We Rewatched The Lion King And It's Completely Different Now

Summary

This video delves into the backstory of Mufasa and his complex relationship with his adopted brother, Scar (formerly Taka), in *The Lion King* and its prequel, *Mufasa: The Lion King*. The analysis explores key events like Mufasa's sacrifice, Scar’s growing resentment, and the familial dynamics that lead to Scar's betrayal. It also sheds light on Mufasa's abilities, such as his heightened senses, and his subtle influence after death. The video enhances our understanding of the characters' motivations, emotional depth, and the symbolism of nature’s cycles in the Pride Lands, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic films.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mufasa's belief that Scar would save him when falling off the cliff is rooted in their earlier bond, where Scar saved him from a crocodile in their youth, making Mufasa assume Scar would act similarly during the Stampede.
• 😀 Mufasa and Scar's complex relationship is shaped by years of resentment, with Mufasa unintentionally overshadowing Scar, who feels abandoned and unloved, despite Mufasa's attempts to reconnect.
• 😀 Mufasa's guilt over becoming the rightful king while Scar was left in his shadow is a major emotional driver for Mufasa’s actions, leading him to be blindsided by Scar’s growing bitterness.
• 😀 Scar's betrayal is premeditated, and his hatred for Mufasa has been brewing for years. His motivations are not just opportunistic but rooted in deep-seated feelings of inferiority and rejection.
• 😀 Mufasa's ability to sense danger, especially in the elephant graveyard, is attributed to his heightened senses of smell and hearing, allowing him to rescue Simba and Nala just in time.
• 😀 The relationship between Mufasa and Zazu is more than just that of a king and his advisor; it is based on mutual respect and deep friendship, which is evident in their interactions.
• 😀 Mufasa’s spirit remains active after his death, subtly guiding Simba through Rafiki, which indicates his continued presence in the spiritual realm watching over his son.
• 😀 The rain in *The Lion King* symbolizes major transitions, such as Simba's presentation to the kingdom and Mufasa’s death, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the changes occurring in the Pride Lands.
• 😀 The film subtly suggests that Simba’s return to Pride Rock is not just a surprise but also a sign of the spiritual world at work, with Mufasa’s presence influencing key characters' reactions, especially Scar's fear.
• 😀 Scar’s relationship with the hyenas is based on manipulation, but by the end of the film, it becomes clear that the hyenas were always skeptical of him, and their eventual rebellion against Scar was planned long before his downfall.
• 😀 The lion king’s circle of life theme is emphasized by the rain, which signifies both endings and new beginnings, symbolizing the restoration of balance in the Pride Lands after Scar's defeat and Simba’s ascension.

Q & A

Why did Mufasa expect Scar to save him when falling off the cliff in *The Lion King*?

Mufasa expected Scar to save him because of a past event in the prequel film *Mufasa: The Lion King*, where Scar (as Taka) had previously saved Mufasa when they were cubs. This created an expectation in Mufasa that his brother would come to his aid again, despite the deepening animosity between them.

How does Mufasa's backstory influence his relationship with Scar in *The Lion King*?

Mufasa’s backstory reveals that he is the adopted brother of Scar, and their relationship is built on early resentment. Mufasa’s rise to prominence, love, and respect from the Pride Lands and its animals only intensifies Scar's bitterness, as he feels overshadowed. Despite Mufasa’s efforts to reconcile, Scar's jealousy grows, leading to betrayal.

Why is Mufasa so surprised when Scar sends him to his death during the Stampede scene?

Mufasa is surprised by Scar's betrayal because he still believes there is some hope of reconciliation, unaware of how deep Scar's hatred for him has grown. Mufasa's past experiences with Scar had made him believe his brother would save him, as Scar had done before when they were cubs.

What explains Mufasa's quick arrival to the elephant graveyard to save Simba and Nala?

Mufasa's remarkable senses, honed during his upbringing in the prequel *Mufasa: The Lion King*, allow him to detect Simba and Nala's presence in the elephant graveyard. His strong sense of smell and hearing, along with a father’s intuition, enable him to act quickly and save the cubs from danger.

How does the relationship between Mufasa and Zazu reflect their friendship in *The Lion King*?

Mufasa and Zazu share a deep, genuine friendship, as seen in the way Zazu admires Mufasa, not just as his king but as a dear friend. Their bond goes beyond professional duty, and Zazu’s jokes at Scar’s expense highlight their closeness.

What role does Rafiki play in *The Lion King*, and how does *Mufasa: The Lion King* expand his backstory?

Rafiki serves as a spiritual guide in *The Lion King*, offering wisdom and connection to the spirit world. *Mufasa: The Lion King* expands his backstory by showing that Rafiki lived a solitary life after being ostracized by his tribe for his spiritual beliefs. He later joins Mufasa and the others on their journey to find the Pride Lands, further cementing his role as a spiritual ally.

What is the significance of Mufasa's spirit guiding Rafiki to find Simba in *The Lion King*?

Mufasa’s spirit subtly guides Rafiki to locate Simba, suggesting that Mufasa continues to watch over the Pride Lands even after his death. The connection between Mufasa and Rafiki in the spiritual realm is key to helping Simba realize his destiny and return to reclaim the throne.

How does Scar's backstory in *Mufasa: The Lion King* explain his character in *The Lion King*?

Scar’s backstory reveals that his father, Obasi, instilled in him a belief in the supremacy of bloodlines and the use of deceit for power. Scar’s resentment toward Mufasa and his belief that manipulation is essential for ruling are direct consequences of this upbringing, explaining his treacherous behavior in *The Lion King*.

Why does Scar consider Simba a potential weakness in his plan to take the throne?

Scar sees Simba as a vulnerability he can exploit because Simba’s youth and innocence make him an easy target for manipulation. Scar uses Simba’s perceived weakness to engineer Mufasa’s death, as he believes defeating Mufasa through a fair fight is impossible.

What is the symbolic meaning of rain in *The Lion King* and how is it explained in *Mufasa: The Lion King*?

Rain in *The Lion King* is symbolic of transitions and the cycle of life. It marks significant moments, such as Simba’s presentation as heir to the throne and later his ascension after Scar’s defeat. *Mufasa: The Lion King* explains that rain signifies the arrival of destiny, with the rain bringing renewal and growth to the Pride Lands after Simba’s return.