Rani

Rani is a female lion. She is the leader of the Night Pride and the queen of the Tree of Life who succeeded Janna. She is the daughter of Sãhasí and Ãnanda, the elder sister of Baliyo, and the mate of Kion.
When Kion and his Lion Guard sought healing at the Tree of Life, they got into a skirmish with the Night Pride, during which Kion used the Roar of the Elders on Baliyo. In retaliation, Rani forbid Kion and his friends entry to the Tree of Life. However, with some persuasion from her grandmother, Janna, she revoked her original decision and welcomed the Lion Guard for healing.
Over time, Rani developed a close bond with Kion, as they often worked together to defend the Tree of Life. Eventually, after Kion saved the Tree of Life from an army of predators, Rani invited him to take up permanent residence at the Tree of Life and become her mate and king. Kion agreed and, after settling matters in the Pride Lands, returned to the Tree of Life to wed Rani.
==Biography==
===Early life===
Rani was born to Sãhasí and Ãnanda. She had a younger brother named Baliyo. As the firstborn cub, she was raised as the heir to the throne of the Tree of Life. After the deaths of her parents, Rani received queenly instruction from her grandmother, Janna, and assumed leadership of the Night Pride. At some point in her life, she received a scar on her right foreleg.
===Meeting the Lion Guard===
When the Lion Guard approached the mountain pass that led to the Tree of Life, Ullu the owl spied on their activities and left to inform Rani and the rest of the Night Pride. Meanwhile, the Lion Guard entered the pass, but Bunga accidentally started a rockslide that blocked the pass. Shortly afterward, the Night Pride arrived, and Baliyo attacked the Lion Guard. A fight ensued, during which Kion lost control and used the Roar of the Elders on Baliyo. Rani condemned him for the attack and forbid him entry to the Tree of Life.
After her encounter with the Lion Guard, Rani returned to the Tree of Life and related the situation to Janna. When Rani mentioned the Roar of the Elders, Janna commented that the Roar had returned to the Tree of Life once more. She then told Rani to allow Kion and the Lion Guard to visit the Tree of Life. Conflicted, Rani sought counsel from her deceased parents, Sãhasí and Ãnanda, who appeared to her as spirits. They advised her to follow Janna's instructions and to prepare herself for becoming the queen of the Tree of Life.
After the talk with her parents, Rani returned to the Lion Guard, only to find that they had cleared the pass. Kion apologized to her and implored her to accept his friend, Ono, for healing. Impressed by his selflessness, Rani allowed Kion to come to the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard followed the Night Pride through the pass until they beheld the Tree of Life for the first time.
===First skirmish with Makucha's army===
The Lion Guard arrived at the Tree of Life, where they met its matriarch, Queen Janna. Kion explained that he and his friend, Ono, had come for healing. Nirmala, a gifted healer, examined them and came to the conclusion that Kion's injuries would be far more difficult to heal than Ono's. Janna ordered Rani to give the Lion Guard a tour of the kingdom while Kion began his healing journey with Nirmala.
Rani gave the Lion Guard a tour of the territory, which included a variety of habitats. Unbeknownst to Rani, Makucha and his allies, Chuluun and Ora, were sneaking into the territory. Makucha attempted to take charge, but Chuluun and Ora rebelled against him, as each wanted to formulate the plan. Ullu overheard their activities and left to inform Rani.
The Night Pride took on Makucha and his allies, and defeated them easily, as the predators did not work well together. At the same time, the rest of the Lion Guard joined Kion and related how Rani had been called away to face down a threat to the Tree of Life. Kion fretted that the Night Pride could be in danger, and the Lion Guard headed off to help defeat the unknown foe.
The Lion Guard arrived at the scene of the fight, only to find that the Night Pride had already defeated Makucha and his allies. Baliyo mentioned Makucha by name, and Kion apologetically admitted that Makucha and his allies had followed the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life. This infuriated Rani.
The Lion Guard and the Night Pride returned to the Tree of Life, where Rani accused Kion of having let in an army of predators. Kion apologized and offered his services in defeating Makucha's army, but Janna advised Kion to heal before he helped the Night Pride.
