Archetype In The Lion King

In the Disney film, The Lion King, Simba fulfills the archetypal role of the hero. The plot of The Lion King revolves around Simba’s heroic quest to overthrow his uncle, Scar, and become the rightful king of the Pride Lands. This film includes many elements of the hero archetype including the call to adventure, the shadow figure, sidekicks, and the reward of the hero. Simba’s call to adventure comes when his uncle, Scar, kills his father in a stampede and blames the king’s death on him. Because of his shame, Simba exiles himself from his home in the Pride Lands and thus begins his adventure. This event also establishes Scar as Simba’s shadow figure. In the end, Simba will have to overcome his devious uncle to fulfill his journey. After his exile, Simba meets his two sidekicks, a meerkat and warthog named Timon and Pumba, respectively. Timon and Pumba introduce Simba to the idea of hakuna matata, a phrase that means no worries, in an iconic musical number. These two characters are responsible for caring for the young Simba and for providing him a home. …show more content…
Nala informs Simba that the Pride Lands, now ruled by Scar, are in ruins. Nala implores Simba to go back to the Pride Lands and become king, because it is seen as his rightful duty as heir to the king. At this point in the film, Simba must choose whether to go back to the Pride Lands or to stay with Timon and Pumba away from the traumatic events of his past. Initially, Simba refuses to return home. However, he is visited by an apparition of his deceased father, and this convinces Simba that he is obligated to return home and take care of his kingdom. When Simba decides to go back to his home, he crosses a threshold and thus advances in his