Swala

Species
 Hair color
 Eye color
 Residence
 Affiliations
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 Enemies

―Swala, as Muhimu gives birth[src] | ”

**Swala** is a female gazelle. She is the leader of a herd of gazelles in the Pride Lands.

When Swala's herd and Muhimu's herd began fighting over a depleted grazing ground, Simba advised his son, Kion, to lead the two herds to Mbali Fields. At first, the herds were happy to follow Kion's lead, but after a series of misfortunes, they began to lose their faith in him. With some encouragement from Muhimu, the herds followed Kion into the Outlands, where they defended Muhimu and her newborn foal from a hyena attack. Afterward, the gazelles and zebras arrived safely in Mbali Fields.

## Biography

### Early life

Swala lived in the Pride Lands. At some point in her life, she became the leader of a herd of gazelles.

### Migration to Mbali Fields

―Swala, during the migration to Mbali Fields[src] | ”

When Swala and her herd got into a fight with Muhimu and her herd, the Lion Guard rushed to put a stop to the skirmish. Once at the scene of the fight, Bunga got sat on by Muhimu, who continued to squabble with Swala until Kion roared for silence. With the herds paying attention, Kion and Beshte pointed out that the grazing grounds in the Pride Lands were open to everyone, but Swala and Muhimu explained that there was only one small patch of grass left for them to share.

After Kion consulted with his father, Simba, Bunga announced to the herds that they were going to be taken across the Pride Lands to Mbali Fields. Shortly afterward, Ono informed Kion about a route that they could take to Mbali Fields. After Ono's report, Kion announced to the herds that he would be leading them to Mbali Fields, and the assembled animals cheered for him. With a proud Kion in the lead, the herds set out on their journey across the Pride Lands.

Eventually, the herds made it to a canyon, where Kion attempted to encourage the gazelles and zebras to continue in spite of their fatigue and hunger. Ono assured Kion that they were close, though he voiced his worries about an oncoming storm. As the herds paused to behold Mbali Fields, Muhimu lost patience and began to charge down the canyon with her herd. Not to be outdone, Swala and her gazelles tore after them.

A frantic Lion Guard attempted to stop the stampeding herds, but, too late, a huge pile of rocks fell into the midst of the canyon and blocked the way to Mbali Fields. Kion realized that they must scout out another route, for the rocks were unmovable. Ono rushed to fulfill this new command, but when he returned to Kion, he admitted that the only other way to Mbali Fields would take them through the Outlands. Kion grimly accepted their fate.

As the herds set out, the storm broke over the canyon, and the animals began to complain about Kion's leadership. No sooner had they finished griping when a flash flood forced the herds to race to higher ground. While Ono led the herds to safety, Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard rescued those still trapped in the rising waters, including Swala.

Once the herds were safe, they began to complain about Kion and criticized his choice to take them through the canyon. However, Muhimu spoke up and took the blame for the stampede. She then promised to make things easier from then on, and Kion thanked her for her loyalty.

Due to Muhimu's words of encouragement, the herds trusted Kion to lead them into the Outlands. However, just as they entered the Outlands, Muhimu began to go into labor, and Kion was forced to make a difficult choice. While he sent Beshte, Fuli, and Ono ahead to keep leading the herds, he, Bunga, and Swala stayed behind to help Muhimu give birth.

Under the careful watch of Swala and several others, Muhimu gave birth to a son. No sooner had the zebra foal been born when he emitted a loud bray, which attracted the attention of Janja and his minions, Cheezi and Chungu. The three hyenas plunged down the ridge in the hopes of scattering the gazelles and zebras, but Kion ordered his allies to protect Muhimu and her foal while he and Bunga took on the hyenas.

Together, Bunga and Kion distracted Cheezi and Chungu, but Janja managed to break through their defense to attack the zebras. However, he was kicked in the face by Muhimu's foal, and the hyenas were bested by the herds' teamwork. With the hyenas defeated, the Lion Guard led the rest of the gazelles and zebras to Mbali Fields, where Bunga played happily with Muhimu's foal.

### Saved by the Lion Guard

―Swala, during a stampede[src] | ”

When Swala and her herd attempted to climb an unstable rock pile in order to reach a patch of grassland, the Lion Guard raced to warn them of the danger. Seeing the approaching Lion Guard, the gazelles panicked and began to clamber up the rock pile, during which they dislodged stones. The herd then sprinted across the savanna toward an exposed nest of ostrich eggs.

Just in time, Ono reached Swala and tried to get her attention. Swala called for her herd to halt and asked Ono to repeat himself. Seeing the ostrich eggs safe, Ono simply left the conversation, and the gazelles remained standing peacefully among the grass.

## Physical appearance

Swala is tall, large, and slender, with a strong build and a thick neck. Her pelt is light brown, with patches of white above her hooves and on the underside of her tail. Her underbelly is white and extends from around her eyes to the tip of her tail. She has dark markings around her eyes and on her sides, gray horns, and brown eyes.

## Personality and traits

Swala can be antagonistic and hostile. She always looks out for the best interest of her herd and will fight fiercely for what she believes in. However, when put to the test, Swala is willing to put aside her misgivings about others in order to do what is right, such as how she defended Muhimu from three hungry hyenas.

## Relationships

* Lion Guard
	+ Kion - Savior
	+ Ono - Friend
	+ Beshte
	+ Bunga
	+ Fuli
* Muhimu's herd
	+ Muhimu - Former Rival and Close Friend
	+ Hamu
* Janja - Former Enemy
	+ Cheezi
	+ Chungu

## Appearances

* *The Lion King: Revisited*
	+ "Return of the Roar"
	+ "Lions of the Outlands"
	+ "Epilogue: An Important Coronation" (deleted scene)

## Trivia

* Swala was voiced by Tunisia Hardison.

* Swala's name means "impala, antelope" or "gazelle" in Swahili.