Bud and Aunt Rivette, and gives the boy rides on his back. Yet, he has a powerful kick and does not hesitate to employ it against suitable targets.

Once Bud becomes king of Noland, Nickodemus wanders off on his own; he is captured by bandits, but escapes. In the forests of Noland, he encounters other animals. His habit of scratching and rubbing his hindquarters, on trees and other bodies, leads him into difficulties with the Zoop, and he also confronts a local "lazy lion." He is clever enough the let the Zoop and lion fight each other while he slips away.

A compassionate fellow, Nickodemus takes a liking to Mary, a young girl kidnapped by the bandits. He organizes a gang of animals, including the formerly hostile Zoop and lion, to attack the bandits and rescue Mary. Nickodemus returns Mary to her parents, and wins their gratitutde. Nickodemus also leads the animals in an attack on the Roly-Rogues after they invade the city of Nole.

Public Domain Appearances

 * The Magic Cloak of Oz