The document discusses the Disney film "The Lion King" and its qualities as an epic. It provides background on what constitutes an epic story and identifies key elements in the film, including its heroic main character Simba and his journey from scared cub to wise king. Simba goes through changes during his quest to defeat Scar, take back the kingdom of Pride Rock, and restore order after Scar plunged it into darkness. The film uses the journey of Simba to convey important life lessons and represents the "circle of life" through its characters and story.

1. THE LION KING
Cassandra Soria Esteban Cruz Luis Casarez
Steven Limas Anthony Dominguez Jose Cisneros

2. What is an epic?
In epics, protection of the nation is more important
than anything else; therefore, a thematic motif that
surfaces in both ancient and modern epics is the
saving of a life. Another themes include those that
state about death being inevitable and Gods
possessing the most power. These themes are usually
inspired by the use of literary devices, and contrasts
that occur throughout the structure of a movie or
novel.
Thematic motifs are present throughout the plot of
“The Lion King” immediately when Simba takes the
odd decision of not caring for the kingdom. The
theme that centralizes amongst this event is that
everybody learns from their mistakes. Simba did not
desire to care for the kingdom of Pride Rock because
he believed that nothing good was to result if he
agreed; he left shamefully (finding new friends-
Timon and Pumbaa) giving Scar the advantage of
taking over the throne. Soon, Simba realizes that he
did wrong in leaving and converts his mistakes into
actions; Rafiki allowed him to reason.
An epic is a complex piece of literature, either a movie, poem, or narrative, which covers a
variety of different concepts. An epic represents a heroic character which portrays cultural
values of a race, nation, or religious group. Its diction is usually elevated in style; depending
upon the groups of interest (contrast between a young and mature audience). Epics commence
in vast settings and cover an expanded geographic area. Usually, the “early” events lead to the
start of the literature and are recounted with an extended use of flashbacks. The action
contains a wide-variety of supernatural traits which usually determine the fate of the people
or nation. An epic mainly focuses on the epic hero and an analytical use of themes.

3. What are the traits of an epic
hero?
 An epic hero is an iconic figure from a history
or legend. The hero participates in a journey
or quest, faces adversaries that try to defeat
him in his journey, gathers allies along his
journey, and returns home significantly
transformed by his journey. This epic hero
illustrates traits, performs good deeds, shows
courage and strength, is guided by
others, accepts challenges, and encounters a
female who tempts him. Simba illustrates
most of these traits in “The Lion King.” When
Nala warns Simba about the horrors at the
kingdom because of Scar, he is angered and
sets off. The once scared and small
cub, became the savior and leader of an entire
animal kingdom. Before his transformation, he
befriendsTimon and Pumbaa who show Simba
the meaning of Hakuna Matata. He is also
guided by Nala, his childhood friend, and then
later falls in love with her. Simba who was
once a fragile cub, transformed into a
courageous, selfless and powerful lion.

5. In “The Lion King”, Mufasa reigned when Simba left
Pride Rock. As soon as Scar took throne, everything
overturned from a radiant setting into a dull
surrounding completely covered in darkness. This
dramatic change within the movie symbolizes the
suffering of the life-less environment Scar brought to
the kingdom.
During the climatic section of the movie, Scar is no
longer veiling his demonic nature from Simba. Perhaps in
tandem, to its symbolic representation of Hell, fire is
often used as a symbol of cleansing; since it removes
impurities. After the fight in which Simba and Scar are
involved, it rains, which not only revivifies the land, it
also serves as a dual baptism (with fire and water) re-
consecrating of the land for good.
The fight not only symbolizes that he‟s fighting for his
father, but for the whole kingdom. The event signifies a
rejuvenation with Simba at throne.

6. Quotes
 “Long live the king.” – Scar
 Scar was sarcastic when he spoke these
words, but little did he know that the king would
live on. Scar may have killed Mufasa, but Simba
followed in his father‟s footsteps and became a
powerful and righteous king.
 “I’m only brave when I have to. Being brave
doesn’t mean looking for trouble.” – Mufasa
 Mufasa spoke these wise words to his young
son, Simba, and these words later helped Simba
through his life journey. Simba ran off in
fear, but with the help of his father‟s
advice, Simba was able to build courage without
the fear of getting into trouble, and return to
rebuild the kingdom. Simba was able to take the
responsibilities as King with the help of his
father‟s advice, and others too.

