Introduction
- The movie that will be outlined in this presentation is The Lion King.
- The Lion King is about a lion prince named Simba who will soon become King. He lives on Pride Rock with his family, including his jealous uncle, Scar. Scar plans to kill Simba and his father so that he may become the King of Pride Rock.
- Throughout the presentation, the rest of the plot of The Lion King will be explained.
THE DEPARTURE
Unusual Birth
The first part of a hero's journey is an unusual birth or childhood. This sets the character apart from everyone else. In the Lion King, the main character, Simba, was born into the royal family. He was the prince who would one day become the king.
Call to Adventure
The next part of departure is the call to adventure. This takes place when the main character is called or encouraged to do something adventurous. In The Lion King, Simba is encouraged by his father, Mufasa, (who is the king), to take responsibility for the kingdom. Mufasa explains to Simba everything he needs to know to be king.
Crossing the Threshold
This part of the hero's journey is probably the most uncertain and dangerous. When the main character "crosses the threshold" , they leave their old life and, symbolically, begin a new one. Simba crosses the threshold when he leaves his home, Pride Rock, after his father was killed in a stampede. He journeys through the desert and is saved by a warthog named Pumbaa and a meerkat named Timon.
INITIATION
Challenges or Trials
In this part of the hero's journey, the hero must overcome challenges in order to succeed and complete his or her journey. In Simba's journey, he must overcome the pain of his father's death and move on.
Supernatural Helper or Mentor
In the hero's journey, the hero usually has a helper or mentor. Unfortunately, the helper or mentor sometimes dies or must leave the hero. Simba's mentors are Rafiki, the baboon, and his father, Mufasa. Rafiki helps Simba overcome the pain of his past. Mufasa helps Simba earlier in the movie to understand his responsibilities as King. Then, later in the movie, Mufasa returns as a spirit to help Simba complete his journey.
Special Weapon
During his journey, Simba's special weapon is his strength. He uses this to fight his uncle, Scar, who took over Pride Rock and killed Mufasa.
Temptation
During the hero's journey, the hero encounters a temptation. The hero must overcome this temptation in order to complete his or her journey. In Simba's journey, he must overcome the temptation of neglecting his responsibilities as King.
The Transformation
In this part of the hero's journey, the hero usually completes his or her quest. Typically, the hero kills the bad guy/antagonist and becomes the true hero. At this part, Simba fights and overthrows Scar. He becomes the King and is restored to the circle of life.
The Return
The Return Home
At this point, the hero returns home from his or her journey. Simba goes home to Pride Rock and becomes the King.
The Mastery of Two Worlds
The Mastery of Two Worlds is the last part of the hero's journey. This is when he or she reflects on his or her experiences during the journey. Most of the time, the character has changed for the better.