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Character Parallels
Character Parallels
Kathy L. Stock (200118313)
Religion & Popular Culture
(RELS 2812)
Good & Evil
Christianity believes in the existence of spiritual warfare, that God is good and righteous while Satan is evil and sinful. Those who uphold the beliefs and teachings of Jesus' are believed to be pursuing holiness while those who reject these teachings are considered sinners. According to the bible, being a sinner = an eternity in hell; a place of fire, suffering, and the gnashing of teeth. Conversely, righteous followers of God are believed to reunite with him in Heaven above. This imagery of Heaven and Hell are very clearly seen in The Lion King Film.
After his death, Mufasa appears to Simba in the clouds, telling him that he and all of his royal, departed descendants are the stars in the sky. This is a symbol of Mufasa's God-like righteousness, as he has ascended to a higher place to rest for eternity. The imagery used in these scenes is similar to the depictions of Heaven in the Christian bible, especially in the book of Luke, chapter 24. Here, Jesus ascends into Heaven and assures his disciples that he has gone to prepare a place for them and he will send the Holy Spirit to be with them, always. Mufasa offers a similar sentiment to Simba when he assures him he will always be with him, addressing him from the clouds in the sky.
While Mufasa is the picture of goodness, Scar is the representative of evil. Even the drawings of the too animated lions cast Scar in a more frightening light, with ragged darkened hair, dull skin, and piercing yellow eyes, contrasting Mufasa's bright complexion, full mane, and charming musculature. During the musical number "Be Prepared," the imagery surrounding Scar is almost identical to the Christian image of Hell. The hyenas take on the role of demons, with their gnashing teeth, while flames and red lights rise around Scar while he sings about his evil plans to kill Mufasa and take over the kingdom.
Scar convinces young Simba to run away from Pride Rock by emphasizing the evil of what he has done. Believing he is responsible for his father's death, Simba leaves Pride Rock filled with shame and regret. Based on Scar's convincing words, Simba believes his sins are unforgivable. When Simba returns to Pride Rock as an adult, he first reveals himself through a mighty roar at seeing Scar physically assault his mother. It is then that the battle of Pride Rock begins and the ensuing fight is one of good (Simba and the lions) against evil (Scar and the hyenas.) Ultimately, as in biblical teachings, good wins. When the battle ends, the clouds above them recede, revealing the stars above Simba's newfound kingdom and a heavenly affirmation from his father that he is now to be the righteous leader of Pride Rock.
This dichotomy of good & evil is foundational to Christian belief and teaching. In the Old Testament, we see countless stories of God's people enduring hardship, only to be rescued and redeemed through the overcoming of their evil oppressors. Ultimately, the hope of the restoration of Israel is fulfilled through the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, as prophesied by Isaiah. The belief in a coming king, that would overcome evil and restore the kingdom of God, is prevalent throughout early Jewish and Christian writings. For Christians, this overcoming king is Jesus. In The Lion King, it is Simba.
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