That night, Chuluun led Makucha's army in another attack, but the Night Pride fended them off. Ora then resolved to take over and attack the pride head-on by the light of day. The next morning, the Night Pride battled Makucha and his allies, but Baliyo got bitten by Ora, which paralyzed him. Kion spotted the disastrous battle but chose to finish his task first. Once Kion grabbed the flower he had been tasked to retrieve, he rushed to help the Night Pride. Afraid of the Roar, Ora fled, but Makucha and Chuluun attempted to climb a nearby cliff to reach the Tree of Life. Kion used the cliff trail to cut them off and, with Rani's help, defeated them. The rest of the Lion Guard arrived in time to chase Makucha's army away.
===Mama Binturong's plot===
Rani relaxed at a water hole with Baliyo and the Lion Guard. Meanwhile, Mama Binturong plotted to invade the Tree of Life by pretending to seek sanctuary from Makucha and his army. The predators enacted their plan, and the Night Pride fell for it, accepting Mama Binturong for healing at the Tree of Life.
The Lion Guard and Mama Binturong were led into the Tree of Life, where Janna accepted Mama Binturong for healing. Mama Binturong asked for a tour of the territory, but Janna explained that the Night Pride rested during the daytime. Rani then showed Mama Binturong to a grove of trees, which smelled strongly of honey badger.
Mama Binturong returned to her allies and instructed them to kill Janna while she distracted the Night Pride. The plan went into motion, with the Night Pride falling for Mama Binturong's cries for help. In the meantime, Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora snuck over the border.
After luring the Night Pride away with cries for help, Mama Binturong attacked Bunga and Binga. The Night Pride arrived, and Mama Binturong attempted to blame the honey badgers for the fight. However, Ullu showed up and informed the Night Pride of Mama Binturong's deception. Bunga and Binga then used their stench to defeat Mama Binturong once and for all. After the fight, Rani praised Ono for his quick thinking.
===Clearing Beshte's name===
When Baliyo caught wind of a rumor about a monster at the Tree of Life, he informed Rani. Together, they searched the territory for the strange beast, only to run into Pinguino, who complained that "Poa the Destroyer" had terrorized his home a second time. This caused Rani to realize the monster's true identity, as his name matched Beshte's catchphrase.
Rani interrupted Kion's healing session and told him to congregate with the Lion Guard at the Tree of Life. Once the team had assembled, she explained that Beshte had been inadvertently frightening the Tree of Life's residents. A saddened Beshte exiled himself from the Tree of Life, as he believed himself to be a true destroyer. However, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride decided to host a meeting at the Tree of Life so that Beshte could earn the animals' trust back.
When the animals arrived for the meeting, Rani and Kion explained that Beshte was friendly, not destructive. Just then, Beshte approached with Pinguino on his back. Pinguino declared that Beshte had saved his life, which effectively cleared Beshte's name. The animals then started up a chant of "Poa!" while Rani watched happily.
===Janna's death===
Mama Binturong and her allies attacked a tiger named Varya and her cubs, who were seeking sanctuary at the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard and the Night Pride arrived and saved the tigers from further harm.
Just then, Ullu arrived and warned Rani that Janna wanted to see her, Kion, and the rest of the Night Pride immediately. While the Lion Guard stayed behind to care for Varya and her cubs, the Night Pride and Kion followed Ullu to the Tree of Life. Once there, they saw a crowd of animals outside the Tree of Life and realized that Janna was dying. Baliyo was afraid to enter the Tree of Life, but Rani reminded him that the Night Pride would be at his side the whole time.
Together, the Night Pride and Kion entered the Tree of Life, where Janna lay in a weakened state. Janna encouraged her son, Surak, and her grandson, Baliyo, to help Rani during her reign. She then told Rani that she was ready to be queen and that Makini, her Royal Mjuzi, would help guide her. Shortly afterward, Janna died peacefully, and Kion comforted Rani.
