In the Lion King example, who serves as the Mentor?

• A. Rafiki the wise mandrill.
• B. Zazu the majordomo.
• C. The ghost of Simba's father.
• D. Timon and Pumbaa.

Answer: (C)

In the Hero’s Journey, the Mentor provides guidance, wisdom, and encouragement that spark the hero’s transformation. In the Lion King example, the mentor is the ghost of Simba’s father. This spectral presence appears at key moments to remind Simba of who he is, what he’s capable of, and what he owes to his kingdom. Through these moments, the father’s spirit communicates important truths about responsibility, courage, and destiny, giving Simba the motivation and moral compass to leave his exile mindset behind and step into the role he’s meant to play. While Rafiki offers wisdom and Timon and Pumbaa provide companionship and a different outlook on life, the narrative emphasis here is on the father’s ghost as the guiding force that initiates and steers Simba’s change. Zazu mainly serves as a messenger and administrator rather than the transformative mentor.