Lion King [DL]

This is a project I started a while ago with making Scar. Problem is, I didn't figure out until just a couple days ago how to give wing bones to models that didn't originally have them, so it wasn't going to be up to snuff until I got that fixed.

I did a lot of work on their Cutie Marks especially. I wanted them to be African in origin, so I did a lot of research into African symbology. It took me a while, but I found a set of symbols that worked perfectly for my needs.

They're called Adinkra symbols, and have a long rich history in West African culture that you can read about here.  I found a complete list of them here with their designs and meanings. Each symbol has two meanings. One literal, and one figurative.

I wanted each Mark to encompass the character's personality and story arc as much as possible, and I think I succeeded.

Scar's mark is a combination of Nea Ope Se Obedi Hene and Pempamise. Nea Ope Se Obedi Hene's literal meaning is: "he who wants to be king". Its figurative meaning is: service, leadership. Pempamise's literal meaning is: "sew in readiness". Its figurative meaning is: readiness, steadfastness.

Scar's Mark encompasses his story in its entirety, even including the recent expansion with the Lion Guard. He was originally meant to be the one with the Guard mark and be ready to protect the Pride. But his jealousy took hold, and he began his preparations to take control from Mufasa. Also the good ol' Be Prepared song.

Simba's mark is a combination of Sankofa heart version and Mmere Dane. Sankofa's literal meaning is: "return and get it". Its figurative meaning is: learn from the past. Mmere Dane's literal meaning is: "time changes". Its figurative meaning is: change, life's dynamics.

I chose these for Simba because his story is nothing but change. His entire life, things are changing, he's learning from that change, and becoming a better being for those changes. It also encompasses his arc in the original Lion King of running away after his father's death, and returning to claim his throne.

Nala's mark is a combination of Nyansapo and Wawa Aba. Nyansapo's literal meaning is: "wisdom knot". Its literal meaning is: wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience. Wawa Aba's literal meaning is: "seed of the wawa tree". Its figurative meaning is: hardiness, toughness, perseverance

These two marks fit Nala to a "T". She's patient, loving, and kind, but tough as nails and won't take any guff from anyone. She's also very wise beyond her years and willing to share that wisdom with others, making her a great leader.

And finally, Mufasa's mark is a combination of Adinkrahene and Owo Foro Adobe. Adinkrahene's literal meaning is: "chief of adinkra symbols". Its figurative meaning is: greatness, charisma, leadership. Owo Foro Adobe's literal meaning is: "snake climbing the raffia tree". Its figurative meaning is: steadfastness, prudence, diligence.

These symbols encompass a strong, diligent leader who looks over his kingdom and protects all regardless of class or species. He is also a kind, gentle soul who loves his family, and is a great leader who will be remembered for all time.

And for the credits: Nala was made mostly with Season one Luna, but I borrowed the mane from Bright Mane. The Luna model looks pretty cute with a short mane cut like that.

Scar is pretty much entirely based off of Sombra, though the tail is Luna's.

Simba and Mufasa are both based off Big Mac, and take a few pieces from both Luna and Celestia. The shoulder armor on Mufasa comes from the Luna Dota model.

Simba's mane and tail come from two versions of Shining Armor. The mane from Young Shining, and the tail from Adult Shining.

Mufasa's main and tail come from Nightmare Moon.

It took a lot of work to get the armor to cooperate, and in the end I couldn't get the shoes to work without fusing them to the body, so Simba just has the crown. But I feel like he'd never really be comfortable wearing that get-up anyway.