The Lion King vs. Hamlet: A Comparative Analysis

Disney is no stranger to mature themes, and The Lion King was no exception, drawing inspiration from a classic Shakespearean tale. Animated Disney films are renowned for imparting moral lessons to children, and The Lion King does so with a darker undertone. The 1994 film delves into themes of murder, betrayal, and revenge, as Simba's father is killed by his uncle and Simba himself is exiled from his homeland. The familiar story of a young prince who is banished and returns to seek justice for his father is strikingly similar to Shakespeare's iconic tragedy, Hamlet.

William Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet, remains one of his most celebrated tragedies, and it seems that The Lion King borrowed some elements from it. Both stories have stood the test of time for a reason, each being a classic in its own right. While The Lion King took inspiration from Hamlet, it also managed to carve out its own unique narrative. Though the film is often remembered for Simba's triumph over Scar and its unforgettable music, it shares many similarities with Shakespeare's poignant tale of tragedy.

How The Lion King Is Like Hamlet

The Prince Has A Traitorous Uncle

Patrick Stewart as Claudius and Penny Downie as Gertrude in Hamlet - The Prince Has A Traitorous Uncle - How The Lion King Is Like Hamlet

King Claudius has been depicted by various actors across different mediums, yet the essence of his character remains consistent. He is the mastermind behind the scheme to usurp the throne of Denmark, plotting the murder of his own brother in order to seize power for himself. In both Hamlet and The Lion King, Claudius is portrayed as a character driven solely by his desire for power.

The prince in both stories is faced with the challenge of avenging his father's death. In The Lion King, Simba sees the ghost of his father, Mufasa, urging him to take his rightful place as king and defeat Scar. Similarly, in Hamlet, Prince Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, King Hamlet, who reveals the truth about his murder by Claudius. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the prince's journey towards seeking justice and reclaiming the throne.

Mufasa's ghost appears in the clouds in The Lion King - The Prince Sees His Father's Ghost

The portrayal of Hamlet's father varies in different productions, with some taking a more literal approach than others. For instance, in the 2000 film adaptation starring Ethan Hawke, the character communicates with Hamlet through videos. On the other hand, some productions depict Hamlet's father as a traditional ghost, similar to how it is done in The Lion King.

Simba is confronted by Mufasa's spirit in a more tangible and impactful manner, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Regardless of the version, Mufasa's ghost serves as a reminder for Simba to not overlook the injustice that has taken place. He reassures Simba of his rightful place as the prince and highlights Scar's wrongdoing.

The 2000 adaptation of Hamlet can be streamed on Paramount+.

The Prince Is Exiled

Simba crying as he walks away from a dead Mufasa in The Lion King - The Prince Is Exiled

The prince has a strained relationship with his home, whether it be Pride Rock or Denmark. After Mufasa's death orchestrated by Scar, Simba is convinced by his uncle that he is to blame and should be exiled. Scar's ultimate goal is for Simba to never return and challenge his authority.

Similarly, King Claudius orders Hamlet's friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to eliminate his nephew. In both narratives, the new kings are determined to ensure that their nephews do not come back. Claudius and Scar perceive no other threats to their reign as the princes are the rightful heirs to the throne.

The Prince Has Friends In Exile

Simba with Closed Eyes Talking to Happy Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King - The Prince Has Friends In Exile

Comedic relief is essential in tragedies, particularly in plays as tragic as Hamlet. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, college friends of Hamlet, provide a lighter touch to the heavier themes in the play. They have been effectively utilized in various stage and screen adaptations, with The Lion King featuring its own version of the duo, albeit not as college friends to a young lion cub.

Similar to Hamlet, Simba also experiences exile, but he is not alone in his journey. Timon and Pumbaa become his companions in banishment, and ultimately they all reunite at Pride Rock for the final showdown. Timon and Pumbaa transition from mere comic relief for the audience to becoming valuable allies for Simba.

There Is A Love Story

An adult Simba and Nala standing together in The Lion King - There Is A Love Story

Love serves as the connecting factor between The Lion King and Hamlet, adding depth and tragedy to both stories. The theme of losing love resonates strongly in these narratives, making them compelling and emotional for audiences of all ages.

In both Hamlet and The Lion King, the main characters experience intense emotions and conflicts related to love. Hamlet and Ophelia are consumed with angst, while Simba and Nala share a powerful bond that is tested by external forces. These complex relationships add layers of complexity to the plots, making them more engaging and relatable to viewers.

