Released in 1994 by Disney, The Lion King is certainly one of the most famous animated movies ever created. As I write these very lines, the sequel to the live-action version of the movie, Mufasa: The Lion King, is being released in theaters. With plans to see it, it seemed like the perfect occasion to reflect on the original film. Every time I think about it, the song by Elton John, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” rings in my ears. It was a beautifully crafted song that fit perfectly with the emotional depth of the movie.
The Dichotomy of Good vs. Evil: A Message of Love and Responsibility
Like many Disney movies, the dichotomy between good and evil is strong in The Lion King. However, the message behind the story is open to interpretation, and promoting love rather than hatred or resentment is not the worst of ideas. One of the key themes that stands out is the growth of Simba throughout the movie, which provides a powerful analogy for all of us.
Simba starts as an impetuous young lion cub, and in a broader sense, if we compare him to a human child, he is born into a wealthy family with immense privilege, reigning over the animal kingdom. In many of Disney’s tales featuring princes or princesses, the characters are often born into positions of power and ease. Simba, much like these other characters, is born into an environment that is far from challenging. But, as we know, being born in a privileged environment doesn’t exempt one from facing trauma. In fact, it can create a false sense of immunity to the struggles others face. The lesson here is that those born with more resources or advantages must understand the responsibility they have to others who do not have the same opportunities. Unfortunately, this understanding is still not fully embraced by many, but at One Daily Tale, we are striving to highlight and address this crucial point.
Simba’s Trauma and the Meaning of True Freedom
Simba’s trauma of losing his father and believing he is responsible for the tragedy leads him to flee from his responsibilities. While indulging in a life of hedonism might seem appealing, it ultimately means ignoring the gifts and opportunities that come with being the future Lion King. Many people equate freedom with the ability to do whatever they want, but I would disagree with that notion. True freedom is not just about doing whatever we desire but also about embracing the responsibility to do our best with the gifts we have been given. In a famous franchise, now under Disney’s ownership as well, we hear the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility.” This rings true across all aspects of life. As long as we have the potential, we bear some responsibility, and this responsibility must be scaled according to our place and situation at birth. It is impossible to compare the achievements of someone born into a wealthy family with someone born in a country ravaged by war or famine.
Simba’s Emotional Healing: The Power of Connection
Simba’s realization comes when he reconnects with Nala. While Simba has physically matured into a strong lion, he still lacks the emotional strength to accept his feelings and unlock his true potential as the Lion King. It is Nala’s presence and support that catalyze a change in Simba’s brain, helping him regulate emotions he was previously unable to handle on his own.
I sincerely believe that we all need someone with whom we can share our deepest emotions and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. Many therapeutic practices emphasize the importance of nonjudgmental listening to help people connect with their emotions. Therapists must create a safe, accepting space where patients can express themselves freely. In today’s society, suppressing or hiding our emotions has become normalized, and in my opinion, this is harmful to both individuals and the broader society.
A Personal Reflection: The Importance of Being Put Back in Our Place
Just like Simba, I too had the privilege of being put back in my place by my wife. I must admit, at the time, it wasn’t easy to accept and reflect on my shortcomings. It took an epiphany for me to understand my own failures, but I now realize that this experience was a true life-changer. For those who have not yet had this experience, I hope you too find a moment of clarity. For me, this realization led to the creation of One Daily Tale, and I believe we have the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.
What do you think about Simba’s journey and the role of responsibility in our lives? How do you approach emotional healing and personal growth? Let us know in the comments!
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