Universal Themes In The Lion King

Within many different creative works such as novels, plays, and movies the creator uses universal themes to depict common experiences. These themes can be easily and effectively seen through the visuals that a movie provides. The motifs that one sees in The Lion King can also be found in a myriad of other works. Through an archetypal lens, The Lion King depicts universal experiences, such as fear and power, that are felt by many characters. One of the main themes seen throughout The Lion King is the concept of fear and overcoming fear. Simba is faced with many different difficulties and trials in this movie. The most prominent is when Mufasa, his father, is killed. Scar tells Simba that he killed his father and tells him to leave Pride Rock. He says, “Run away Simba...Run. Run away and never return”. At this

Many characters in this movie gain power, but they also quickly lose it. Power is shifted throughout the movie from Mufasa, Scar, and finally to Simba. The Lion King perfectly visualizes the contrasting leadership roles of each of these three family members. One sees how the pride flourishes under the reign of Mufasa and Simba, yet declines when Scar is king. A key element in the success Simba has as king is due to the teachings of his father. Mufasa often gave Simba advice on how to rule the pride. The most important was “Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope”. This quote explains why Simba and Mufasa were admirable leaders while Scar was not. Scar only looked to protect and provide for himself while the rest of the animals in his land struggled. All people can relate to coming to or losing a certain degree of power. While most of the time this is not on a scale as large as being the king, we can all relate to