Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Mufasa: The Lion King!
Scar’s Real Name Explained in Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel that delves into the backstory of Scar, offering a more sympathetic look at the character. While Mufasa is at the center of the prequel’s big reveals, Scar gets significant screen time, exploring his origins and how he got his scar. According to the film, Scar’s real name is Taka, which has a dual meaning in Swahili.
In Swahili, “takataka” means “garbage,” often said to be the cruel name given to him as a child. The word “kutaka” can also be translated to English as “to want,” highlighting Scar’s defining character trait: envy. Throughout The Lion King, Scar’s envy drives him to kill Mufasa and blame it on Simba.
Scar’s name Taka first appeared in a Lion King spinoff in 1994, a collection of short stories called The Lion King: Six New Adventures. Taka was initially presented as Scar’s real name, and the name has stuck ever since.
In Mufasa: The Lion King, Taka gets his scar at the end of the film, jumping in front of Mufasa and getting scratched in the eye by Kiros. As punishment, Mufasa decides to banish Taka from the Pride Lands, but Taka asks to be referred to as Scar instead. Mufasa agrees, promising to never utter Taka’s true name again.
This development changes the character of Scar, as Mufasa never utters his real name again. Other characters, such as Sarabi and Simba, also know Taka as Scar, hinting at the complex dynamics between the characters. The film will likely explore the strained relationship between Mufasa and Scar, including how it became as troubled as it did.