Despite the differences in setting and characters, both Hamlet and The Lion King feature iconic expressions of love. Hamlet's heartfelt letter to Ophelia, with the famous line “doubt though the stars are fire,” mirrors the emotional depth of The Lion King's best-known song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” These moments of vulnerability and passion showcase the universal nature of love and its impact on storytelling across different genres and mediums.

The Lion King is available to stream on Disney+.

How The Lion King Is Different From Hamlet

The Prince Is Sane In The Lion King

Hamlet staring at a skull in 1996s Hamlet. - The Prince Is Sane In The Lion King - How The Lion King Is Different From Hamlet

William Shakespeare's five-act play showcases a young prince on the brink of losing his sanity. In Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 film adaptation, Hamlet extends to a lengthy four-hour runtime. On the other hand, The Lion King, a more concise version, clocks in at about an hour and a half in its animated form. However, unlike Hamlet, the children’s film does not delve into Simba's mental state.

One of the most iconic scenes in Shakespeare's play is when Hamlet visits a graveyard and converses with Yorick's skull. The question of whether Hamlet is truly descending into madness is a topic of much debate, with the prince himself pondering the issue extensively. In contrast, although Simba does venture to an elephant graveyard in The Lion King, he does not engage in conversations with the deceased.

The 1996 version of Hamlet is available to stream on Tubi.

Nala Is Stronger Than Ophelia

Daisy Ridley as Ophelia - Nala Is Stronger Than Ophelia

Nala in The Lion King can be seen as the closest equivalent to Ophelia. She is the chosen partner of the prince, but their similarities end there. Unlike Ophelia, Nala does not crumble under the pressures she faces. She navigates Simba's emotional ups and downs while also grappling with the decision between her love for Simba and her loyalty to her pride.

Nala is a strong character who is empowered by her challenges. She displays perseverance by convincing Simba to reclaim his rightful position in the kingdom, despite being banished by Scar. In contrast, in Hamlet, the kingdom falls apart due to its own tragic events. It is worth noting that Nala is depicted as a resilient individual, unlike Ophelia who tragically succumbs to her circumstances.

Sarabi holding a baby Simba in Lion King - The Queen Is A Good Mother In The Lion King

There are various interpretations of Queen Gertrude's character. Some argue that she was unaware of Claudius' role in her first husband's murder. However, Gertrude cannot be completely absolved of responsibility for her actions towards her son. Despite Hamlet's exile, she chooses to support her husband Claudius, regardless of her knowledge of his guilt.

Simba’s mother Sarabi is portrayed differently in terms of female agency. She is depicted as a strong and independent character who remains loyal to her son and his rightful claim to the throne. Sarabi does not align herself with Scar and is not banished from the Pride Lands like Nala. Despite initially believing Simba to be lost, she is quick to support his return and take over as the rightful king, showcasing her unwavering support and belief in her son.

Shenzi the hyena in red light in The Lion King - Female Agency Is Portrayed Differently

Hamlet showcases some of the most iconic female archetypes in theatrical history. Queen Gertrude sets the stage for characters such as Cersei Lannister and Gemma Teller, while Ophelia remains one of the most heart-wrenching love interests in literary works. These women are revered as archetypes for their portrayal of a specific character type, despite their limited agency within the story.

Despite their love for the king, Nala and Sarabi remain steadfast in their own decisions and opinions. They do not easily sway in one direction or another. Similarly, Shenzi, the leader of the hyena faction that supports Scar, stands firm in her beliefs without any sense of obligation or affection towards Scar.

The Lion King Is Not A Tragedy

David Tennant in Hamlet on stage - The Lion King Is Not A Tragedy

The Lion King has the makings of a great story as it follows Simba through the traumatic events of watching his father's death, being ousted by his uncle, and losing his entire childhood. Drawing inspiration from one of the most famous tragedies ever penned, the movie has created its own classic tale.

Simba's journey in The Lion King conveys a powerful message - all is not lost. Despite facing devastating losses at a young age, Simba ultimately regains his home and does not suffer any further tragedies. This story of triumph stands in stark contrast to the tragic fate of Hamlet.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an intriguing comparison between Disney's "The Lion King" and Shakespeare's "Hamlet," highlighting their shared themes and distinct differences. The exploration of murder, betrayal, and revenge in both stories is captivating, and the parallels between Simba and Hamlet's journeys are well-drawn. The article effectively analyzes the similarities in the characters, their relationships, and the overall narrative structure.

However, the article could benefit from a more thorough comparison of the psychological depth of the characters. In "Hamlet," the protagonist's mental state is a central focus, while "The Lion King" primarily focuses on Simba's external struggles. Exploring this aspect would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the differences between the two works. Additionally, examining the broader cultural impact of both stories and their influence on subsequent works would enhance the article's analysis.