10 Reasons Why The Hyenas Are The True Heroes Of The Lion King

3. The Hyenas Are Scapegoated For Pride Rock's Depression

Hyenascover
Disney

Throughout the movie, the hyenas desire neither power, nor luxury. They advocate for one thing, and one thing only - the ability to hunt and feed themselves, and “never go hungry again.” It’s a modest, natural right, and the lions prevent them from pursuing it. 

They exiled the entire hyena species - a part of the ecosystem, that had every natural right to be there - to a barren wasteland. And in doing so, they created their own worst problem - an entire generation of hyenas that was hungry, embittered, and resentful, and a Pride Lands ecosystem that adjusted to their lack of presence. 

When Scar takes over the Pride Lands, this natural predator is dramatically re-introduced, and it has a catastrophic effect on the ecosystem.

Even so, hyenas don’t make the leaves fall off the trees. There was probably a drought as well (or a massive forest fire?), and the hyenas were as good a scapegoat as any. Definitely can't blame the lions, right?

Contributor
Contributor

Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.