We explore the mythological and archetypal tale of The Lion King that serves as an interesting insight into the idea of suffering

Exploring the themes of suffering and transcendence in the The Lion King

FOLLOWING A SERIES of live action remakes of classic Disney animated films, it is only a matter of time before The Lion King gets its due. Scheduled for a July release, it’s not hard to imagine why the live action remake of the beloved animated film is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated films of the year. Ground-breaking, endearing, and absolutely revolutionary, 1994’s The Lion King is without a doubt one of Disney’s most enduring and exceptional productions. The story of Simba is one that transcends simple children entertainment. The Lion King is a mythological and archetypal tale that encapsulates the hero’s journey while also serving as an interesting insight into the idea of suffering.

Accompanied by a breath-taking soundtrack in “Circle of Life”, Simba is introduced to the film in astounding fashion. The lion cub is being held up to all African wildlife, paying him respect and obedience. According to Sigmund Freud, when a child is born, the first stage of his or her life is one of infantile omnipotence. Infantile omnipotence refers to the greatly exaggerated sense of self-importance that many young children develop from the innate drive to be “the centre of their universe”.

“Everything the light touches is our kingdom”. At one point, Mufasa even states that Simba is destined for a life of greatness and abundance. As children, many were brought into the world with the idea that they are entitled to a life of excellence.

Due to Mufasa’s success as a ruler, Simba is born in paradise, a world without problems. Simba’s position in life coupled with his infantile omnipotence results in him not needing to confront any challenges in his life. Hence, Simba has a desire to chart into the unknown, as presented in his interest in exploring the elephant graveyard by defying his father’s commands. Simba’s fascination into the unknown serves as an allegory of youngsters’ tendency to rebel against parental guidance in favour of independence and bravery.

Simba’s carefree childhood took a tragic turn when Mufasa is murdered at the hands of his uncle, Scar. Under the influence and manipulation of his uncle, Simba is conditioned to believe that he is responsible for his father’s untimely death. The reality of death and danger is rapidly ushered into Simba’s life. Believing that he’s responsible for his father’s death, Simba exiles himself to the jungle far from Pride Rock, where he is befriended by Timon and Pumbaa.

Simba’s guilt stemmed from his feeling of

unworthiness, that he was not worthy of his father’s sacrifice, who is the manifestation of greatness in his view of the world.

Simba’s immense guilt collapses his infantile omnipotence, leading him to believe that not only was he not worthy of his father’s sacrifice, but his destiny as a future king as well.

The introduction of Timon and Pumbaa adds an interesting perspective to an already layered film. They present Simba a different worldview, an alternative that is at odds with that of Mufasa’s in every way possible; “Hakuna Matata” (no responsibilities, no problems). By adopting a “Hakuna Matata” outlook on life, Simba is able to disconnect himself from his guilt by severing his ties to the past.

Where Simba once yearned for traits such as strength and power, he now relinquishes them in fear that they may be destructive to him and the ones around him. Simba decides to adopt a lifestyle of escapism, discarding his responsibilities and potential. The film encourages its audience to ponder, is the suffering in life so intense that the whole game should be brought to an end? The Lion King argues that it’s not irrational to live for the absence of responsibility.

However, despite living a life without responsibilities, Simba never truly found peace. He is plagued by the feelings of guilt and shame of his choice, which is best presented when Simba suggests to his friends that the great kings of the past are watching them from the stars, only to have them bursting out of laughter in response. Deep down, Simba recognises that it is against his very nature to live a life without responsibilities.

Simba’s journey came to a turning point when he encounters Rafiki, who informs him that his father is still well and alive. Following Rafiki through the jungle, Simba eagerly anticipates to being reunited with his father. The old baboon makes a passage in the grass for Simba and leads him to the slope. He does so and sees a small lake. Simba looks at the lake, expecting to see his father. The excitement in Simba’s face fades into disappointment as he is devastated that it was only his own reflection that he sees.

Rafiki touches the water, as it ripples,

Simba’s reflection changes to that of Mufasa’s. To Simba, Mufasa isn’t merely his father, but the very manifestation of greatness. In essence, Simba is beginning to see the man he could be staring back at him. In a truly awe inspiring cinematic moment, Mufasa manifests himself in the sky telling Simba that he has forgotten his true potential, that he has lost his ways by abandoning his destiny.

Following Mufasa’s death, Simba has allowed himself to be tormented and defeated by the feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequency. Simba transcends his adolescence and naivety when he decides to confronts his biggest adversity, himself. Simba’s willingness to reclaim his position in life in the face of adversity is perfectly symbolised in his journey back to Pride Rock. The film illustrates the importance of dealing with the things we are afraid of the most, even if it means facing our own insufficiencies.

The Lion King presents its audience an astonishing reveal that your enemy’s wickedness may just be the catalyst for you to fulfil your destiny. The Lion King urges its audience to consider that the “Hakuna Matata” mentality isn’t the pathway to enlightenment. Instead, the film emphasises that true enlightment can only be attained when we decide to confront our demons and insufficiencies.

Modern society has this bizarre idea that the pathway to virtue and enlightenment is by achieving a life of comfort, a life without challenges. The Lion King taught us that that simply isn’t true. In fact, that approach to life may very well be the passage to resentment. In order to reach our full potential, we must adopt responsibilities. If we choose a life of escapism, if we repress our healthy aggresion and ambition, we may just lose ourselves in the circle of life. However, if the story of Simba is any indication, it’s never too late to try. AM

“WHERE SIMBA ONCE YEARNED FOR TRAITS SUCH AS STRENGTH AND POWER, HE NOW RELINQUISHES THEM IN FEAR THAT THEY MAY BE DESTRUCTIVE TO HIM AND THE ONES AROUND HIM”