Mufasa The Lion King: It’s Not Who You Are But What You’ve Become
In Disney’s live-action of the Lion King’s prequel, we find out who Mufasa was before becoming the king of Pride Rock
Mufasa, the story of Simba’s father, is finally shown in cinemas. In the film, directed by Barry Jenkins, we see who Mufasa was before becoming the king of Pride Rock. His story is a story everyone can relate to and kids can learn from.
What we can learn from Mufasa’s story
An outcast in the wild
The film opens with Rafiki telling Simba’s daughter Kiara of her grandfather’s story. Mufasa was a cub and was together with his parents as they journeyed towards a place called Melele. Tragedy struck when Mufasa was separated from his parents, making him an orphan. As he floated in the river, he met Taka and was later adopted by Taka’s mother Eshe. But Taka’s father Obasi considers him a stray and an outsider. Nevertheless, Obasi pushes Taka, stressing the importance of their bloodline.
Mufasa and Taka grow up together, considering themselves as brothers. As Kiros and his pack threaten Taka’s pack, Obasi and Eshe separately tell them to continue their destinies, with Obasi reminding Taka he must continue their bloodline.
Although maltreated by his adopted father, Mufasa promised Eshe he would care for Taka as they made their way to Melele. On their journey, they meet Rafiki, Sarabi, and Zazu, whose presence will change the course of their relationship.
The test of brotherhood and jealousy
During their journey, Rafiki slowly tells Mufasa of his destiny. He initially scoffs at the idea, reminding Rafiki that he’s a nobody, unlike Taka, who is of noble birth. Rafiki reminded him that it’s not who he is but who he has become.
Mufasa saved Taka and Sarabi many times in the story, including a stampede Sarabi started. The closeness between the two sparked jealousy in Taka, who told Mufasa in one of their conversations was attracted to her.
Because of Taka’s jealousy, he sided with Kiros. When they finally arrived in Melele, the betrayal happened, leaving Mufasa devastated. But along the way, he finally embraces his destiny and leads the fight to save Melele. He is later crowned king and reunites with his mother.
Due to his betrayal, Taka leaves his fate to Mufasa. He adopts the name Scar, a reminder of the wound he got from the fight between Kiros and Mufasa.
Why the movie resonates
We all know the film centers around family and brotherhood. But as Rafiki pointed out to Mufasa, it’s who you become after all the challenges you’ve gone through. While it may take people time to understand, the challenges make one a better person.
it also reminds us that challenges bring out the courage to face the situation. Taka was always afraid and used to Mufasa facing it for him. But jealousy got in the way, leading to his destiny of who he has become. Never let fear take over.
And who can forget when Sarabi showed affection towards Mufasa after saving her life? It was one of the many situations that led Mufasa to his destiny—leading Melele and becoming the leader he is because he earned it.
Mufasa showed bravery, and that leadership was earned and not handled. He became who is because he embraced what is supposed to be his.
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