What Is The Call To Adventure In The Lion King?
An Overview of The Lion King's Story
The Lion King is a 1994 Disney film about a young lion cub named Simba who is the heir to the throne of the Pride Lands. When his father, King Mufasa, is killed by his treacherous uncle Scar, Simba is forced to flee his home and leave behind his beloved kingdom. After being rescued by a wise baboon and a meerkat, Simba grows up in the jungle and eventually returns to the Pride Lands to reclaim his rightful place as king. The Lion King is a classic coming-of-age story and a timeless tale of courage, friendship, and love.
What is a Call to Adventure?
A call to adventure is a concept popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero With a Thousand Faces. In this book, Campbell argues that the hero’s journey is a common story archetype that can be found in myths and stories around the world. The call to adventure is the first step on the hero’s journey and is when the hero is called to leave the ordinary world and embark on a quest. The call to adventure is often the result of an invitation or challenge from a mentor, a supernatural being, or a figure of authority.
Simba’s Call to Adventure in The Lion King
In The Lion King, Simba’s call to adventure comes from Mufasa, his father and the king of the Pride Lands. Mufasa takes Simba to the top of Pride Rock and shows him the kingdom that will one day be his. He also tells him about his destiny and encourages him to take his place as king. This is the first time that Simba is presented with his quest and his call to adventure.
The Consequences of Simba Refusing the Call to Adventure
When Simba refuses the call to adventure, the consequences are devastating. Scar takes advantage of the situation and usurps the throne, bringing chaos and destruction to the Pride Lands. Simba also runs away and is unable to fulfill his destiny. It is only when he is reunited with his old friend Nala and encouraged by Rafiki, the wise baboon, that Simba is able to accept his call to adventure and reclaim the throne.
The Role of the Mentor in The Lion King
In The Lion King, Rafiki serves as the mentor figure. He is the one who guides Simba on his journey and helps him to accept his call to adventure. Rafiki serves as a wise counsel and encourages Simba to accept his destiny as the rightful king of the Pride Lands. He also provides Simba with the courage and strength he needs to overcome his fears and reclaim his throne.
The Significance of the Call to Adventure in The Lion King
The call to adventure is an important theme in The Lion King. It serves as a reminder that each of us has a destiny to fulfill, and that we must have the courage to accept our calling and take the necessary steps to achieve our goals. The call to adventure also teaches us that, no matter how difficult the journey may be, with the right guidance and support, anything is possible.
Conclusion
The call to adventure is a vital part of The Lion King’s story. It serves as a reminder that each of us has a destiny to fulfill, and that we must be brave enough to accept our call to adventure and embark on the journey that will lead us to our ultimate goal. In The Lion King, Simba is able to overcome his fears and reclaim his rightful place as king, only after he accepts his call to adventure and embarks on his journey. The call to adventure is a powerful reminder that, with courage and determination, anything is possible.
