My Lion King Forum

Most of us would say Simba (and for that matter, Mufasa) was obviously healthier than Scar. He was stronger, looked better, etc. But science would say otherwise, by virtue of the face that the darker a lion's mane is, the healthier he is, because the darkness of a lion's mane is a direct indicator of physical health.

That being said, do you think Simba was less healthy than Scar because of the scientific evidence, or do you think Simba was healthier, and Disney just ignored the scientific faces while making the movies?

I think they ignored the facts. Weirder things have happened in TLK - for example, talking lions (pointed out my Mike)

Actually, I think it's just the levels of testosterone that play factor to the mane color in lions. I don't think the color really plays into overall health. Maybe the thickness and length of the mane might, but I don't think it's the color itself. Regardless though, it's clear, just by simple observation, that Simba is healthier than Scar. There's really no question about it. Scar was probably only given a black mane to add to his dark personality and to clearly pin him as the antagonist.

I don't think that the fact that a lion have a darker mane means that is more healthy or stronger

Holy... freaking... crap. In looking for a definite answer, I found the answer to another question that has been asked. Here's a quote from the Wikipedia entry for lion:

[quote] The color of the male's mane varies from blond to black, generally becoming darker as the lion grows older.[/quote]

Scar is older than Mufasa. Scientifically proven! *goes to find the proper thread*

Um, what that means Snowy, is that the original mane color darkens, not turns black. >.>

But if it darkened enough, wouldn't it eventually turn black? lol

No. lol. ^^ Not all lions die with a jet black mane you know.

No, but some might, lol.

Some isn't all though, so you can't assume that Scar is older just because his mane is jet black. ^^ For all we know, Muffy might have been born with a golden mane and it darkened into the shade it was during the movie. There's just no way of telling and now we're getting off topic. lol.

lol, you're right. Anyway, I think Mufasa is healthier... And apparently mane isn't an indicator... >.>