Intriguing with the dark tone, which gives the image a mystic feeling. The glance in the eye makes a lot for the image.

The first I was thinking of when I saw your image was: In the Scandinavian mythology there are trolls in the forest and they can be mean for humans. But trolls are afraid of sunlight and can only be seen when it is getting dark. When the day comes, they must hide in rocks and caves. They are looking humanlike but normally rather ugly with a big nose and hairy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll

love how the focus is around its mane, bringing out the texture of white hair but still holding some light in its eyes. A portrait of wisdom would go well as the title too I guess.

Is it just me or anyone else can relate this to Rafiki from the lion king?

a poignant one. LIke some displaced people with hope and sadness mixed. It has sight but do we have vision