Nala

―Nala begs Simba to come home[src] | ”

**Nala** is a female lion. She currently serves as the queen consort of Pride Rock through her marriage to Simba. She is the daughter of Sarafina, and was the mate of Simba, with whom she has a son, Kion, and a daughter, Kiara.

As a cub, Nala was betrothed to Simba, the prince heir of Pride Rock. The two were best friends throughout their childhood. However, when Scar lied to the pride that Simba was dead, they were separated for many years. Under Scar's reign, the Pride Lands fell into disarray, and Nala sought help outside the kingdom. During the course of her search, she met a full-grown Simba, with whom she had a delighted reunion. She urged him to reclaim his birthright, and though he resisted at first, he eventually returned to the Pride Lands and challenged Scar's right to rule. Along with the rest of her pride, Nala fought against Scar and his hyena allies. Upon the pride's victory, she welcomed Simba as her new king and became his mate and queen.

## Biography

### Early life

Nala was born to Senzou and Sarafina. She lived in the Pride Lands as a member of Mufasa's pride. As per the law of the Pride Lands monarchy, she was betrothed to Simba, the prince heir of Pride Rock. The two were best friends throughout their childhood.

### Cubhood

#### Visit to the Elephant Graveyard

―Nala teases Simba[src] | ”

One morning, when Simba rushed into the den of Pride Rock to awaken Mufasa, he raced past Nala, who was asleep in Sarafina's paws.

Later that day, Sarafina bathed Nala. Simba greeted her, then whispered to her that he had just heard about a great place that they could explore. Nala pointed out through clenched teeth that she was in the middle of a bath, and Sarabi took advantage of Nala's words to grab Simba and give him a bath of his own.

While her mother washed her lower back, Nala remarked that the place they were going to had better not be "dumb." Simba reassured her that it was a "really cool" place, but Sarabi got suspicious. Simba told his mother that the place was around the water hole, which made Nala express disapproval. Simba whispered to her that he would show her when they got there, and Nala asked her mother for permission to play with Simba. The cubs then asked Sarabi to let them go. The lioness relented but ordered them to bring along Zazu as a babysitter. This made them react with dismay.

As the cubs and Zazu headed toward the water hole, Nala asked Simba what their true destination was, and Simba told her that they were going to an Elephant Graveyard. Nala responded with excitement, but Simba shushed her and reminded her that Zazu was flying just above them. Nala asked how they could get rid of him, and the two cubs began to whisper a plan to each other, something Zazu mistook as romantic.

The cubs were confused when Zazu mentioned that they were "betrothed," "affianced," and "intended." Nala asked for clarification, and Zazu informed them that they would marry each other someday. Both cubs recoiled in disgust. Nala commented that them being married would be "weird," and Simba vowed to change the law when he became king. Zazu protested, but Nala pointed out that since Simba was the future king, Zazu must do what he said. Zazu pointed out that Simba was not the king yet and added that the cub was shaping up to be a "pretty pathetic" king.

In order to distract Zazu, the cubs trapped him beneath the underside of a rhinoceros and bounded away. Nala happily remarked on how they had lost Zazu, but Simba tried to take the credit. Irritated, she pointed out that the plan had been her idea. However, he continued to take the credit, so she pinned him and teased him for his loss. He pushed her off, only to tackle her again. The cubs rolled down a steep embankment, and Nala pinned Simba again.

A geyser interrupted the two, and the cubs realized that they had arrived at the Elephant Graveyard. The cubs walked deeper into the Elephant Graveyard and marveled at the landscape. Nala noted that they could get into big trouble and wondered if a nearby dead elephant's brain was still inside its skull. Simba began to investigate, but Zazu arrived and demanded that the cubs return to the Pride Lands, for they were in danger. Before Simba and Nala could heed Zazu's advice, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed exited the nearby skull and accused the trio of trespassing.

Zazu tried to herd Simba and Nala out of the Elephant Graveyard, but the hyenas cornered them and made it apparent that they wanted to eat the cubs. While the hyenas were distracted, Simba, Nala, and Zazu fled. Zazu was snatched from the air, and the cubs went back to find him. However, when they challenged the hyenas, they ended up running for their lives again.

With the hyenas in hot pursuit, Simba and Nala scaled a pile of bones, but Nala slid down the pile toward Shenzi. Before the hyena could do her any harm, Simba slashed Shenzi across the face, which allowed Nala to get away. The two cubs attempted to climb an elephant skeleton, but their jumping weakened the slim strip of flesh they were standing on, and they fell through the dead animal's ribcage.

