In this week’s episode of StoryDads, Eric and Micah dive into Disney’s 1942 classic, Bambi — a deceptively simple story that laid the foundation for nearly every coming-of-age tale that followed. Beneath the soft watercolor woods and gentle score lies a profound meditation on growth, loss, and legacy. The hosts unpack why Bambi still resonates across generations, exploring how its timeless themes of innocence, death, and rebirth mirror the real work of growing up — for kids and parents alike. From its stunning animation to its emotional storytelling, Bambi marked a turning point in Disney history. Eric and Micah trace its origins back to the 1923 novel and the studio’s early experiments in realism, calling it “the CGI of its time.” The film’s painstakingly hand-painted forests, the weight of its silences, and the expressiveness of its animal characters make it one of the most visually poetic films ever made. But beyond its beauty, Bambi reveals something deeper: the moment when childhood ends, and life demands maturity — often through heartbreak. The hosts explore the movie’s central loss — the death of Bambi’s mother — as both a narrative necessity and a universal rite of passage. They connect it to the broader archetype of the orphaned hero, from Simba to Luke Skywalker to Harry Potter. Every generation, they argue, must face the same realization: that our guides won’t always be there, and that adulthood begins the moment we step forward without them. Through that lens, Bambi isn’t just a story about nature; it’s a myth about becoming human. They also examine how Bambi’s themes of sex, fertility, and legacy subtly define its message. In a world obsessed with self-focus and perpetual youth, Bambi reminds us that the goal isn’t to stay the “young prince” forever — it’s to carry the mantle for a time, then pass it on. The hosts reflect on how this mirrors modern parenthood: the call to raise the next generation, resist material distraction, and live for something larger than oneself. From the innocence of Thumper and Flower to the courage of Bambi’s father, every moment in the forest points toward continuity — life giving way to life. In their signature StoryDads style, Eric and Micah weave personal reflections and humor into deeper philosophical takes. They discuss the film’s biblical undertones, the confrontation between good and evil (“Man in the forest” as a stand-in for chaos itself), and how facing loss becomes the defining act of maturity. They even find modern parallels in Jurassic Park, The Lion King, and Lady and the Tramp — each echoing the lessons that began with a frightened fawn learning to stand on his own. Ultimately, this StoryDads episode celebrates Bambi as both art and allegory — a story about grief, courage, and the sacred rhythm of generations. It’s a reminder that beauty, like legacy, is something we tend, not something we own. Whether you’re revisiting this classic with your kids or watching it through adult eyes for the first time, this conversation will make you see Bambi — and maybe your own life’s circle — in a brand-new way.