Askari

Spirit

―Askari to Kion | ”

**Askari** was a male Barbary lion who was the leader of the first Lion Guard, who discovered the Roar of the Elders. He was the second born son of Mohatu and Hadiya the king and queen of Pride Rock at the time.

## Appearance

Askari was a large, broad-shouldered, and powerfully built lion. He had golden fur and a lush red mane that was striped with orange. He had pink inner ears, a white muzzle, a square jaw, and dark eye rims. His eyebrows were dark brown and exceptionally thick. He had black eyes with yellow sclerae.

## Personality

Askari is known for his wisdom, kind humor, and good deeds. He is also sometimes very strict with rules and laws.

He teaches Kion about the powers of the roar showing that he is knowledgeable. He also believes in defending and helping the Circle of Life even outside of the Pride Lands.

## History

### Backstory

Before Askari was the leader of the first Lion Guard, he was the prince of Pride Rock, the second-born cub of Mohatu and Hadiya , and the younger brother of Simama. Sometime in his adulthood, the Pride Lands in his time was about to be taken over by a group of evil lions that almost destroyed the kingdom. To stop them, the good lions of the Pride Lands formed a powerful force where the worthiest in the kingdom would be chosen to stop them, giving rise to Askari being the leader of the Pride Lands' first Lion Guard. Sometime during his life, he discovered the Roar of the Elders at the Tree of Life and learned to master its powers. He also put out a fire at the Tree of Life.

During one of his many adventures as leader of the first Lion Guard in the Pride Lands, he and his team made a peace pact between the elephants and the lions of the Pride Lands believing that both creatures are wise enough to work together in harmony. He also led a group of animals to Mizimu Grove for shelter during Zuhour and her clan's attack on the Pride Landers. Sometime after this, he passed away, leaving his legacy behind. This started the tradition of the leader of the Lion Guard, which would be passed down from generation to generation through his brothers' descendants, most notably Scar and Kion. After his death, he took a spiritual form as one of the Great Spirits of the Past.

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

Askari meets with other Spirits of the Past in the skies above Sehemu Pass to discuss the return of Scar. Lamenting, Askari suggests that if he watched Scar like he has with Kion, he wouldn't have turned evil, but Ahadi reassures him that nobody could have known the path he went down in life. Mufasa promises to help Kion however he can, and Askari responds that he'll do the same, adding that there will be peace in the kingdoms once more. Later, Kion forgives Scar and decides to have the Spirits of the Past judge him instead, blowing softly and summoing Ahadi, Uru, Mufasa, and Askari, though he does not recognize the latter. They send a torrent of rain onto Scar, vanquishing him for good.

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

Askari, albeit unnamed, appears to Kion in a starry field. He reveals that he will come to know his name eventually, and that he has a great responsibility to uphold. He warns of darkness coming to a place of life, and it is his duty to stop this darkness. He must find hope when all is lost, and soon, he will make the choice that will impact him forever. He disappears, leaving Kion in stunned stupor. He returns to Pride Rock, still shocked over what he has seen. Later, Kenene and Janna tell Makini, Nguruma, and Umhlaba about Askari. Through a cave painting activated by Kenene's staff, Askari roars at a rock, destroying it, exciting Makini and Umhlaba. Janna explains the painting to Nguruma, who is equally as impressed by it. Kenene adds that long ago, Askari discovered the Roar of the Elders at Cikha Escarpment, and he sought to learn everything it could do - eventually mastering it altogether. Nguruma asks if Askari had any siblings, and Janna mentions his brother, Simama. He then questions if they were close like he and Kion are, and she believes so.

Later, Askari appears to Kion at Cikha Escarpment, introducing himself to him, and Kion recognizes him as the first leader of the Lion Guard and one of the lions who vanquished Scar. In turn, Askari recognizes him as the new leader of the Guard, which he confirms, and Kion then admits that he hasn't been in control of the Roar. Softening, Askari declares that he is ready to learn about the true abilities of the Roar. He explains that it has great power, and if one is in control of their emotions, it can also be used with precision. He asks Kion if he sees a pillar of rocks with a boulder on top near the escarpment, which he confirms, and Askari says that by controlling and focusing his emotions, he should be able to levitate the boulder and destroy it. He instructs Kion to stay calm, focus, and then roar, and following his steps, Kion successfully unleashes the Roar of the Elders. The force hovers the boulder for a few seconds, then shatters it into fragments that fall to the ground. Askari praises him, stating that he mastered that skill quickly, and Kion requests to learn more. Askari agrees to tell him all that the Roar can do. Some time afterward, Janna tells Makini, Umhlaba, and Nguruma the story of how Askari put out a raging fire at the Tree of Life.