Once outside, Makini addressed the crowd of animals, informing them of Janna's passing and Rani's upcoming coronation. The animals attended Janna's funeral at the Willows, where Kion comforted Rani once more. Rani expressed her doubts about becoming queen, to which Kion admitted that he had felt the same when he had first become the leader of the Lion Guard. He mentioned how he had been encouraged by his grandfather, Mufasa, at the time and added that he did not want to face Mufasa anymore due to his scar. Rani suggested that he speak to Mufasa anyway.
Rani returned to the Tree of Life, where Makini showed her a wall of paintings that would help guide her in her rule. Just then, Bunga arrived with Varya and her cubs, and Varya asked for permission to stay at the Tree of Life, as Rani had succeeded Janna as queen. Rani accepted the tiger's appeal. At first, Rani was unsure what to do next, but Makini promptly gestured to the wall of paintings. After reviewing the paintings, Rani led Varya and her cubs to the tundra section of the Tree of Life, where she convinced a musk deer named Kiril to share his territory with the tiger family.
At sunset, Rani became the new queen of the Tree of Life. That night, she told her grandmother's spirit that she was ready.
===Working with the Lion Guard===
One day, Makucha and his army launched an attack on the Tree of Life. The Night Pride challenged them, though Baliyo's yawning exposed how exhausted they were from a night of patrolling. The Lion Guard arrived in time to help, but Rani and Kion's dual leadership resulted in confusion.
Eventually, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride succeeded in driving off the army, though Rani criticized Kion for not following her lead. Fuli jumped to Kion's defense, but Kion admitted that he no longer had control of the Roar. Nevertheless, he offered to patrol the Tree of Life during the day in order to give the Night Pride time to rest, and Rani gratefully accepted his offer. Unbeknownst to the team, Mama Binturong was spying on their conversation from a nearby tree.
As the Lion Guard departed, Fuli told Rani that Kion did not appear to be healing, but Rani assured her that Nirmala knew what she was doing. However, as Rani joined back up with Baliyo and Surak, she admitted that Fuli may have been right.
At Pratibimba, Rani approached Kion. The two walked around the area as Kion admitted his doubts about his scar and his ability to lead the Lion Guard without the Roar of the Elders. Rani wondered if the Roar was necessary and considered if it should be returned to the Tree of Life.
Just then, the Lion Guard approached with Heng Heng and Kely, who were having a dispute over bamboo. After hearing the two's stories, Rani decided that Heng Heng could have the bamboo stand when she was required to eat and that the gentle lemurs could have it in-between those times.
As Kion returned to his reflections, Rani told Fuli that Kion may be unable to heal any more. She then related what Kion had said about his inability to lead the Lion Guard without the Roar. Before leaving to sleep, she suggested that Fuli and the others speak with Kion directly.
Later, Ullu warned the Lion Guard that Makucha's army was launching another attack. The Night Pride arrived, and Kion led the two teams in their attack. The teams succeeded, and Rani praised Kion for his great leadership skills.
In another attack, Makucha and his army snuck into the Tree of Life's territory due to Ullu falling asleep. The Night Pride arrived, only for the Lion Guard to take over the shift and defeat the army. After the fight, Bunga complimented Kion for his good leadership skills, and Nirmala agreed, adding that Kion's healing was complete. Rani worried that this would prompt him to return to the Pride Lands, but Kion assured her that he and the Lion Guard would help defend the Tree of Life from Makucha's army first.
===Battle for the Tree of Life===
At the Tree of Life, Bunga questioned Rani on why Kion was not ready to use the Roar. Makini interrupted, explaining that Kion might be practicing his Roar at Cikha Escarpment, as Askari used to do so long ago. Rani and Bunga decided to visit him there.
Once at Cikha Escarpment, Rani and Bunga witnessed Kion practicing his Roar. Just then, Anga arrived and brought news that the Tree of Life was under attack. Rani, Kion, and Bunga hastened to the Tree of Life, where Kion used the Roar to defeat the villains. After the battle, Nirmala declared that Kion was truly healed, and Rani thanked him for saving the Tree of Life. She then told him that he should stay.
===Romance with Kion===
One day, Kion sought advice from the spirit of his grandfather, Mufasa, about whether he should return to the Pride Lands or not. He explained that he could use more training with the Roar of the Elders and that the Night Pride needed help protecting the Tree of Life. Mufasa told Kion to choose the path that was best for him.
