Mufasa in The Lion King: What He Should Have Done Like His Source Material Character

Since its debut in 1994, The Lion King has evolved into an expansive franchise, featuring two modern CGI adaptations that captivated audiences worldwide. It’s widely recognized that the storyline of The Lion King draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, Hamlet. The tale unveils the journey of a young prince who embarks on a quest for self-discovery after his father’s untimely death at the hands of his scheming uncle.

Over the years, The Lion King has made its way to prestigious award platforms like the Oscars, with both the original and the 2019 remake receiving nominations. While the original film’s success and cultural relevance cannot be overstated, a closer examination reveals some unsettling truths. The narrative, though loosely adapted from Hamlet, presents a pivotal omission: Mufasa, upon returning as a ghost, should have disclosed that Scar was responsible for his murder.

Mufasa’s Silence on Scar’s Guilt — A Contrast to Hamlet’s Revelations

The Lion King’s Echoing of Hamlet’s Themes Lacks Key Insights

In a pivotal scene, Scar orchestrates a ploy to seize control of the throne. Simba witnesses the harrowing moment when Mufasa falls to his death, trampled by a herd of wildebeest, cementing this scene as one of the film’s most impactful moments. However, despite witnessing Scar’s presence during the tragedy, Simba remains oblivious to the fact that his uncle was behind the murder. From his limited understanding, it seemed that Scar was attempting to assist Mufasa, and the dynamics between the brothers had not truly conveyed the deep-seated animosity that existed.

Incorporating a scene where Mufasa reveals the identity of his killer would not be an implausible addition to the narrative. The Lion King’s portrayal of Mufasa as a ghost parallels the themes present in Hamlet, where the ghost of the deceased king guides his son on the right path. Nevertheless, a significant deviation exists between the two accounts: Hamlet’s father’s ghost explicitly discloses that he was murdered by his brother. Unlike the meticulous plot involved in Scar’s ascension to power, Mufasa’s ghost fails to inform Simba that Scar killed him, an omission that is critical for understanding the climax of the movie.

Mufasa’s Purpose: Inspirational Destiny Versus Hamlet’s Revenge Narrative

The Lion King’s Tone: Dark Enough Without Emphasizing Revenge

Scar and Simba Comparison — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

In contrast, when King Hamlet appears to his son in ghostly form, he issues a stark warning that his uncle—now the king—is untrustworthy, implicating him in his murder. This revelation propels Hamlet into a quest for vengeance that culminates in the downfall of his uncle. Although such a dark narrative may seem unsuitable for a children’s film, The Lion King does parallel Hamlet’s grim undertones through Simba’s ultimate confrontation with Scar.

Despite this similarity, the pivotal difference lies in the thematic focus of each story. Hamlet centers on revenge, while The Lion King emphasizes destiny. Although Mufasa’s haunting presence could have alleviated much of Simba’s sorrow by revealing Scar’s guilt, Mufasa’s return was designed to inspire and guide Simba towards a path of benevolence. Additionally, acknowledging Scar’s treachery could have led Simba down a darker, revenge-oriented path, contradicting Mufasa’s legacy of nurturing a different kind of king for the pride.

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