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Character Parallels
Character Parallels
Kathy L. Stock (200118313)
Religion & Popular Culture
(RELS 2812)
Character Parallels
The most obvious connections between the Christian Bible and The Lion King cartoon are seen in the characters themselves. Many of the animated film characters parallel one (or more) figures from both the Old and New Testament.
Simba is the one and only son of Mufasa, destined to take over the Kingdom when he is of age. In this capacity, Simba is somewhat like Jesus, the one-and-only son of God. We see this divinely appointed father-son connection throughout the entire film and while Jesus-like similarities exist, Simba's journey is mostly reminiscent of the Old Testament story of Moses. Like Moses, Simba is the son of royalty (though Moses is a Hebrew who was found and raised by the Pharaoh's daughter.) Like Moses, Simba is accused of contributing to someone's demise. Scar convinces Simba he is responsible for his father's death and urges him to flea the kingdom. Moses kills an Egyptian in defence of an abused Hebrew slave, and Pharaoh's response to this killing causes Moses to run away. Like Moses, Simba creates a new life for himself within a newfound community; with Simone and Pumba. One day, Nala shows up and tells Simba how his home is suffering, and urges him to return and make things right by taking his rightful place as their leader. Moses receives a similar message from God through a burning bush. God tells Moses that his people are suffering and he must go back to Egypt and rescue them, by becoming their leader. Both characters resist the calling, at first, but eventually return home to rescue their lands and assume their rightful places.
Mufasa is the king of Pride Rock and the father of Simba. Mufasa is a regal character who receives much praise and admiration from his loyal subjects. When he walks among them, they bow in reverence. Mufasa rules everything the light touches and when Simba asks about dark, shadowy places, Mufasa urges him never to go there. This is symbolism for holiness (light) and sin (darkness.) Mufasa, being the ruler of all that is illuminated (holy) makes him a God-like being. The lion is used many times throughout Christian scripture as a symbol of the tribe of Judah; the rulers and kings within God's blessed lineage. As lions, the lineage of Mufasa and Simba are the rulers and kings of Pride Rock, as well. Mufasa's character parallels all three parts of the Christian holy trinity. He is the father of Simba and the God-like leader of Pride Rock but he is also like Jesus Christ. He is betrayed by someone close to him and sacrifices his life to save Simba's. After Mufasa's death, he appears to Simba in the form of a spirit, assuring him he is always with him, much like the Holy Spirit was promised to dwell among the disciples after Jesus had ascended to heaven.
Scar is the younger brother of Mufasa who was next-in-line for the throne before Simba came along. When Mufasa welcomed a baby boy, Scar's chances of ruling the kingdom were dashed and he was incredibly resentful. Scar eventually formulates a plan to kill both Mufasa and Simba in exchange for power and resources. In this way, Scar is a lot like Judas Iscariot, the brother-like disciple of Jesus who betrayed him for money. It was Judas' betrayal that led to Jesus' arrest and subsequent killing on the cross. Scar is also reminiscent of the biblical description of Satan. He is seen tempting Simba multiple times to wander into places he should not go. During a musical number called "Be Prepared" Scar is seen plotting his evil doings amidst rising flames and the gnashing of hyena teeth. The Christian bible describes Heaven as a place that exists above, while depicting Hell as a fiery place that exists below. Throughout the film, Mufasa is most often positioned on a well-illuminated platform, above the kingdom, while Scar is depicted as living down low, in a dark, cave-like dwelling, with demon-like hyena henchmen.
Rafiki is a mandrill monkey who serves as the kingdom's trusted spiritual figure. He is first seen at the beginning of the film behaving as a Christian priest would during the christening of a newborn baby in front of a congregation. Later in the film, Rafiki receives a message in the blowing wind that tells him Simba is not dead and this message seems to come from a unique spiritual connection Rafiki has with an unseen entity. He then ventures off to find Simba and acts as a liaison him and his Father, in the sky. Throughout the Christian bible, priests act as ambassadors between the common person and the heavenly father. Rafiki's character is also similar to depictions of tribal Shaman's and spiritual leaders from many faith traditions, but his actions during the dedication/naming of Simba, and his connection to the spirit-version of Mufasa, are quite reminiscent of the beliefs and practices of the Christian tradition.
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