The Lion King meme, specifically the 'Everything the Light Touches' template, stems from the iconic 1994 Disney animated film where Mufasa explains the boundaries of the Pride Lands to Simba. It gained massive internet traction as a way to contrast desirable areas with places one should strictly avoid, such as specific subreddits, toxic social media platforms, or questionable real-life locations. The humor usually lies in the absurdity of the 'shadowy place' being something mundane yet universally avoided. Over the years, it has evolved into a versatile tool for social commentary, gatekeeping jokes, and nostalgic humor, maintaining its status as a staple in the meme community.