As the hyenas advanced on the cubs, Nala hid behind Simba, who tried to scare the hyenas off with his kittenish roar. Mufasa suddenly came to the rescue, drowning out Simba's roar with a more powerful one of his own. He then beat, pinned, and scared off the hyenas. Once the hyenas were gone, he turned his fury on Simba for having disobeyed him. As the group departed, Nala quietly told Simba that she thought he had been very brave. The cubs left the Elephant Graveyard and walked through the Pride Lands in silence. Eventually, Mufasa paused and commanded Zazu to take Nala home. With a final pitying glance at Simba, Nala left with Zazu.

#### Scar's coronation

One night, when Scar broke the news to the pride about Mufasa and Simba's deaths in the gorge, Nala mourned. She nuzzled against her mother's leg and shed a single tear. She then looked on in shock and fear as the hyenas closed in on Pride Rock.

### Young adulthood

#### Reunion with Simba

―Nala to Simba, after they reunite as adults[src] | ”

Many seasons later, a full-grown Nala journeyed to the jungle for help, as Scar and his hyena minions had turned the Pride Lands into a wasteland. She relentlessly chased Pumbaa when he strayed too far from his friend, Timon. She expertly kept up with the warthog as he tried to throw her off by turning and twisting. Just as she was about to kill both him and Timon, Simba charged toward and attacked her. The two fought until Simba tackled her, and she used her signature move against him, pinning him to the ground. This made Simba recognize her. He spoke her name, and she let him up, staring at him in confusion. She inquired after his identity, and he told her that he was Simba.

Once Nala recognized her old friend, the two greeted each other excitedly and asked one another what they were doing in the jungle. Eventually, a confused Timon broke up the conversation and demanded to know what was going on. Simba introduced Nala to his two friends, and Nala was pleased to meet them.

After the introductions, Nala mused about what would happen when everyone found out that Simba had been in the jungle all this time. She unknowingly recited Scar's words exactly when she asked Simba what Sarabi would think of him. When Simba told her that no one had to know, she told him that everyone thought he was dead, as Scar had told the pride about the stampede. Simba asked her for more information, but she insisted that it did not matter since he was alive and the rightful king of the Pride Lands.

Timon scoffed at Nala's words and told her that she had her "lions crossed." Pumbaa began worshiping Simba, but the young lion told him to stop. Timon corrected Pumbaa's word choice and laughingly said that Simba was not the king. He then curiously asked Simba if he was. Simba abruptly replied that he was not, and Nala objected. However, he reiterated his argument. When Timon continued to press Simba, Nala politely asked him and Pumbaa to excuse them for a few moments.

Once they were gone, Nala sadly told Simba how much his return would mean to everyone, especially her. Simba reassured her that it was okay, and Nala nuzzled him, telling him that she had really missed him. The two continued to nuzzle each other, to Timon and Pumbaa's chagrin. That evening, they spent time together and fell in love.

Simba gave Nala a tour of the jungle and asked her if she thought it was a great place. Nala commented that it was beautiful, then asked why he had not returned home if he had been alive this whole time. He claimed that he wanted to "get out on his own" and "live his own life," but she informed him that the pride needed him at home. When he denied this, Nala again iterated that he was the king. Simba denied her assertions and claimed that Scar was the true king. Nala then informed Simba of the chaos that had been brewing in the Pride Lands under Scar's reign and told him that if he did not return, everyone would starve.

Once more, Simba refused to return to the Pride Lands. He then pointed out that Nala had left as well, but she countered that she had only left to find help and that Simba was their only hope. When again Simba denied her and sarcastically apologized to her, Nala told him that he was not the Simba she remembered and that she was disappointed in him. Simba commented that she sounded like his father, and Nala quipped that at least one of them sounded like Mufasa. This response infuriated Simba, who accused Nala of trying to uproot his life. Nala tried again to get Simba to tell her what he had been through, but he refused.

After Simba decided to return to the Pride Lands, Nala searched for him. She sought out Timon and Pumbaa in the hopes that they knew where Simba had gone. Rafiki told the three from atop a tree that "the king has returned." Upon hearing this, Nala was awed and delighted that Simba had gone back. After explaining the situation to Timon and Pumbaa, she ran off to assist Simba.

