|
| Mandrills | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Hair color |
Black, blue, brown, cream, gray, tan, and white |
| Skin color |
Blue, pink, and red |
| Eye color |
Black, blue, and green |
| Distinctions |
Ruffs (males) |
| Sociocultural characteristics | |
| Habitat |
Savanna |
| Dominions | |
| Diet |
Fruit |
| Predators | |
| Notable members | |
Mandrills are a species of animal native to the Pride Lands and the Tree of Life. The Royal Mjuzi of the Pride Lands monarchy is traditionally a mandrill. They feed on fruit and are preyed upon by leopards.
History
Simba's presentation
The Lion KingRafiki, as he paints Simba
Rafiki presented the newborn Simba to the Pride Landers at Pride Rock. After the ceremony, he drew a painting of Simba on the trunk of his tree.[1]
Rafiki's advice to Timon
How convenient. Enter omniscient monkey, right on cue.Timon on Rafiki
As Timon searched for a dream home, he passed Rafiki's tree. Rafiki asked where he was going, and he replied that he was searching for a beautiful place where he did not have to hide or worry. Rafiki told him that he was seeking "Hakuna Matata," then advised him to look "beyond" what he saw.
He later informed Timon's mother about his encounter with Timon, and she angrily explained that Timon did not understand metaphors but rather took things literally. When she resolved to find her son, Rafiki reminded her that the journey of a thousand miles began with a single step, and she, in turn, stamped furiously on his foot.[2]
Rafiki confronts Simba
The Lion KingRafiki shows Simba the ghost of his father, Mufasa
Years later, when Scar became the king of Pride Rock, Rafiki caught a whiff of Simba's scent on the breeze and realized that the young prince was still alive. Rafiki followed the scent to the jungle, where he confronted Simba, feigning insanity. Annoyed by Rafiki's presence, Simba asked him who he was, but he simply asked the question right back. Eventually, Rafiki let slip that he knew Simba was "Mufasa's boy." Simba asked Rafiki if he had known Mufasa, but Rafiki clarified that he still knew Mufasa. Though Simba confessed that his father had died a long time ago, Rafiki insisted that he was alive and beckoned Simba to follow him.
With Rafiki in the lead, the two journeyed to a pool, where Rafiki urged Simba to look into the water. Though Simba dismissed his reflection as being meaningless, the mandrill implored him to look harder and told him that Mufasa lived in him. At that moment, Mufasa's spirit appeared before Simba and commanded him to return to the Pride Lands to take his place as the rightful king.
After the apparition had faded, Simba confessed that he knew he had to face his past but that he had been running from it for so long. Unexpectedly, Rafiki smacked him on the head with his bakora staff, then dismissed the action as being "in the past." Simba pointed out that his head still hurt, and Rafiki agreed that the past could hurt but that one could either run from it or learn from it. When he attempted to smack Simba again, the young lion ducked, and Rafiki asked him what he was going to do. After playfully tossing Rafiki's staff aside, Simba ran off en route to the Pride Lands, while Rafiki cheered for him.[1]
Battle for Pride Rock
The Lion KingRafiki to Simba, during his coronation
Rafiki joined Simba's pride in fighting Scar and his hyena minions for the throne of Pride Rock. After an extended battle, the pride emerged victorious. With Scar dead and the hyenas run off, Rafiki encouraged Simba to take his place as king, and he dutifully roared over his kingdom, accepting the title.[1]
Kiara's presentation
The Lion King II: Simba's PrideRafiki on Kiara
Rafiki presented the newborn Kiara to the Pride Landers at Pride Rock. After the ceremony, he informed Timon and Pumbaa that she was, in fact, a girl.[3]
Makini's apprenticeship
Rafiki is a Royal Mjuzi, and he believes that you may also grow up to be a Royal Mjuzi. But only the voices of the past at the Tree of Life will let him know for sure.Fikiri to Makini
When Makini was an infant, her parents presented her to Rafiki at the Tree of Life. There, he received affirmation from the voices of the past and so accepted her as his apprentice.[4] Even so, Queen Janna predicted that Makini would ultimately serve the Tree of Life, not the Pride Lands.[5]
Formation of the Lion Guard
He is ready. It is time!Rafiki on Kion
One day, Simba's son, Kion, used the Roar of the Elders for the first time, and the sound carried all the way to Rafiki, Nala, and Simba on Pride Rock. Upon hearing the Roar, Rafiki declared that Kion was "ready," but Simba argued that he was just a cub. Rafiki reminded him that he had heard Kion's Roar, and Nala encouraged him to listen to Rafiki.