7. Quotes
“Bad things happen, and you can’t do
anything
about them.” –Timon
This quote highlights the meaning of
“Hakuna Matata.” Through his
words, Timon explains that dwelling on
the past is not an option to live a good
life. In order to live life free of worries
you must forget the bad, and move on.
“Oh yes, the past can hurt, but the
way I see it you can either run from
it, or learn from it.” – Rafiki
This quote also supports the meaning of
“Hakuna Matata.” Rafiki is a wise
character who offers great advice, and
through these words he is saying that it
is in fact the circle of life, and that life
continues.

8. Although the movie „The Lion King‟ is often
viewed as nothing more than a kid‟s movie, it
contains a much deeper meaning than most
would assume. The epic vision and the epic
hero, Simba in „The Lion King‟, are both
crucial in our contemporary society that we
live in today because of the significant
message it sends to its viewers. For example,
in the society we live in today some children
are raised without a father, some are even
born without one having no clue who they are.
It‟s the way the cookie crumbles in the 21st
century and it is their luck on whether they
are surrounded by good or bad. In some
cases, the child is a boy and he must be „the
man of the house‟ to provide and protect his
family. Some come out bad, some change the
bad to the good and they are the epic
heroes. Take away the animation, take away
the music, and Simba is far more symbolic.
He struggled through his epic journey, but
he saved himself, and the kingdom.

9. Questions
1. What concept is used in the movie “The Lion
King”?
a. Be respectful to your elders
b. The circle of life
c. Fathers need to take more care of their
children
d. The love cycle

10.  B. The circle of life

11. Questions
2. Who is the epic hero in “The Lion King”?
a. Timon
b. Pumba
c. Simba
d. Scar

12.  C. Simba

13. Questions
3. Timon and Pumbaa exclaim, ”Sometimes you
have to put the past behind.” What is their main
focus towards the audience?
a. The past changes everything and there isn‟t
anything we can do about the situation
b. Nobody should care much about the past; what is
done is done
c. The present will definitely become as planned
without moving a finger
d. The past cannot be undone, but we can make the
best out of the future with bright decisions

14.  D. The past cannot be undone, but we can
make the best out of the future with bright
decisions


15. 4. What is the hero’s purpose in the movie?
a. To reunite with his friends and family
b. To change the present society and put down
his role as king
c. To take back the kingdom and return it to
“normal”, whereas it is his destiny
d. All of the above
Questions

16.  C. To take back the kingdom and return it
to “normal”, whereas it is his destiny

17. Questions
5.What is the difference between both, Simba
and Scar?
a. Both characters go through equal dramatic
changes over time
b. Simba changes throughout the plot of the
movie, while Scar does not
c. Simba does not change throughout the
movie, while Scar does
d. It is impossible to distinguish between both
characters

18.  B. Simba changes throughout the plot of the
movie, while Scar does not

19. Questions
6. What is the best turning point that
triggers the hero’s actions in the movie?
a. Simba realizes that Scar was falsifying being
his friend
b. Scar destroyed everything
c. The hyenas took full control of the land
d. Scar accuses him of killing his father

20.  D. Scar accuses him of killing his
father.

21. Questions
7. Who exposes Simba’s capacity to take full
control of the kingdom for the reason that
his father is “within” him?
a. Scar
b. Pumba
c. Rafiki
d. Timon

22.  C. Rafiki

23. Questions
8. When Simba leaves the paradise to head
for Pride Rock, what does he realize?
a. That he does not have a map to leave the
paradise
b. That he forgot Timon and Pumba behind
c. That he is leaving his childhood behind and
taking responsibility
d. Only a and b

24.  C. That he is leaving his childhood
behind and taking responsibility

25. Questions
9.What types of conflicts does the epic hero
encounter throughout the plot of the movie?
a. Character vs. Self
b. Character vs. Character
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above

26. C. Both a and b

27. Questions
10.What is the final action Simba takes as
the epic hero in “The Lion King”?
a. He rebuilds Pride Rock after Scar nearly
destroyed it
b. He buries his father Mufasa
c. He decides to go on a journey to uncover his
inner personality
d. He leaves Pride Rock forever

28.  A. He rebuilds Pride Rock after Scar
nearly destroyed it

29. The End
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to our presentation.