The Lion King vs. Saint Francis of Assisi: Two Visions of Nature and Power

There’s a moment in The Lion King when Mufasa tells Simba, “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.” It’s a majestic line, full of pride and dominion. Contrast that with Saint Francis of Assisi, who famously referred to animals as brothers and sisters, not subjects. These two iconic figures—one fictional, one historical—offer strikingly different perspectives on humanity’s relationship with nature. Let’s explore their intellectual disagreements.

## Dominion vs. Brotherhood

Mufasa’s view of the kingdom is hierarchical: lions sit at the top of the food chain and maintain balance through strength and rule. This reflects the traditional notion of dominion found in many religious and cultural traditions, where humans (or lions) are seen as rulers over nature.

Saint Francis, on the other hand, lived by a radical vision of kinship. He didn’t see nature as something to be ruled but as a community to be loved. His famous sermon to the birds or his taming of the wolf of Gubbio weren’t displays of power—they were acts of humility and communion.

## The Meaning of Leadership

Simba’s journey is about reclaiming his rightful place as king. Leadership is tied to legacy, courage, and restoring the natural order through strength. It’s a model of leadership rooted in destiny and personal growth, where the leader must face inner demons and external threats to rise to the throne.

For Saint Francis, leadership was service. He renounced wealth and status, choosing instead to live among the poor and preach a message of humility. His leadership was spiritual and relational, not positional. To Francis, power was not something to be reclaimed, but something to be given away.

## Nature as Order vs. Nature as Family

In The Lion King, nature follows a strict cycle—life and death are part of a grand, balanced system. The "circle of life" is beautiful but unyielding. Death is necessary for life to continue, and predators have their role to play.

Saint Francis saw nature not as a cycle to be respected from a distance, but as a web of relationships to be nurtured. He didn’t romanticize nature—he knew its dangers—but he approached it with reverence. For him, every creature had intrinsic value, not just utility.

## Redemption and Forgiveness

Simba’s story is one of personal redemption. He must confront his past and forgive himself to reclaim his place. His journey is deeply emotional, and his reconciliation with the ghost of Mufasa is a powerful moment of spiritual reckoning.

Saint Francis lived a life of continual repentance and forgiveness. He didn’t just seek personal redemption—he sought reconciliation with all creation. His vision of peace extended beyond people to include animals, nature, and even enemies.

## Legacy and Influence

The Lion King has become a cultural touchstone, teaching millions of children about responsibility, courage, and the importance of family. Its lessons are framed in myth and song, but they resonate across generations.

Saint Francis’s legacy is one of radical compassion and ecological awareness. He is considered the patron saint of animals and the environment, and his vision continues to inspire those who seek a more harmonious relationship with the world.

Both offer compelling views of nature and leadership, but only one invites us to see the world not as something to rule—but as something to love.

Talk to Saint Francis of Assisi on HoloDream to explore his vision of peace and nature in your own words.