| From the child playing with matches to the
most experienced firefighter,
everyone knows something about fire. Arguably one of the world's most ancient weapons, fire traditionally has been seen to keep animals at bay and humans safe. At the end of The Lion King, we witness the mass burning of the entire pridelands as the battle for supremacy and justice rages atop a unique monolith. The question has been posed: What does the fire at the end represent? Without a canon source, we may never know; however, careful analysis and speculation can lead to some interesting conclusions. Let us first examine the obvious dramatic effect that fire has on the scene. Not only is there a wild free-for-all on the plateau of safety, but the added danger of lapping tongues adds more suspense to the story. It was not enough that our beloved protagonist almost slipped from the edge of a high place, but the immediate threat of incineration at the end of the deadly fall focuses the attention of the viewer even more on 'how is he going to get out of this one'. Additionally, the scene of Simba jumping through the fire to confront his uncle is a dramatic entrance that ranks next to some of the best action heroes. And of course, the ethereal vision of a slow-motion Scar lunging through the air directly at our line of view can chill even the bravest captive audience. While mentioning these scenes it would be wrong of me not to give note to the artistic boons of fire. The ability to render realistic fire can set apart a 'toony' cartoon from a 'serious' one. To create the illusion of a raging fire (which in effect is it's own entity) is not a simple task when you must contend also with a carefully choreographed brawl. The use of fire also gives the opportunity to switch colors and thus emotions. Being exposed to the 'hot' reds and oranges is a change from the depressing desolation of gray that pervades Simba's return as well as the pervasive 'hopeful' green of Simba's former life. Because it provides it's own light fire also creates its own shadows, allowing the animators to experiment with more contrasts. These contrasts enhance the 'scary' or 'ominous' feelings associated with not genuinely knowing what is going to happen. (Note: of course if consciously thinking, one might be assured that the good guys always win. However, this assumes that the engrossing nature of the story has wiped out conscious thought and the audience is now to the point of simply reacting to what they see.) Moving onward, the fire could have definite symbolic meanings. When Simba jumps through the flames, miraculously unharmed, it becomes representative of Simba's torn emotions. He is focused, intent, dangerously volatile before making the final decision on Scar's fate. Scar and Simba play out the final battle in a ring bordered by fire. This is in part ironic because while the two lions fight for control of the pridelands, the fire usurps the throne as the dominant power over the lands. The animals are reacting to the whims of the fire, not the kings. Only once a true king is determined does the rain come down and give the king rule over the lands again. The fire as a result of the lightning could have a special meaning. Simba's return is marked by a dramatic lightning bolt that highlights his return. Shortly after, another bolt begins the fire as Simba hangs from the edge of the promontory. Here, the role of the fire takes a different turn. First, Simba's appearance fits the archetype of the surprise witness or a trump card that is played when things can't seem to get any worse. (i.e.: Scar has condemned the pride to death by refusing to leave as well as struck Sarabi down while claiming himself "10 times the king Mufasa was") Then, when he is hanging from the edge his true trial begins to see if he is tough enough to be king. This 'trial by fire' if you will, is marked by the fact that Pride Rock (the seat of pridal rule) is surrounded by flames. Fire is also the herald of renewal in a roundabout way. While some continually lament its presence, it serves the important role of allowing the lands to rebuilt themselves. This is particularly powerful when you take into consideration the change in kings. Even the lands participate in the liberation effort. All the energies stored from Scar's ineptitudes as king (inferred from Nala's comments about how the lands were destroyed under him) are suddenly released in the blaze. Just as Simba will build a new pride under his rule, the lands will rebuild themselves free of their potential energy. The fire is also representative of Simba's fierce anger toward Scar. He has to fight himself inside and not let the fire of his anger consume his heart and drive him to murder. What better way to symbolize so many things in one? Fire has the ability to bring home the idea of 'the heat of battle'. It can take it's form in the idea of the passion with which both lions fight. The jumping flames that fill the screen as Scar meets his fate with the hyenas are similar to those often used in other cartoons and even artwork to represent hell. The end is the only time that fire appears in that form, perhaps indicating how the pride rock area had become a hell for all its inhabitants(those left that is). Whatever the reason or symbol, the fire at the end of The Lion King is essential in completing the story. Upon seeing the rain that drives the fire away, the audience can feel a sense of catharsis beginning. It marks the beginning of the denouement , where the plot line is beginning to slope back down to the end. Although it would take words directly from the writers to convince us of the their meanings, the skillful execution of this portion of the story artistically helps to convey the message very clearly. The fire, like all the events in the movie, is part of the great Circle of Life. |