Just then, Kion and his best friend, Bunga, approached. Rafiki asked Kion about his Roar, and he confessed that it had been different that day. To Kion's shock, Rafiki explained that it was the Roar of the Elders and that the Great Lions of the Past were roaring alongside him, lending him their power.
With Simba in the lead, the group entered the Lair of the Lion Guard, where Simba explained the premise of the Lion Guard and related how Scar had once led the Guard, only to lose his Roar forever. After the story, Rafiki warned Kion that, though the Roar could be used for great good, it could also be used for great evil. Simba then tasked his son with assembling a new Lion Guard.
Later, when Kion's newly formed Lion Guard stopped Janja's clan from attacking a herd of gazelles, Rafiki watched from afar with Simba and Nala. In the face of the Lion Guard's victory, Rafiki reminded Simba that it was time, and he finally agreed.[6]
Bunga the Wise
You hear that, everyone? I'm the Pride Lands' smartest animal. Rafiki said so.Bunga misinterprets Rafiki's words
When a flood threatened the Pride Lands, Bunga got the idea to knock a pile of rocks in the way; this temporarily stopped the water from flowing. As several Pride Landers gathered around, in awe of Bunga's idea, Rafiki approached and started to compliment honey badgers on their wisdom. However, mid-sentence, he dropped some fruit that he was carrying and cut himself off. Not waiting for Rafiki to finish, Bunga declared himself the smartest animal in the Pride Lands and left to tell his adoptive uncles, Timon and Pumbaa. Once the crowd had cleared, Rafiki finished what he had been saying: that total disaster would ensue if a honey badger did not think before he spoke.
Later, as the Lion Guard relaxed at a water hole, Bunga started to bask in a nearby patch of flowers, but Rafiki warned him not to do so. Bunga argued that Rafiki had called him the wisest animal in the Pride Lands, but Rafiki clarified that honey badgers were only smart when they thought things through. Just as Rafiki had warned, Bunga's basking spot turned out to be a puddle of mud. Despite the mistake, Bunga admitted that he could live with not being the smartest.[7]
Ono's injury
Your eye will be fine. Just wear this eye patch for three days...and no craziness.Rafiki to Ono, after the latter injures his eye
One day, Ono got dirt in his eye, and the Lion Guard brought him before Rafiki at the Lair of the Lion Guard. Rafiki, in turn, constructed an eye patch for Ono and told him to wear it for three days, adding that there should be "no craziness" in the meantime.
Later, Rafiki attempted to paint a portrait of the Lion Guard but was continually dissatisfied with the results. While he was painting, Beshte arrived, and the Lion Guard left on a mission. Lingering behind because of his injury, Ono told Rafiki that his painting looked just like the others, and Rafiki realized that Kion's Lion Guard was different because they were not just teammates, but friends. This made Ono decide that he must help his friends, no matter his condition.
After Ono helped his teammates with their mission, they all returned to the Lair of the Lion Guard. There, they saw that Rafiki had painted them so that they were all together as friends. Ono complimented Rafiki's work, and Rafiki commented that such words meant a lot to him, as they came from the keenest of sight.[8]
Kupatana
The Kupatana CelebrationRafiki, during the Kupatana celebration
Alongside the royal family, Rafiki presided over the Kupatana celebration at Mizimu Grove. After Simba made a brief opening speech, Rafiki announced that it was time, and the baobab flowers bloomed, scattering their petals.[9]
Bunga's cobra bite
Eh, Bunga? Honey badgers like you – you're immune to snake bites.Rafiki, after Bunga gets bitten by Ushari
When Ushari the cobra bit Bunga, the Lion Guard rushed him to Rafiki's tree. Despite Bunga's theatrics, Rafiki declared that he would do nothing, then explained that honey badgers were immune to snake bites.[10]
Rafiki's tale of Nala's father
These paintings? They show the history of the Pride Lands.Rafiki on his paintings
While Rafiki was painting in the Lair of the Lion Guard, Bunga stole his bakora staff and brought some of his paintings to life. At one point, he saw a painting of a lion cub who resembled Kion falling from a tree. Horrified, he worried that the paintings predicted the future and that this meant Kion was in danger. On his way out of the Lair, he tossed Rafiki's staff aside and accidentally knocked over some of his paints.
