Light vs. Darkness in "The Lion King"
The archetype "light vs. darkness” is very easy to demonstrate visually in film, and was obvious in Walt Disney's 1994 film "The Lion King". It was shown noticeably in both the appearances of the characters, their surroundings and some situations. We were able to see this archetype displayed in every single animal in the movie, the lions and all the inhabitants of the Pride Land were wearing very bright, vibrant colours, whereas Scar and the hyenas donned dark, dull fur. This is especially true when we compare our three main lions: Simba, Mufasa, and Scar. Our father-son duo are coloured in yellow, one of the brightest and most vibrant of all colours; their light fur symbolizes their purity of heart and goodness. Scar, in juxtaposition, has very dark, golden fur with a black mane, and eyes that are literally green with envy. The hyenas, as well, are a very dull shade of gray.
As for their surroundings, they directly reflected the characters that inhabited it. The Pride Lands were the good resided, as was seen when Mufasa was spaking to Simba on the top of Pride Rock and told him, "Look Simba, everything the light touches is our kingdom" (Allers and Minkoff). The differences between Mufasa and Scar's lands was seen when the Elephant Graveyard was shown; it was very dark, dusty, and empty. It reflected Scar's persona entirely. Archetype held true in relation to who was in control of the kingdom; it was bright and sunny when under the rule of Mufasa or Simba, but was dark and fire-ridden when Scar was king.
When speaking situationally, two examples of darkness representing bad things could be seen when Mufasa scolded Simba for endangering himself and Nala (watch here), and when Mufasa died (watch here). When Mufasa lectured Simba, it was night-time, giving the scene a feel of sadness. Comparitively, when Mufasa died it was in the daytime, but the select clips where danger is occuring have a dark background and features.
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As for their surroundings, they directly reflected the characters that inhabited it. The Pride Lands were the good resided, as was seen when Mufasa was spaking to Simba on the top of Pride Rock and told him, "Look Simba, everything the light touches is our kingdom" (Allers and Minkoff). The differences between Mufasa and Scar's lands was seen when the Elephant Graveyard was shown; it was very dark, dusty, and empty. It reflected Scar's persona entirely. Archetype held true in relation to who was in control of the kingdom; it was bright and sunny when under the rule of Mufasa or Simba, but was dark and fire-ridden when Scar was king.
When speaking situationally, two examples of darkness representing bad things could be seen when Mufasa scolded Simba for endangering himself and Nala (watch here), and when Mufasa died (watch here). When Mufasa lectured Simba, it was night-time, giving the scene a feel of sadness. Comparitively, when Mufasa died it was in the daytime, but the select clips where danger is occuring have a dark background and features.
Click here to continue on to our next archetype supernatual intervention,