The Lion’s Burden: Exploring Trauma and Memory in the movie Mufasa: The Lion King

S. Gifty
Research Scholar (Reg. No. 22213134012001),
Department of English, Pioneer Kumaraswamy College, Nagercoil.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli-627012)
Email: sgifty1998@gmail.com

Dr. K. Kalaiarasi
Research Supervisor, Assistant Professor of English,
Pioneer Kumaraswamy College, Nagercoil.
(Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli-627012)
Email: pkc.kalai@gmail.com

Abstract
Trauma is caused by a series of stressful events. Trauma not only affects a person’s mental state but also results in a change of a person’s character. Happy memories and pampered life make an individual complete. Once shelter is lost, those memories remain nostalgic. Mufasa undergoes several stressful events from his childhood to adulthood. These traumatic events shape him as a king, build his character emotionally and make him strong. Separation from parents makes him nostalgic about the cherished memories of his past, particularly the love and care showered by his parents. Mufasa is treated as a refugee by Taka’s father. The concept of displacement and identity is explored through the characters Mufasa and Taka. Displacement not only changes one’s identity but also strips away the power to rule. A dispute arises about the role of leadership between Taka and Mufasa, causing trouble to their bond. This dispute leads to vengeance and wrath. The paper explores the themes of trauma, memory, leadership, brotherhood and vengeance through the lens of Mufasa and Taka from the movie Mufasa: The Lion King.

Keywords: Memory, Trauma, Vengeance.