Did the Hyenas Die with Scar at the End of The Lion King?

The 1994 animated classic The Lion King has captured the hearts of many, but there remains an element of ambiguity surrounding the fate of the hyenas after Scar’s defeat. During the climactic battle, Scar and the hyenas are seen surrounded by flames in the Elephant Graveyard. While Scar is ultimately defeated by Simba, the film does not explicitly show the hyenas perishing in the fire. Here, we delve deeper into this mystery and explore what likely happened to the hyenas.

Unresolved Fate

The last scene in which we see the hyenas is with Scar, and the fire is rapidly consuming the area. However, the film does not provide a clear resolution to their fate. This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation. It is entirely possible that the hyenas managed to escape, but the focus of the film is on Simba’s triumphant return and the cleansing of the Pride Lands.

Character Motivation: Survival

Hyenas in the The Lion King are portrayed as opportunistic and self-preserving. Their actions are driven by the need to survive, not by a sense of loyalty or revenge. Given this character dynamic, it is highly unlikely that they would have chosen to remain behind and perish in the flames, especially after consuming Scar. It is more plausible that they ran away, seeking new hunting grounds.

Post-Sixth Sense Unveiling

After the release of The Lion King, it was revealed through the Disney Wiki that the hyenas were originally intended to reappear in The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride. Interestingly, Cheech Marin, who voiced Banzai, was slated to return his role. This suggests the creators believed the hyenas to be alive and well. It is possible that they were cut from the final film due to the storyline development. In the sequel, the villainess Zira, a devoted follower of Scar, would never work with Scar's murderers, making their presence unnecessary or problematic.

Behind-the-Scenes Insight

The decision to remove the hyenas from the final film could have been influenced by several factors. One possibility is that the writers deemed their inclusion to be redundant to the plot. Another reason might be the creative decision to focus the story on Zira and her actions, which would clash with the narrative involving Scar's murderers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the fate of the hyenas at the end of The Lion King is left ambiguous, it is reasonable to assume that they escaped the flames, driven by their survival instincts. Whether this is their final escape or if they face other challenges in the wild remains a delightful mystery for viewers to ponder. The decisions made by the film's creators provide fascinating insight into the interconnected web of characters and events in the The Lion King universe.

Keywords: The Lion King, hyenas, Scar, fate