#### Battle of Pride Rock

—Nala and Scar, after Simba asserts his birthright[src] | ”

After Simba crossed the desert and surveyed his destroyed homeland, Nala approached and asked him why he had come back. Simba replied that he had finally got "some sense knocked into" him. Nala then vowed to help him fight for the Pride Lands. Timon and Pumbaa soon arrived, and the four headed toward Pride Rock. They snuck past the hyenas, using Timon and Pumbaa to lure some away. After the escape, Simba told Nala to find Sarabi and rally the lionesses while he looked for Scar.

Sarabi was with Scar, so Nala herself led the lionesses to Pride Rock just as Simba confronted Scar. When Scar proclaimed that the hyenas saw him as the rightful ruler of the Pride Lands, Nala objected that the lionesses did not. Scar proceeded to bring up Mufasa's death, and Nala confusedly asked what he was talking about. Upon Simba confessing that he was to blame for Mufasa's death, the lionesses were shocked. Scar proceeded to shame Simba and back him toward the promontory of Pride Rock, to the point that the younger lion fell off and barely caught on to the edge. Nala shouted his name worriedly. After Simba regained his footing and forced Scar to confess that he had murdered Mufasa, Nala lunged forward to attack the hyenas.

#### Simba's coronation

Eventually, Simba emerged victorious from his fight with Scar and embraced both Sarabi and Nala. He then took his rightful place as king. The lionesses watched with relief and joy as he ascended Pride Rock and roared over his reclaimed kingdom. After his roar, the lionesses roared in reply.

Seasons later, after the Pride Lands was restored to its former glory, Nala had a cub with Simba. Simba and Nala, along with Timon and Pumbaa, stood on the promontory of Pride Rock as they proudly watched the assembly of animals below. Rafiki arrived, cradling the newborn cub in his arms, and Simba and Nala watched happily as he presented the cub to the animals of the Pride Lands.

#### Conflict with Zira

―Nala to Simba on Kiara[src] | ”

One day, when Kiara tried to leave Pride Rock to explore the kingdom, Simba stopped her and reminded her to be careful. Nala approached and gently told Kiara to mind her father. After Kiara ran off, Nala commented on how similar Kiara was to Simba when he had been a cub. This concerned Simba, who reminded Nala of the danger they had gotten themselves into, to which she playfully pinned him and reminded him that he had been the one who had put them in danger. The two nuzzled, and Nala reassured Simba that Kiara would be fine. However, as Nala strode back toward the den, Simba sent Timon and Pumbaa after Kiara.

Later, when Kiara met an Outsider cub named Kovu, Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, and several lionesses arrived to protect her from Kovu's mother, Zira. After a brief confrontation with Simba, Zira left, and the Pride Landers returned to Pride Rock. Nala noticed that Simba wanted to stay behind to discipline Kiara, so she left the two alone and returned with the others to Pride Rock.

#### Dawn of the Lion Guard

―Nala on Kion, after he uses the Roar of the Elders for the first time[src] | ”

At Pride Rock, Simba, Nala, and Rafiki overheard Kion's Roar of the Elders, which he had used to save his friend Bunga from two hyenas. Upon hearing the Roar, Rafiki declared that it was time for Kion to become the leader of the Lion Guard. Simba was reluctant, as he believed that Kion was not ready for such a responsibility, but Nala agreed with Rafiki and encouraged Simba to listen to him.

Later, Simba, Nala, and Tiifu watched in horror as Kiara got caught in a gazelle stampede caused by Janja and his clan. Just in time, Kion and his Lion Guard were able to get the herd away from Kiara and deliver her to safety. Upon Kiara's rescue, Nala nuzzled her affectionately. Meanwhile, the Lion Guard drove off Janja's clan, and Nala expressed pride in her son.

#### Makuu's leadership

―Nala[src] | ”

When Kion returned to Pride Rock, he admitted his misgivings about the mashindano between Makuu and Pua. He asserted that fighting was an inadequate way of choosing a leader, but Nala reminded him that Simba had used a physical fight to beat Scar. Simba added that many animal species had traditions that he, as king, must recognize and respect.

That evening, Nala watched the mashindano between Makuu and Pua. Upon Makuu's victory, Kion expressed shock, and Nala grimly assured him that Pua had been defeated. Afterward, Simba and Nala went out hunting.

#### Aminifu's funeral

―Nala on Simba's tribute[src] | ”

While Kiara stayed behind to watch over the Pride Lands, Nala met with Simba and Zazu to begin their journey to Kilio Valley for Aminifu's funeral. Along the way, Simba mentioned a "big responsibility," and Nala asked if he was worried about Kiara acting as queen or him having to give a tribute at Aminifu's funeral. Simba asked why he would be worried about that, and Nala reminded him that he had to deliver the tribute in Elephantese. Zazu bragged about all the languages he knew, and Nala reminded him that they already knew. Unbeknownst to the trio, they had been spied upon by Mzingo, who resolved to keep an eye on the doings of the Pride Landers.