Later, Rafiki explained to the Lion Guard that the painting of "Kion" actually depicted Nala's father falling from a tree and being saved by the Guard of his day. He then tasked Bunga with cleaning up the spilled paints.[11]
Rafiki's tale of the Zimwi
The Zimwi is a terrifying beast! But it only comes into the Pride Lands on the night of the full moon.Rafiki
One night, Rafiki told a group of young animals the tale of the Zimwi, a legendary beast that stalked the Pride Lands on the night of the full moon. Though Kion doubted the story's legitimacy, the other young animals were spooked. Afterwards, Rafiki bid his audience good night and warned them not to let the Zimwi bite.[12]
Rafiki's tale of the Outsiders
And if they find out that Kion is Simba's son, there could be trouble. Much trouble!Rafiki on the Outsiders
One day, upon finding the Lion Guard in the Lair, Rafiki noticed Kion's absence, and Bunga explained that he had gone to the Outlands with Jasiri to deal with a pride of lions. Horrified, Rafiki deduced that Kion had encountered the Outsiders. In the face of the Guard's confusion, he explained that Simba had banished the Outsiders to the Outlands for retaining loyalties to Scar. He went on that their leader, Zira, had attacked Simba for insisting that Scar had never been the true king and that he had banished her, her family, and her followers to the Outlands as a result. He warned the Guard that there would be trouble if Zira found out that Kion was Simba's son, and they promptly left to save their friend.[13]
Savannah Summit
Mbeya, you must get up! I cannot finish the portrait with you sitting down.Rafiki, as he paints a portrait of the baboon leader and Mbeya
On the day of the Savannah Summit, Rafiki attempted to paint a portrait of the baboon leader and Mbeya. While Rafiki painted, Zazu got trapped beneath Mbeya, and the Lion Guard followed his distressed squawks to the scene. After the Guard resolved the problem, Zazu asked Rafiki if the incident would appear in his portrait, to which Rafiki replied that he would leave it out of the official painting.[14]
Start of Makini's training
The new stripes on your face and the color of your nose mean you're old enough to be a Royal Mjuzi. But you must learn to be quiet to hear the Lions of the Past.Rafiki to Makini
One day, Makini overheard Kion speaking with the spirit of his grandfather, Mufasa. She excitedly introduced herself to him and explained that she was Rafiki's new apprentice. Though she started to comment on how amazing it was that he could confer with Mufasa, Kion shushed her and reminded her that Rafiki did not speak openly about his abilities as a Royal Mjuzi.
Later, Rafiki began Makini's training at his tree, explaining that the new stripes on her face and the color of her nose signified that she was old enough to be a Royal Mjuzi. He then reminded her that she must be quiet in order to hear the voices of the Great Lions of the Past. Though Makini briefly quieted, she soon complained that she was not hearing anything, and Rafiki remarked that she must learn patience as well. Hoping to find something to ground her, he instructed her to locate her bakora staff among some nearby fallen branches.
While Makini was searching for her bakora staff, Ushari approached her and asked if she could commune with the Great Lions of the Past, like Kion could. She was surprised that he knew about this ability, and he lied that he was old friends with Kion and the Lion Guard. He then asked if evil spirits could be communicated with, and Makini replied that she did not know and that she would need to ask Rafiki. At that moment, she picked up a nearby branch and declared that it was her bakora staff. Delighted, Rafiki gave her two gourds to attach to the staff: one for the past and one for the future.
Together, Makini and Rafiki traveled to the Lair of the Lion Guard, where he introduced her to the Lion Guard. Beshte asked Rafiki why he was taking on an apprentice, and he explained that, when Makini had been born, the Great Lions of the Past had informed him that she would one day carry on his role in the Circle of Life and that she was finally old enough to begin her training.
