Hero's Journey Essay

Simba's Hero's Journey

The movie The Lion King often is viewed as a simple children's based movie, however, their is a deeper meaning. It shows the growth of the protagonist Simba and how he searches for his true identity. He takes on the journey of becoming a hero which consist of separation, initiation, and the return. Although he faces many hardships throughout his journey he finds a way to overcome them.

Simba, in the beginning of the movie, only thinks mainly of himself and his desires which are to be king and to appear tough. His worst faults are that he is naive and trusting. These flaws show that he is in need of a quest in order to help Pride Rock when he becomes king. Due to these faults it leads to his father's death because he trusted his manipulative uncle, Scar. Simba faces the first step of separation once his father dies. After Simba runs away because he thinks he is responsible for his father's death, he meets Timon and Pumba who act as companions throughout his journey. Simba grows up in the forest with Timon and Pumba leaving behind his old life. Then one day, Nala, Simba's old friend, comes into the forest to hunt but instead finds Simba. After realizing who the other is, Nala begins telling Simba that he needs to return to Pride Rock because everyone believes Simba is dead and he has to take his spot as king. Simba would be their only hope to restore peace in their land. However something is keeping Simba from wanting to return.

Simba's refusal of the call is the next step in his hero's journey. After Nala tries to convince Simba to return, he does not want to go back. He still believes he is the reason his father is dead. Not only that but he is also embarrassed that he ran away and does not want to face his friends, mother, and anyone else from his past. He is acting almost as his own Threshold Guardian, by preventing himself from growing and following his destiny. Although Simba is refusing Nala keeps insisting that he is not living up to his father's greatness. Angry with Nala, he storms away and paces under the stars. He looks up into the stars and begins talking to his father. "You said you'd always be there for me, but you're not. And it's because of me. It's my fault. It's my fault." Simba admitting this shows the start of his transformation, he is letting go of the bitter, angry,