Discover the origins of the mystical kingdom of Milele and discover the key role it plays in the plot of “Mufasa: The Lion King”
The premiere of “Mufasa: The Lion King” takes place today, December 19, bringing the focus to the story of one of the franchise’s most iconic characters: Mufasa. Instead of following Simba’s trajectory, as in the original film, the new animation delves into the past of Disney’s most famous lion father, revealing his origins and the formation of his leadership.
One of the pillars of this narrative is Milele, the mythical paradise idealized by his parents, Afia and Masego. This heavenly realm, full of peace and harmony, serves as a reflection of their dream for Mufasa’s future, influencing how he becomes the great leader we later see.
[CUIDADO! O TEXTO CONTÉM SPOILERS DE MUFASA: O REI LEÃO]
What is Milele?
The plot shows Milele as a mythical kingdom that plays a central role in the main character’s life, representing an ideal of peace, harmony and continuity. This place transcends reality, being not only an earthly paradise, but also a profound concept that guides Mufasa throughout his journey. Created by her parents, Afia and Masego, Milele is the perfect place where everything is beautiful and fluent, where nature lives in balance, without the difficulties they face on a daily basis.
Afia, Mufasa’s mother, shares with him stories about Milele, describing it as a place beyond the clouds, where suffering is overcome and anything is possible. This dream of a place connects with the song that bears the name of the kingdom, where Afia, with her voice, conveys the hope that one day everyone will reach this place, where “the water flows” and “the grass is tall”. The song reflects Afia and Masego’s desire to take Mufasa to this paradise, making the family’s dreams come true.
However, as Mufasa’s story reveals, Milele is not something he achieves right away. After being separated from his parents by a tragedy, he is taken to another kingdom, where he is welcomed by Eshe. The idea of the earthly paradise idealized by his parents continues to guide him, being a constant source of spiritual and emotional strength.
Mufasa’s reunion with his biological mother, Afia, in Milele is a moment of reconciliation and deep understanding. Despite the pain of losing Masego, the motherly figure consoles Mufasa with the certainty that his father lives in their hearts, and that Milele is the place where he will continue to exist, representing the continuity of life, the importance of love and hope. , transcending time and circumstance, being not only where Mufasa finds his destiny, but also where he honors his parents’ legacy by passing on their values to the next generation.
Does Milele exist in real life?
Although the kingdom is a digital creation in the film, its landscape is inspired by a stunning real location: Ol Njorowa in Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya. With its towering cliffs, vast plains and lush vegetation, Ol Njorowa serves as the visual base for the kingdom of Milele. Known for its wild and natural beauty, the park represents the balance between man and nature, something that resonates with the film’s vision of the mythical paradise as an idealized, untouched place where life goes on in tranquility and harmony, also serving to illustrate the animation’s central themes: rebirth, balance and prosperity.
The reference to the real world adds a layer of authenticity to the film, connecting the magic of animation to the majestic reality of Africa, making the location even more meaningful to the audience, while carrying in its heart the lessons of continuity, hope and unity.
However, the film leaves an open question for the audience: does Milele really exist, or is the place that Mufasa, Rafiki, Taka, Sarabi and Zazu find themselves a similar kind of paradise? Additionally, Rafiki’s character, who has visions, dreams of the well-known Tree of Life, adding a layer of mystery to the film, suggesting a connection to Milele’s sacred tree. Although, the plot does not directly confirm that the location is the same, leaving the viewer the freedom to interpret.
Check out the soundtrack for “Mufasa: The Lion King”!
Also read: 5 reasons to watch ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’
Source: Recreio