As Makini examined some nearby wall paintings, she noticed a painting of Scar and asked Rafiki if it was possible to commune with an evil Lion of the Past. He answered that, with the combined power of the Roar of the Elders and the bakora staff, an evil spirit could indeed be contacted.
Afterwards, Makini and Rafiki left to attend her formal introduction to the royal family. Instead of waiting for Rafiki, Makini introduced herself to the royal family and offered to help Kiara on a special mission to assist Ma Tembo. Rafiki quickly caught up to his apprentice and berated her, after which he introduced her to the royal family himself. Kiara suggested that Makini accompany her on her mission to help Ma Tembo, and Simba granted the request.
Together, Kiara and Makini approached Ma Tembo and offered to help her search for water. While looking around, they got attacked by Janja's clan, who made off with Makini's staff and Kiara herself. Worried for Kiara's safety, Makini alerted the Lion Guard to the situation, and they departed to rescue the kidnapped princess.
After the Lion Guard rescued Kiara, they joined Rafiki, Makini, and a crowd of Pride Landers who were spectating Ma Tembo's search for water. Realizing that the crowd was being too noisy, Makini shushed them, and Ma Tembo was finally able to locate a new water source. As the Pride Landers gathered around to drink, Rafiki praised his apprentice for having learned the importance of silence. She wondered where her staff had gone, but he reminded her that it was not the staff that was important, but rather the one who was holding it.[15]
Rafiki's neighbors
Live here? Ha! You cannot live here. I need quiet to train my apprentice.Rafiki to Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha
One day, at his tree, Rafiki taught Makini how to paint according to the voices of the past. To demonstrate, he listened, then painted a portrait of a lioness. When it was Makini's turn, however, the duo got interrupted by the arrival of three noisy animals at the base of the tree: Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha. The trio declared that they wanted to take up residence at Rafiki's tree, but he refused, pointing out that he needed quiet in order to train his apprentice. Furaha argued that Rafiki was wise but fun, and Makini posited that it might be fun to let the three stay with them. Though reluctant, Rafiki finally allowed the trio to remain at his tree, though he warned them to keep quiet while he prepared Makini for her upcoming painting ceremony.
Later, the Lion Guard found Rafiki meditating in a tree, and he explained that he was taking a break from his noisy new neighbors. Curious as to why the young animals were not with their herds, the Lion Guard investigated and learned from the trio that they had been kicked out due to their unruly behavior. Kion offered to escort the youngsters back to their families, and Rafiki agreed enthusiastically, adding that it was part of their role in the Circle of Life to be with their own kind. This at last convinced them to leave.
Despite rejoining their herds, the three eventually returned to Rafiki's tree, interrupting another of his painting lessons. Irked, he demanded to know why they were not with their herds, and Mzaha declared that they simply did not belong with them. Makini was empathetic to the three's plight, but Rafiki insisted that his apprentice must learn how to paint so she could fulfill her role in the Circle of Life. Dejected, the three young animals left again.
Shortly afterwards, sparks from a nearby fire set Rafiki's tree ablaze, and he and Makini found themselves trapped in its branches. Just in time, Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha approached and helped the two reach safety. They then began to combat the fire themselves. Before long, the Lion Guard joined in, and their combined efforts extinguished the blaze. Once the danger had passed, Rafiki thanked his rescuers for their help and, as a token of gratitude, offered Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha a place at his tree. Though grateful, they opted to live near Big Springs instead.
That night, Makini painted a portrait of the royal family before an audience of Pride Landers.[16]
Ukumbusho
Rafiki just told me I'll be painting the elephants for the Ukumbusho. It's so exciting!Makini
On the day of the Ukumbusho, Makini met up with Ma Tembo at Mizimu Grove and announced that she was to paint the elephants for the upcoming ceremony. Ma Tembo explained that they had gathered fruit for the peace paint, and Makini immediately went to work mixing the paint.
