The movie Mufasa : The Roi Lion recently released offers a reinterpretation of the story of the famous lion, Mufasa, Simba’s father. This long-awaited prequel comes clarify an important point of the plot of Lion King original: why do the animals of the Lion Lands submit to a lion, a predator at the top of the food chain?
A well-deserved climb
In the Lion King of 1994, Mufasa’s acceptance as king seemed to be a simple consequence of his predatory nature. The animals obeyed him out of fear, it was assumed. However, Mufasa : The Roi Lion denies this hypothesis by presenting an unsuspected version of the story.
The film reveals that Mufasa was not crowned king by simple inheritance or natural dominance, but becausehe proved his worth. Contrary to what was believed, it was not fear that motivated the animals to choose it, but his courage and his ability to unify them facing a great threat.
The story takes place in a place called Milele, a territory that Mufasa must defend against the Outsiders and their leader, Kiros. Through a series of trials, Mufasa manages to inspire the various animals to join him in repelling this threat. He takes the lead in the fightsaving his people and giving them a new chance to live in peace.
After defeating the Outsiders and restoring harmony, Mufasa finally stands atop the rock formation that would later become the famous King’s Rock. This is where he roars, symbolizing his ascension as the true king of the Lionlands. Respect for animals for him is now based on his actionsand not on his simple lion nature.
A response to criticism
This clarification answers a question that has long intrigued fans of The Lion King. Why do other animals, stronger or more numerous, agree to submit to a lion?
By revealing this meritocratic side of royalty, Mufasa : The Roi Lion donne more depth to lion dynasty. He also makes the link with Simba, his son, who, in turn, will have to prove yourself to become the rightful king of the Lionlands.
Ultimately, this film is not only an answer to the mysteries of the original plot, but also a way to reinforce the message transmitted in The Lion King. Mufasa, as king, thus embodies a model of leadership that Simba must understand and follow to fulfill his own destiny.
