Mufasa: The Lion Kingexplores Mufasa’s youth and his rise to the throne of thebountiful kingdom of Milele, along with several of his special abilities, including his nearly supernatural hearing. Via a present-day story told by Rafiki,Mufasaacts as one long flashback to Mufasa’s childhood and coming-of-age. During that time, he is separated from his parents, taken in byTaka (the eventual Scar)and his family, and journeys to Milele, the mythical kingdom that lies beyond the horizon. Along the way, he learns how to harness his preternatural ability to hear across great distances.
Over the course ofMufasa, which is now in theaters, Mufasa demonstrates a number of kingly qualities, most specifically his unimpeachable selflessness and unflinching courage. However, his physical talents are just as important in his small group’s ability to find Milele and survive the murderous group of Outsiders that pursue them across the varied geography of Africa. His ability to sense his pursuers goes well above and beyond what a real-world lion is typically capable of, but begs the question of how far an actual lion can hear.
Mufasa Ending Explained: What Happened Before & After The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a prequel-sequel to 2019’s The Lion King. With a new backstory for Mufasa and Scar, we break down the film’s ending.
Mufasa’s Hearing Ability Explained
The Young Lion Has Almost Supernatural Senses
Even as a cub, Mufasa displays an incredible ability to sense other animals from afar, as he seems to hear one of his parents' pained roars of grief when he is pulled out of the water by Taka and Eshe. Swept many miles from his home, Mufasa is still able to sense his family, which seems to be more supernatural than just a physical ability to hear them. However, under Eshe’s guidance, he eventually learns to hone his senses by quieting his mind and focusing on the input. He is able to hear very small, specific details across vast expanses.
December 20th, 2024
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Mufasa demonstrates his incredible hearing by discerning exactly which type of grazing animal is walking across the Savannah at a distance of what appears to be several kilometers, and is at the very least out of sight. He is able to hear so precisely that he can judge the animal species based on how the wind moves through their horns, and the weight of their gait as their hooves hit the ground. He does it again by identifying that the female lions of Kiros' pride are the ones in the front of the group of lions pursuing them.
How Far Can A Real Lion Hear?
Their Ear Construction Allows For Exceptionally Precise Hearing
Mufasa’s unbelievable hearing ability is certainly well beyond the ability of a real lion, but it’s surprisingly not that far out of the realm of possibility. Per theBBC, the average lion is able to hear the movements of prey up to a mile away. Their ability to hear their prey cuts through the thick grass and other vegetation, allowing them to begin stalking prey well before they get within the range of scent.
Lions use their far-reaching roars as a way to establish their territory, announce their presence to mates, and locate other members of their pride across great distances, among other uses.
Lions' ability to hear so well is due in large part to the physical features of their ears. Lions are able to swivel their ears towards a sound, which helps them hone in on a much more precise range of sound than an animal with stationary ears. That hearing also comes in handy when lions communicate across great distances. A lion’s roar is among the loudest of the animal kingdom, and can be heard up to five miles away by all animals, not just other lions. Mufasa’s hearing may seem extraordinary inMufasa: The Lion King, but it’s merely an exaggeration of the big cat’s very real hearing aural excellence.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
