Padang, 24 September 2024 — The Lion King (1994), directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, is one of the most impactful animated movies of all time. The main character, Simba, embarks on a powerful journey of self-discovery, responsibility, and leadership. This film offers a timeless narrative about youth stepping into roles of leadership. How Simba’s character developed from a carefree cub to the wise leader of the Pride Lands serves as a powerful example of how young individuals can grow into their potential as leaders. Therefore, The Lion King is able to illustrate the  challenges and the triumphs of youth leadership.

Simba as a Carefree Cub

Simba’s Early Life: The Carefree Cub

Simba is introduced as a playful, naive cub who has little understanding of what it means to lead. His father, Mufasa, the wise and strong king of the Pride Lands, begins to teach him about “Circle of Life” and the responsibilities of leadership. 

Because of his innocence and youthful ambition, Simba naively envisions kingship as a role of freedom and fun rather than a responsibility. This stage of Simba’s life reflects the initial phases of youth leadership, where young people may have the desire to lead but lack the necessary understanding of the weight and responsibilities that comes with leadership. Simba’s early eagerness mirrors the way many young people view leadership through an idealized lens, without fully grasping the sacrifice and burdens that comes with it.

Simba and Scar

Tragedy and Self-Exile: The Catalyst for Change

Simba’s leadership journey comes with the tragic death of his father, Mufasa. Simba is manipulated by his uncle Scar, who makes him believe he is responsible for Mufasa’s death. Overwhelmed by guilt, Simba flees the Pride Lands and isolates himself from his past.

In his self-imposed exile, Simba is taken in by Timon and Pumbaa, whose carefree philosophy of “Hakuna Matata” allows Simba to forget his past and live a life without worry or responsibility. This period of escape represents the denial phase many young people go through when faced with significant challenges in leadership.

Simba and Nala

The Call to Leadership

Simba’s transformation begins when his childhood friend Nala finds him and implores him to return to the Pride Lands, which have fallen into ruin under Scar’s tyrannical rule. Nala’s arrival serves as a reminder of Simba’s rightful place as king, and Rafiki, the wise mandrill, reinforces this when he helps Simba come to terms with his past. Rafiki’s words, “The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it,” reflect a critical moment in Simba’s development as a leader.

This moment symbolizes the critical juncture at which many young leaders must decide whether to step into their roles or continue avoiding responsibility. Simba’s initial hesitation reflects the fear and self-doubt that often plague young individuals when they are asked to take on significant leadership roles. It is not until Simba confronts the ghost of his father, who reminds him of who he is and the legacy he must uphold, that Simba truly embraces his identity as a leader.

Simba’s Return and Redemption

When Simba returns to the Pride Lands, he finds them in desolation. Scar’s neglect and abuse of power have turned the once-thriving kingdom into a barren wasteland. Simba, now fully aware of the stakes, confronts Scar, leading to a climactic battle for the Pride Lands. In this confrontation, Simba finally steps into the role of leader, not just by claiming his position as king, but by taking responsibility for his past actions, even when Scar falsely accuses him of killing Mufasa.

In this important moment, Simba demonstrates the qualities of a true leader: courage, accountability, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. His fight with Scar symbolizes the internal struggle young leaders face when coming to terms with their past mistakes. By taking responsibility for his past and confronting his fears, Simba exemplifies the importance of self-awareness and accountability in leadership.

Simba and His Friends

The Restoration of Balance

After defeating Scar and reclaiming the throne, Simba restores the Pride Lands to their former glory, reinforcing the idea that effective leadership is about balance and stewardship. The return of prosperity to the Pride Lands under Simba’s rule underscores the notion that good leadership benefits not just the leader, but the entire community. This is an essential lesson for young leaders: leadership is not about power for its own sake but about the well-being of those one leads.

Simba’s journey in The Lion King is a metaphor for the process of growing into leadership. From his carefree days as a cub, through his time of exile and avoidance, to his eventual acceptance of responsibility and leadership, Simba’s story illustrates the many stages young people go through as they step into leadership roles. The film teaches that leadership is not something that is given but something that is earned through personal growth, responsibility, and the willingness to face challenges head-on.

The Lion King is much more than a coming-of-age story; it is a tale of leadership, resilience, and the responsibilities that come with power. Simba’s journey from a naive cub to a wise and compassionate king reflects the universal challenges of youth stepping into leadership roles. His story teaches valuable lessons about the importance of confronting the past, accepting responsibility, and leading with integrity. For young viewers, Simba’s rise to leadership is an inspiring reminder that while the path to leadership may be fraught with difficulties, it is also filled with opportunities for growth and redemption. Through Simba’s journey, The Lion King continues to resonate as a powerful narrative about the importance of youth leadership in the face of adversity.

What is your favorite thing about young leadership in The Lion King (1994) ?

(ftm/wlm)