As Mzingo flew away, Simba lamented his kingly responsibilities, and Nala asked Zazu to remind Simba of his more enjoyable duties. Zazu did so, and Nala expressed joy at Simba's regained confidence. However, during one of Zazu's Elephantese lessons, Simba lost his patience and roared at the hornbill, blowing him into a patch of grass. Nala dashed to her mate's side and reminded him that, though he may not be an elephant, he was a king and that it was his duty to carry out this tribute to an old friend. Soothed by Nala's advice, Simba asked Zazu to continue his lessons.

As Simba continued to practice his speech, Nala asked Zazu how far away they were from Kilio Valley, to which Zazu revealed that they had just arrived. From atop a nearby hillside, Simba, Nala, and Zazu witnessed the elephant herd placing flowers on Aminifu's body and grieved the old elephant's passing. They then descended into the valley to greet the herd. During Simba's speech, he accidentally said, "He had poop on him," instead of "He had good on him," and Nala was horrified. However, the elephants began to laugh, and Aminifu's daughter, Ma Tembo, explained that her father had always had poop on him and that it had often been the cause of laughter.

When Simba and Nala returned home, Kiara asked how the tribute had gone, and Nala answered that everything had turned out fine. She then asked how ruling the Pride Lands had gone. Though Kiara began to stumble over her words, Kion jumped in and proclaimed that Kiara was going to make a great queen someday.

#### Kupatana

At the Kupatana celebration, Nala stood beside Simba, Kiara, and Kion as Simba gave his speech to the gathered animals. Shortly into the ceremony, Reirei's family attacked, but they were promptly defeated by the Lion Guard. Once the danger had passed, the Kupatana celebration continued.

#### Tracking gazelles

—Nala and Fuli[src] | ”

Nala brought Kiara, Tiifu, Zuri, Kion, and Fuli to a practice hunting session. As the session began, Nala tasked Kiara with leading the others. Fuli and Kiara started to hunt side by side, but just before Fuli could pounce on a gazelle, Nala ordered them to stop, and the gazelle ran away. Confused, Fuli pointed out that the gazelle had escaped, and Nala revealed that they had only been training for Kiara's first hunt. She then called for Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri to leave with her.

(To be continued)

## Physical appearance

As a cub, Nala was moderately sized and slender. She had a cream-colored pelt, with pale eye rims, a pale muzzle, and a pale underbelly. Her inner ears were a slightly darker cream, and she had thin brown eyebrows. Like most Pride Landers, she had a rounded pink nose and colorless paws. Her eyes were teal.

As an adult, Nala became larger, broader about the shoulders, and more muscular. Additionally, her fur color dulled, her eyebrows became thicker, and her nose changed from pink to brown. She proved to be an adept hunter and fighter, as she kept pace with large prey like Pumbaa and managed to pin a full-grown Simba on his back.

## Personality and traits

—Simba and Nala argue[src] | ”

As a cub, Nala was adventurous, curious, and fun-loving. She enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Simba, even if it meant disobeying their parents and straying into forbidden territory. Strong-willed and spunky, she had a biting sense of humor and liked to tease both Simba and their frequent babysitter, Zazu. Despite their squabbles, Nala was fiercely loyal to Simba and admired him for his bravery, particularly when he tried to defend her from the hyenas at the Elephant Graveyard.

As an adult, Nala became more mature and responsible. Unlike Simba, who had spent many seasons ignoring his duty to the Pride Lands, she was exhaustive in her search for relief from Scar's reign and passionately appealed to Simba to return home and save their pride. In arguments, she could be forceful and sharp-tongued, such as when she unfavorably compared Simba to his deceased father, Mufasa. Even so, she was grateful to him when he returned to the Pride Lands and was eager to fight at his side in the battle against Scar.

Nala continued to demonstrate maturity and wisdom as she aged. She was one of the few Pride Landers to accept Kovu when he reformed, and she sympathized with Kiara's appeal to reunite the feuding prides. In the face of Simba's doubts about Kovu, Nala encouraged him to give the Outsider a chance and to be grateful to him for having saved Kiara's life. Even when in disagreement with Simba, Nala was always gentle and did not push him too hard, nor did she protest when he made decisions she disapproved of, such as Kovu's exile from the Pride Lands.

