The Lion King and
Christianity
Biblical Characters and The Lion King
Mufasa
"We are all connected in the great Circle of Life" ―Mufasa
The first character that we will look at in Disney's famous, The Lion King, is Mufasa. Mufasa is the king of Pride Rock, the savannah in which the characters live, where he lives with his son, Simba and brother, Scar. Mufasa has a kind and welcoming personality, and even as king, has respect for those beneath him. In the film, Mufasa is portrayed as a very majestic and honourable individual who is seen as wise beyond his years and who intends on teaching his son all of life's important lessons. When compared to Christianity, Mufasa is often compared to God for various reasons. Mufasa, in one of his talks with Simba, tells him that when he passes he will watch over Simba in the sky. This can be compared to God passing and watching over Jesus and directing him throughout life, and insuring he makes the right decisions. Some people however, compare this to Jesus' ascend into heaven, as most Christians believe Jesus watches over them, much like Mufasa described he would to Simba. Another way that Mufasa is a direct reflection of God, is in a scene when Simba disobeys him. He tells Simba that just because you are brave, does not mean you need to look for trouble. Much like God, Mufasa forgives Simba of his sin and loves him unconditionally. After his death, Mufasa is seen in the sky by Simba during a trying time, telling Simba to reflect and look within, giving him the guidance he needed. This is similar to how Christians believe that God connects with them through prayer.
Simba
“...This is my kingdom. If I don't fight for it, who will?”
―Simba
The way the light shines on Simba as he is presented to the entire animal kingdom is very similar of the way God shined light on His son Jesus after he was baptized. Simba's father is Mufasa, making him next in line to be king of Pride Rock. When comparing the story to the bible, Simba is compared to Jesus when Mufasa is compared to God because throughout the storyline, Mufasa much like God, tries to teach important life lessons to Simba as he knows someday he will be in charge. In the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John) we do not get a complete picture of Jesus' life. We are told about his birth but he does not appear often until he is around 30. This is also comparable, as Simba also leaves Pride Rock as a child and comes back once he has grown. Simba is also often compared to Moses as he leaves home after Scar tells him it is his fault that his father has passed away. In the bible, Moses too, leaves home after killing an Egyptian. Both characters did not intend to do so, but feel guilty about the event. In the bible the Pharaoh ordered Moses to be killed, like how Scar set the hyenas loose on Simba. Simba is also compared to Eve, when he chooses to go into the Elephants Graveyard, after being convinced by Scar. This can be seen as the "forbidden fruit" as he is strictly told by his father not to visit, but the temptation is too much for him.
Scar
"Run away, Simba. Run. Run away and never return!"― Scar
Scar is Mufasa's younger brother and Simba's uncle who wants nothing more than to be king, and will ultimately do whatever it takes to become it. He is seen as the villain in the film which is why he is often compared to the Devil in relation to Christianity. Scar has very manipulative and jealous personality and wants to create evil in others, much like the Devil. In one scene, Scar tells Simba that he will never be forgiven for his Father's death, unlike God who forgives everyone for their sins. Scar is also known to hang around the Elephant Graveyard, which is portrayed as the dark side or could be seen as hell. Scar's encounters with Simba, who is seen as Jesus, also help argue that he represents Satan in the film. Simba has to come back and defeat Scar in order to ensure peace in Pride Rock. Jesus does the same and defeats Satan to allow love and peace in His Father's kingdom. Scar can also be compared to Satan when he lets Simba take the blame for Mufasa's death even though he knows he did it because he wishes to blame others and disregard any consequences that come along with it, unlike God who would want us to confess to our sins and look to be forgiven. Scar and Mufasa's relationship is also often compared to the Biblical Characters, Cain and Abel. Cain, plots to kill his brother, much like Scar because he is well liked and favoured by God.
Rafiki
“The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” ―Rafiki
Rafiki is a mandrilll who is a good friend of Mufasa. He resides in Pride Rock and is viewed as wise and sometimes can be cryptic. In one of the most popular scenes throughout the film, Simba is, what appears to be, baptized by Rafiki which is why some believe he is similar to John the Baptist in Christianity. Rafiki also is one of the only ones who believes in Simba, and has faith that he will return. This is seen as very similar to the way John the Baptist told everyone to believe and follow Jesus.