Ekene

**Ekene** is is a male lion who is a member of Reth's Pride.

## Appearance

Ekene is a large lion with brown fur, a black mane, and green eyes.

## Personality

Ekene is fiercly intelligent and cunning. Ekene is capable of great hatred and will often not hesitate to show it.

## History

### Legends of the Lion Guard: Protectors of the Pride Lands

#### A Celebration in the Pride Lands

Ekene and the rest of Reth's Pride attempt to crash the Kupatana celebration. However, Kion quickly defeats them and uses the Roar to send them back.

### Legends of the Lion Guard: Battle for the Pride Lands

Reth orders Shupavu to gather the rest of the pride for an attack. Later, Ekene and his pride attack Nguruma, Timon, and Pumbaa at Lake Shangaza. The Lion Guard, Mhina, and Anga arrive on the scene, and Kion soon roars the pride out of the Pride Lands. Later, Ekene and the others attack Wema at the watering hole, but just like before, Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to drive them out quickly. Later, Reth's Pride meets with other antagonists and Ushari at Broken Rock, where Ushari reveals that they can summon Scar back. When he hears that everything is going according to plan, Ushari orders Shupavu to fetch Reth's Pride. Some time afterward, Reth's Pride attacks Denahi, Nguruma, and Makini at the watering hole, and Kion, Beshte, Ma Tembo, and Makuu arrive on the scene. Alasiri and Ekene back Denahi into the water. However, they are defeated, and Ma Tembo and Makuu scare the pride away.

When Scar commences his war on the Pride Lands, Reth's Pride is present inside the Outlands Volcano. Shortly after, Reth's Pride lures Marigold away from Pride Rock, kidnapping her and taking her to Rocky Plateau. Zazu warns Fuli, who speeds to Rocky Plateau and confronts the pride. Kariuki throws Marigold over the crevasse, but Hadithi's bird army appears, and while the birds swarm Reth's Pride, Hadithi and Anga rescue Marigold. Fuli takes her back to Pride Rock, informing her grandparents of what happened, and repeating this same information to Kion. Despite their defeat at Rocky Plateau, Reth's Pride does not give up, and they proceed to attack Maumivu Thorn Patch. Ono warns Kion, and Mhina immediately offers for him and his siblings to fight them. Although Kion has his reservations, he agrees, and they rush off. At Maumivu Thorn Patch, there is chaos everywhere, and the leopons charge into the battle. Kicheko slams into Ekene, knocking him into an acacia tree. Once Mhina is scarred, Reth's Pride retreats. Following their defeat in the final battle, Reth gathers his pride, and vows revenge against the Lion Guard and Mhina. Later, on Scar's orders, the skinks "attempt" to stop the Lion Guard from entering the caldera, but they are quickly swatted aside.

### Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy

Nyeusi informs Reth's Pride that the Lion Guard and their friends are traveling to the Tree of Life. Delighted with this information, Reth decides that they'll follow the Guard in order to get revenge on them, and he begins to lead the pride to the border. Soon, the pride meets Makucha's Leap and Ora's Bank at the waterfall. When Makucha presents Ora and Reth with an offer for their respective groups to join the leap in their quest to go the Tree of Life, Reth declines, wishing for his pride to remain independent in their quest for revenge. The next day, Reth's Pride meets outside the Mountain Pass. Later, the pride attacks in two places at once, Marsh Forest and the Tundra; Nirmala and Ullu rush off to stop them. At Marsh Forest, Fuli, Rani, and Mhina fight Reth, Slash, Alasiri, and Ekene. Ekene soon advances on Astuto and Contenta's pups, but Rani intercepts him, sending him crashing into the ground.

However, Ekene recovers and pins Rani down, and she struggles to break free. Slowly, he begins to asphyxiate her, pressing his paw down on her throat. Suddenly, Nirmala arrives and slams Ekene away, warning him to stay away from her niece. She slashes at his muzzle with enough force to drive him back. Eventually, Reth calls a retreat, and the pride runs off. Later, after advancing through the Mountain Pass, Reth announces that it is time for another attack - this time targeting Saumu's Pounce, and Ekene asks if they're really going to go after cats. Reth confirms this, pointing out that they are weak and won't stand a chance. After infiltrating their camp, Reth calls for his pride to attack, and they unleash pandemonium on the unsuspecting cats. Ullu and Cara quickly notify the Lion Guard, Night Pride, and Kingiza, who rush to the scene. Soon, Reth retreats with his pride, but not before warning everyone that their next attack will be much more vicious. Many days later, Reth rallies his pride for his master plan, and excited, Ekene exclaims that they'll be spoiled rich. During the final battle, the pride chases Saumu's Pounce, and when Kion distracts him, Reth orders Ekene to help him give chase. They eventually lose sight of Kion and are swept up in the tornado he creates with the Roar, which sends them and the army of predators far away.

## Trivia

* Ekene is voiced by Jorge Diaz.
* It is unknown what happened to Ekene nor his pride following the events of The Dark Prophecy. However, they will not be returning as antagonists in the series.