Rani approached and commented that she and Kion made a good team. The two travelled around the territory together and confessed their love for one another. Afterward, Rani asked Kion if he would be her king. However, before he could answer, the Lion Guard approached and declared that they were ready to return home. Rani once again told them to stay, and they strongly considered her offer.
Just then, Ullu approached, heralding the arrival of Azaad, Janja, and Jasiri. Jasiri informed Kion that Zira was invading the Pride Lands and that the royal family needed the Lion Guard's help. While Kion decided to return home to help, Makini stayed behind due to her duty as Rani's Royal Mjuzi. Rani bid the Lion Guard farewell and commented wistfully that perhaps she would see Kion again someday.
Later, Rani was mentioned by Kion when he talked with his sister, Kiara. Kion admitted that seeing Kiara with her mate, Kovu, had reminded him of how much he missed Rani. Kiara assured him that he may return to the Tree of Life someday and that their parents would understand.
===Marriage to Kion===
After Kion relinquished his role as the leader of the Lion Guard to Vitani, he returned to the Tree of Life to become its protector and marry Rani. On the day of their wedding, Rani told Kion that she was looking forward to ruling the Tree of Life with him. Kion declared that they would make a good team, to which Rani replied that they already were. The two then roared together, finalizing their union and beginning their reign as king and queen.
==Physical appearance==
Rani is a moderately sized adolescent lioness. She is lithe and slender but demonstrates incredible strength and fighting prowess whenever she engages in battle. Her main pelt is brown tinged with red, while her eye rims, muzzle, paws, and underbelly are cream. She has brown ear rims, the tops of which are lighter in color and the sides of which are darker in color. A long dark brown stripe runs up her back and ends at the base of her head, and she has several spots of a lighter shade on the backs of her legs. Her eyes are chocolate-brown.
Rani has several distinctions. As the queen of the Tree of Life, she sports a ceremonial painted blue marking on her forehead. Additionally, as a member of the Night Pride, she has a lion's head marking on her right shoulder. A long pink scar mars the fur on her inner right foreleg.
==Personality and traits==
Rani is strong-willed and dutiful, with a fierce devotion to her role as a protector of the Tree of Life. She is an authoritative and capable leader who is able to command her teammates with efficiency, tactical acuity, and charisma. Like the rest of her pride, she is a strong and ferocious fighter. Despite her small size, she can hold her own against much larger opponents like Chuluun and Makucha. Because of her natural knack for leadership, she often chafes at others who try to assume control in her stead, such as when she reprimanded Kion for interfering with her command of a battle against Makucha's army.
Sometimes, Rani can be headstrong and temperamental. She is quick to judge others and does not give second chances once someone has wronged her. Even so, with some persuasion, she will occasionally admit her hastiness in condemning others and will make amends with those whom she has judged. She is quite protective of her family and shares an especially strong bond with her grandmother, Janna, and her younger brother, Baliyo. She even retains close relations with her parents and will consult their spirits for advice on how she should lead the Night Pride.
Initially, Rani suffered doubt and fear over her role as the queen of the Tree of Life. She was uncertain how to lead efficiently and tried to model her decisions after Janna. With some help from Makini, as well as emotional support from Kion, she came to embrace her role and showed more confidence in her royal decisions. Additionally, she grew closer to Kion and began to trust his ability to lead the Lion Guard and the Night Pride. The two developed a strong romantic attraction to one another, to the point that Rani proposed to him and asked him to become the king of the Tree of Life. On the day of their marriage, she expressed excitement for their future reign and declared that they were already a good team.
==Appearances==
==Trivia==
* Rani was voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee. Her singing voice was provided by Lana McKissack.
* Rani's name means "queen" in Hindi.
==References==
Category:Animals of the Tree of Life
Category:Canon articles
Category:Characters
Category:Females
Category:Leaders
Category:The Lion Guard characters
Category:Lions
Category:Night Pride members
Category:Rulers of the Tree of Life
Category:Tree of Life royal family