Nala's parenting style often contrasted with Simba's. While Simba was overprotective of and strict with Kiara, Nala believed that their daughter should have freedom and trusted her to take care of herself. Similarly, Simba was loath to accept Kion's position as the leader of the Lion Guard, while Nala accepted it immediately and encouraged Simba to give their son a chance. She was loving toward both her cubs and often motivated them to work together.

## Relationships

* Sarafina - Mother
* Simba - Mate
* Kion - Son and Savior
* Kopa - Son
* Kiara - Daughter
* Mufasa † - Father-in-Law
* Sarabi - Mother-in-Law
* Bunga - Adoptive Brother-in-Law
* Kovu - Son-in-Law
* Rani - Daughter-in-Law
* Kia - Cousin

Allies* Majordomo
	+ Zazu - Close Friend
* Pride Landers
	+ Timon - Former Attempted Victim
	+ Pumbaa - Former Attempted Victim
	+ Ajabu
	+ Hadithi - Hero
	+ Thurston - Former Teammate
	+ Zito
	+ Laini
	+ Ma Tembo
	+ Bupu
	+ Makuu
* Royal Mjuzis
	+ Rafiki † - Close Friend
	+ Makini
* Timon's colony
	+ Uncle Max †
	+ Ma
* Simba's pride
	+ Tiifu - Friend and Daughter Figure
	+ Zuri - Friend and Daughter Figure
* Night Pride
	+ Fuli
	+ Ono
	+ Beshte
	+ Anga
	+ Nirmala
	+ Surak
	+ Baliyo
* Jasiri's clan
	+ Jasiri - Former Teammate
	+ Janja - Former Attempted Killer
	+ Cheezi - Former Enemy
	+ Chungu - Former Enemy
	+ Nne - Former Enemy
	+ Tano - Former Enemy
* Lion Guard
	+ Vitani - Former Attempted Killer
	+ Imara
	+ Shabaha
	+ Tazama
	+ Kasi
* Azaad
* Pinguino's rookery
	+ Pinguino - Former Teammate
* Mzingo's parliament
	+ Mzingo
* Reirei's pack
	+ Reirei
	+ Goigoi
* Kiburi's float
	+ Kiburi
	+ Tamka
* Great Kings of the Past
* Shujaa
* Binga
* Chuluun
* Afua
* Aaliyah
	+ Shenzi † - Attempted Killer
	+ Banzai
	+ Ed †
	+ Kamari †
	+ Azizi †
* Army of Scar
	+ Scar † - Former King
	+ Ushari †
* Shupavu's group
	+ Shupavu
* Outsiders
	+ Zira †
* Makucha's army
	+ Makucha
	+ Mama Binturong
	+ Fahari
	+ Ora
	+ Jiona
* Smun's prickle
	+ Smun
* Leo - Former King

## Appearances

* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "The Circle of Life"
	+ "King for a Day"
	+ "Be Prepared"
* *Rafiki Remembers: Legends of Anansi*
	+ "The Cave Monster"
* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Raising Simba"
	+ "The Famine"
	+ "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
	+ "Battle for Pride Rock"
	+ "He Lives in You"
	+ "We Are One"
* *Six New Adventures*
	+ "A Tale of Two Brothers"
	+ "Nala's Dare"
	+ "Vulture Shock"
	+ "A Snake in the Grass"
	+ "Follow the Leader"
	+ "How True, Zazu?"
	+ "Friends for Life"
	+ "Fight for the Throne"
* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Return of the Roar"
	+ "Lions of the Outlands"
	+ "The Rise of Scar"
	+ "Snow Day"
	+ "Hyena Resistance"
	+ "Pride Landers Unite!"
	+ "The Ultimate Showdown"
	+ "Battle for the Pride Lands"
	+ "Kiara's First Hunt"
	+ "The Unwelcome Stranger"
	+ "Love Will Find a Way"
	+ "Return to the Pride Lands"
	+ "Epilogue: An Important Coronation"
	+ "Prince Kopa" (mentioned)
* *Kia: The Lion Queen*
* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "New Beginnings"
	+ "Afua and the Legend of the Outsiders" (mid-credits scene)
	+ "Lion Guard: The Leo Dynasty"
	+ "Lion Guard: Wild Schemes and Catastrophes"

## Trivia

* Nala was voiced by the following:
	+ As a cub, she was voiced by Shahadi Wright Joseph.
	+ As an adult, she was voiced by Gabrielle Union.
		- Union also voiced Nala.
		- Moira Kelly was an understudy for Union in the role of Nala.

* Nala's name means "gift" in Swahili.