Long ago, Askari was practicing the Roar of the Elders at Cikha Escarpment when dry lightning struck the Tree of Life, setting it ablaze. The majordomo at the time informed Bahan and Bhaee of the roaring heard at the escarpement, and the king and queen immediately rushed there, placing all of their faith in the lion to save their kingdom. Upon learning of the situation, Askari rushed to the Tree of Life and leapt onto a boulder, where he'd then use the Roar of the Elders to summon a raincloud, sending rain down on the Tree and vanquishing the fire. Bahan and Bhaee extended their gratitude to Askari and offered for him to stay as long as he wanted. Since that day, Askari became a legend, and his heroics were detailed in cave paintings left behind by Salamu. The next day, Kion ventures to Cikha Escarpment and calls out for Askari, summoning him and stating that he wants to continue his training. Askari accepts his request, and he states that he desires to someday be a legendary leader of the Guard like he was, to which the spirit promises that he'll soon learn everything the Roar can do, performing *Power of the Roar* to uplift his morale. Brimming with tenacity, Kion squares his paws and focuses on a large rock in front of him, unleashing the Roar of the Elders and shattering it, much to his surprise. Triumphantly, he notes that he had never done that before, and wishing to prove his mastery of his abilities, he bounds down a pathway and towards a boulder. Kion uses the Roar of the Elders with more power, raising it in the air slightly, making him crestfallen, but out of the corner of his eye, he sees Askari quietly encouraging him to try again. Encouraged, he refuses to concede and roars again; this time, the force of the Roar is strong enough to fling the boulder far away.

Now believing he can do anything, Kion roars at several boulders on the edge of Cikha Escarpment, catapulting them into the air, and noticing small rocks, he forms a tornado with the rocks and sends the concoction into a dead tree, splintering it. Satisfied, he yearns for more and uses the Roar to summon large rocks, raising them into the air, then propels himself off the ground, creating rock spires and reaching the clouds - meeting Askari eye-to-eye. Impressed, Askari remarks that he hasn't seen anyone utilize the Roar of the Elders so skillfully or achieve such feats, and Kion responds that he wants to stay at Cikha Escarpment and keep learning what he can do. Chuckling, he says that he has a lot to learn, urging him to make himself stronger than he ever was before. When Bunga and Rani ask Makini and Janna about Kion's whereabouts, Makini suggests he's at Cikha Escarpment, the place where Askari first discovered the Roar - hinting that he is practicing it. Rani is shocked, recalling the stories she was told about Askari, and she and Bunga hurry to Cikha Escarpment. Before Kion leaves to join Bunga and Rani at the battlefield, he thanks Askari's form in the sky, and using his tutelage, he defeats the predators and sends them far away from the Tree of Life. After returning home and sleeping, Kion awakens in a starry field, the breeze drifting through his mane, and looking up at his sky, he recognizes the four stars from his earlier dream.

The clouds above him shimmer to reveal Askari, shocking him, as he did not expect to see him in another dream. Askari warmly greets him, stating that he has fulfilled the prophecy by saving the Tree of Life and dispelling the darkness, in addition to mastering the Roar of the Elders. He has learned to stay strong even when all is lost - it is not just him who is proud. Kion is left further in disbelief, having forgotten about the prophecy completely, and he nervously questions if every spirit is proud of him. Askari responds that they're here watching their conversation right now, but the young lion is skeptical, not seeing anyone else present. However, Askari chuckles as four other spirits appear beside him in the sky, and scanning them, Kion realizes that they are the other members of Askari's Lion Guard: the bravest, Sefu, the fastest, Abasi, the strongest, Haji, and the keenest of sight, Erevu. All admire Kion and are noted to have followed him throughout his journey, proud for continuing what they started so long ago. Askari states that they have watched Kion grow and carried on their traditions, considering him to be one of the greatest tales in the Pride Lands' history. His story is only just beginning, and he must continue to lead the Guard for seasons to come. Askari then promises that they'll guide Kion throughout his journey, and before he and his Guard disappear, he advises him to stay strong and confident.

## Family

* **Father:** Mohatu
* **Mother:** Hadiya
* **Brother:** Simama
* **Distant relatives:** Mufasa †, Scar †, Simba, Kiara, Kion, Nguruma
* **Distant in-laws:** Nala, Kovu, Mhina

## Trivia

* Askari is voiced by Michael Luwoye.
* He has acquired much experience and wisdom from his time as the leader of the Lion Guard and serves as a mentor to Kion.
* Askari and Hatari are the only lions in Legends of the Lion Guard to have sclarae darker than their irises.