Lion King

“You’re Mufasa’s boy!”

That exclamation is the seminal moment on which this magnificent story of destiny, balance, and majesty turns and is one of my favorite lines in this most moving of tales. Encapsulated in this statement is the affirmation of Simba’s rightful position as heir and king. Yet despite his pedigree, Simba is besieged by imagined peccadillos and gilt ridden, leaves the comfort and security of his home to make his own way in life.

After all, was it not he whose cavalier behavior caused the death of his beloved father…? Running away made sense and so he fled; yet Rafiki would argue that you can’t outrun your destiny…a force whose role is ever present in this amazing journey evidenced by Simba’s fortuitous encounter with two unlikely characters that would preserve Simba’s life, teach him to survive in the jungle, and whose friendship and support would eventually pave the way to his long-awaited coronation.

Moved by his profound love for Nala, and the unwavering support from Timon and Pumbaa, Simba summons the courage to embrace his destiny and take his rightful place at Pride Rock. This completes the circle of life, restores balance to the majestic African plains, and establishes Simba in the long line of kings whose departed yet watchful eyes look down approvingly upon his ascension.

As I painted my homage to this amazing story, I could not help but be moved by the intricate interplay between all of the magnificent creatures under Simba’s domain. I imagined a lush, colorful, and bountiful African plain rightfully reestablished to its splendor after Simba vanquished Scar and his comedic, yet treacherous, hyenas each now forlorn in their punishment. The multitudes of animals have been summoned to pay tribute to Simba’s new baby and their future regent as they wait under a spectacular sky illuminated in great anticipation.

The world is as it should be…in harmony and perfectly balanced. Simba’s heir is exalted by Rafiki and proudly symbolizes what awaits when destiny is embraced, challenges faced, and one summons the courage to stand in the spotlight of providence. I trust that this image will both remind you of this fantastic story and its amazing characters and, most importantly, move you to face the future irrespective of history’s impasses knowing that the watchful and approving eye of the king is content as you embrace your place in the circle of life.