How ‘Mufasa’ is Connected to Disney’s ‘The Lion King’

Spoilers of ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’

With its 1994 animated picture, TV spin-offs, sequels, and 2019 live-action remake, ‘The Lion King’ is still one of Disney’s most cherished brands. The most recent addition, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, delves into the past of Aaron Pierre’s character Mufasa before he became Simba’s father.

The prequel depicts Mufasa’s beginnings against the backdrop of Milele, the Pride Lands’ previous name, which means “forever” in Swahili. He is adopted by Taka’s (later Scar) family after a flood destroys his family, but Taka’s father, Obasi, dislikes him. As he struggles with his yearning for his deceased parents and gains resilience and humility from Taka’s mother, Eshe, this contempt influences Mufasa’s gentle and caring manner.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

The narrative traces Taka and Mufasa’s search for Milele, the place their parents spoke of as being abundant and united. They come to see important figures like Sarabi, Rafiki, and Zazu along the route; these individuals seek safety after losing their tribes. The group finds Milele and creates the Pride Lands as a sanctuary under the guidance of Rafiki’s visions. But Taka betrays Mufasa and Sarabi because he is jealous of their bond. Taka works for the evil Kiros, but following a string of terrible incidents, he suffers physical and psychological scarring and turns into Scar.

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ also emphasises Sarabi’s function as a leader and a unifier, highlighting her compassion and bravery in motivating others to stand up for Milele. The prequel also explores Mufasa’s remarkable gifts, which he bestows on Simba and Nala, including keen senses and a strong bond with nature. Rafiki’s wisdom and these skills highlight why the lion protagonists are viewed as Chosen Ones, destined to defend the Pride Lands. The movie enhances the legend by showing Mufasa as a representation of love, power, and solidarity in addition to being a monarch.

–Farheen Ali