Pre-Iconographic Description of Evil in The Lion Guard

  • Eunice Samwel Kisii University
  • George Obara Nyandoro, PhD Kisii University
  • Bwocha Nyagemi, PhD Kisii University
  • Abu Bakar, PhD Rhodes College
Keywords: Archetypes of villainy, Evil, Female villains, Pre-iconographical analysis, Visual cues
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Abstract

This study delves into the pre-iconographical analysis of elements that define evil in the film The Lion Guard. This study explores how the filmmakers use fundamental visual and auditory cues such as character appearance, environmental settings, and symbolic objects to identify and describe evil. The analysis focuses on three key areas: the Appearance of Evil, manifested through the sinister physical traits and possessions of antagonists like Scar and Zira; the Image of Chaos and the Human Quest for Power, revealed through the desolate landscapes of the Outlands; and the archetype of Women as Evil Doers, which is examined through the manipulative and vengeful actions of female villains. The paper argues that these observable markers are not just decorative but are crucial to the film’s narrative, making abstract concepts of disruption, immorality, and ambition tangible for the audience

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Published
3 November, 2025
How to Cite
Samwel, E., Nyandoro, G., Nyagemi, B., & Bakar, A. (2025). Pre-Iconographic Description of Evil in The Lion Guard. East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 8(4), 184-197. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajass.8.4.3896