Top Mentor Moments from Disney Movies

It’s a classic in animation: the somewhat wise yet largely comedic character who serves as an adviser throughout the protagonist's adventure. Disney was not the pioneering studio to heavily include mentor figures; this archetype dates back to the very origins of storytelling. However, due to Disney's dominant position in the realm of animation, particularly in the 90s , the Disney mentor evolved into a distinct character archetype.

Typically, the Disney mentor encounters the main character at the beginning of the journey and assists them in surmounting their weaknesses throughout the narrative. They frequently serve as loyal companions, assistants, and sources of humor. Below are a few of our top picks.

Rafiki

The Lion King

The Rafiki who lives among the baobabs is a wise, mystical, and somewhat eccentric mandrill. He conducts the presentation ceremony for newborn lion cubs , while simultaneously serving as an adviser to the ruling monarch. Mufasa was also a mentor to Simba, but passed away before he could completely impart all the knowledge needed for him to become a king.

During Simba's carefree days spent with Timon and Pumbaa, he tends to avoid responsibilities. It takes Rafiki’s insightful comments regarding lessons learned from history to bring him back into focus. Additionally, Rafiki proves capable in physical confrontations, making him an all-around valuable character.

Phil

Hercules

Often recognized as the most prominent Disney mentor, Phil – or his full name, Philoctetes – embodies the archetype of a guiding figure even with his humorous traits. Similar to Hercules, Phil harbored aspirations of his own; he dreamt of being celebrated as the individual who trained the ultimate champion.

When Herc arrives, Phil has lost hope following the disappointing performances of all his top pupils. Once the main character persuades him to return to coaching, Phil subjects Hercules to an intense regimen filled with numerous regulations. Additionally, he serves as excellent comedic support and stands out as one of Danny DeVito’s most recognized characters within animated features.

Flora, Fauna And Merryweather

Sleeping Beauty

Without these three benevolent fairy helpers Sleeping Beauty , you wouldn’t have a story at all. After Maleficent puts a curse on Princess Aurora causing her death, Merryweather manages to change the punishment into an extended slumber instead. Consequently, the fairies decide to bring up Princess Aurora themselves, sacrificing their magical comforts to ensure she remains safe from Maleficent’s reach.

Guided by them, Aurora develops into someone who is both compassionate and modest, even with her royal background. Towards the film’s conclusion, they assist Prince Phillip in escaping and put a spell on his sword enabling him to deliver the decisive blow to Maleficent. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather emerge as the genuine heroes of the story.

Kala

Tarzan

Tarzan marked the conclusion of an epoch: the Disney Renaissance had come to an end, yet it did so triumphantly. The film boasts numerous commendable aspects, with one of the most overlooked being the beautiful bond Between the titular protagonist and Kala.

After losing her offspring to a leopard, Kala adopts Tarzan and raises him as her own child out of maternal affection. This nurturing enables Tarzan to integrate with the apes even though his adoptive father, Kerchak, opposes this relationship. The connection between them reaches its peak when an adult Tarzan successfully eliminates the leopard that had wreaked havoc on their lives for so long.

Mittens

Bolt

2000s animation was dominated by Pixar Meanwhile, Walt Disney Animation Studios found it challenging to revamp itself following the conclusion of the Disney Renaissance period. The studio’s resurgence eventually occurred with "Bolt," which tells the tale of a canine that spent its whole existence on a film set.

Because of his protected upbringing and conviction that he possesses extraordinary abilities, Bolt appears innocent and incapable when he finds himself stranded in the urban jungle. His guide is Mittens, an irritable feline who doubts that people genuinely care for animals. She swiftly teaches him how to survive as a stray and assists him in accepting the reality that he’s merely an ordinary canine, all while their bond strengthens.

Mushu

Mulan

When it comes to computer-animated movies, no supporting character is more endearing than Donkey. the Shrek series Mushu preceded Donkey as he was originally portrayed; voiced by Eddie Murphy with a comparable disposition—equally jittery yet devoted. Created specifically for the 1998 film adaptation of Hua Mulan’s tale, Mushu emerged as one of the most beloved figures in the movie.

Mushu appears strong and confident until the situation becomes dire, when he quickly falls into despondency, accompanied by amusing lines. Despite his unconventional choices, things often turn out for the better for Mulan: Mushu turns out to be an unintentionally supportive guide in Disney’s universe.

Pacha

The Emperor's New Groove

The Emperor's New Groove may not have met Disney's expectations as a major hit, yet The passage of time has been gentle on it. It has become one of the most favored films in Disney’s hand-drawn classics, with the unassuming character of Pacha also becoming both a cherished figure and a meme.

In contrast to Emperor Kuzco, Pacha has firsthand experience with the struggles of daily life. Despite his imperfections—especially during his role as a guide to Kuzco—he undergoes significant self-improvement. Without Pacha’s generosity in offering shelter, the conceited Kuzco would not have survived.

Russell

Up

Russell turns out to be an unexpected twist on the typical Disney mentor archetype; rather than being elderly or sagacious, he possesses a golden-hearted nature and ultimately imparts valuable life lessons to the matured main character. Following his wife’s passing several years prior, Carl remains stuck in mourning, struggling to move forward with his present life.

Russell’s innocent behavior frequently irritates Carl, yet ultimately provides him with someone to cherish. A pivotal moment in the movie occurs during the rescue scene where Carl discards his possessions; he realizes these items hold less value than the young boy named Russell, who has shown Carl the importance of living anew.

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