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Disney's the Lion King: Sundiata in Disguise?

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Disney's the Lion King: Sundiata in Disguise?
Disney’s The Lion King: Sundiata in Disguise? Over the course of this semester many of the literary works that have been read contained some source of message designed to both teach and improve either the reader or society. Amongst this collection of enlightening literary works, there have been a particular few that have illustrated this idea as well as highlighted particular historical facts about a specific civilization. One distinct book that has met both of these general objectives is Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. Throughout this story the author discusses the life of a young king, and illustrates unique facts about the ancient Mali society. In the process of reading this epic tale, it became clear that many of the characters and defining situations in the story greatly parallel the famous Disney movie The Lion King. Following this realization, an inquiring question arose. Is The Lion King just a reproduction of Sundiata? In focusing on this topic of discussion and comparing both the epic Sundiata and the Hollywood production, The Lion King, the areas where both works coincide with one another will be discovered, highlighted, and later utilized to conclude the origination of the movie. By the end of this analysis Sundiata will be revealed to be the basis of Disney’s The Lion King, evidently conveying the unique characteristics and customs of the ancient Mali civilization and, with the modifications of Disney, modestly raising questions about race and African stereotypes. Sundiata is an epic tale that highlights the life of Mali’s first emperor, Sundiata Keita. Son to North African Malinke ruler Naré Fa Maghan, the young prince faces


Cited: Blaise, Judd. "The Lion King (1994)." AllMovie. Rovi Corp. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. . Gabler, Jay. "Was "The Lion King" Story Based on the Mali Legend of Sundiata?" Twin Cities Daily Planet. Twin Cities Media Alliance, 17 Jan. 2012. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. . Niane, Djibril Tamsir. Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. 2nd ed. [London]: Longmans, 1965. Print. Paterno, Domenica R. The True Lion King Of Africa: The Epic History Of Sundiata, King Of Old Mali. 1994. ERIC. Web. 23 Apr. 2012.
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