Mufasa is a fictional character, but nonetheless - he was a completely devoted father. He put his own life at risk to save his child, without giving a second of thought to the danger he was putting himself in. Simba is right: Mufasa is brave, but he's also much more than that; he's a dedicated father, a compelling leader, and a courageous, selfless animal. Scar was an envious sibling, and envy is a most destructive emotion. The Lion King portrays this destruction beautifully. Unfortunately, while The Lion King is illustrating the turbulant emotions and downfall of fictional characters, one cannot simply ignore that envy and evil are not restricted to the fictional world.

We live in a world riddled with malice, and while Disney films communicate stories of misfortune and sinful behaviour the ending is most often resolved by one means or another. Sometimes it appears as though Disney is only sugar-coating a deeper reality with elements talking animals, fantasy worlds and fairytale endings.