Later, when Ma Tembo pointed out that the Lion Guard was traditionally composed of lions only, Makini offered to paint Kion's friends to resemble lions. Afterwards, she painted the elephants. Before long, she ran out of yellow paint, and the elephants insisted that their ceremonial sunbursts were essential for the ceremony. Getting an idea, Kion suggested that Makini make more yellow paint, and Ma Tembo instructed her to look for yellow fruit in a nearby forest. Makini did so, eventually locating some yellow flowers that were surrounded by bees. After collecting the flowers and making them into paint, she finished dressing up Ma Tembo's herd.
That evening, the Ukumbusho Tradition began, only for a swarm of bees to attack the elephants. In attempting to calm the elephants, the Lion Guard realized that the bees were attracted to the pollen in Makini's paint. They subsequently instructed Mtoto to blast the elephants' paint off with dust.
Once the herd had calmed, they returned to Mizimu Grove, and Makini apologized to Ma Tembo for her mistake. She then offered to find yellow fruit and repaint the herd's sunbursts. Kion, however, suggested that they continue the Ukumbusho without any paint, and the elephants begrudgingly agreed.[17]
Kenge's attack
The Bite of KengeMakini and Ono, after Kenge paralyzes the Lion Guard
When a monitor lizard named Kenge bit Beshte, Fuli, and Kion, paralyzing them, Ono flew to Rafiki's tree to fetch help. Since she was the only one at home, Makini agreed to use her limited knowledge of remedies to help the Lion Guard. Once with the Guard, she remembered that ponya flowers might help but could not recall what they looked like. Ono pointed out that they were red and that a bush of them grew near Big Springs, and Makini promptly left to collect them.
After collecting the ponya flowers, Makini administered the treatment to Beshte, Fuli, and Kion. At that moment, Bunga resolved to face Kenge alone so he could rescue the Pride Lands' tikiti melons. Fearful for Bunga's safety, Kion sent Makini with him. The duo followed Kenge and his hyena allies to Embamba Canyon, where Bunga distracted them, while Makini rolled the tikiti melons to safety.
While fighting Bunga, Kenge noticed Makini and attacked her. Though she threw her bakora staff at him, he simply snapped it in half with his teeth. Just in time, the rest of the Lion Guard approached, fully healed, and Kion defeated the Outlanders with the Roar of the Elders. With the danger abated, Makini and the Guard rolled the tikiti melons back to the Pride Lands.[18]
Christmas
And as Royal Mjuzi, you will need to know all of the Pride Lands' celebrations.Rafiki to Makini
One day, Rafiki told Makini the story of how Timon and Pumbaa had brought Christmas to the Pride Lands.[19]
Makini's assistance with a drought
I saw it in the Back Lands. It's a big watering hole with lots of water. It was part of the zebra herd's grazing grounds.Makini on Dhahabu's watering hole
When the Pride Lands faced a water shortage, Simba consulted Rafiki for help in the Lair of the Lion Guard, but he admitted that the paintings of the past did not hold many clues. Noticing a nearby painting of a watering hole, Simba commented that he had never seen it before, and Makini recognized it as being from the Back Lands and belonging to a herd of zebras. Simba deduced that it must belong to Dhahabu, then instructed the Lion Guard to ask her for permission for the Pride Landers to use it.[20]
Scar's attack on Rafiki
That "old monkey" is dangerous. He has the ability to sense the Lions of the Past.Scar on Rafiki
One day, Scar ordered his army to attack Rafiki because of his ability to sense the Lions of the Past. While Janja's clan snuck up on Rafiki, Reirei's pack caused a distraction elsewhere in the Pride Lands. Upon noticing the double attack, Kion sent Tamaa to deal with the jackals, while the Lion Guard left to protect Rafiki from Janja's clan.
As Rafiki meditated near Mapango Cliffs, the hyenas advanced on him, and a fire started nearby, per Scar's plan. To the hyenas' surprise, Rafiki used martial prowess to overpower them. At that moment, Janja noticed the Lion Guard approaching and lamented that their plan was falling apart. Eventually, the jackals joined the fight, but the Lion Guard and Rafiki still managed to overpower them and the hyenas.
After the fight, Rafiki thanked the Lion Guard for their timely rescue. He then noticed Kion approaching the site of the fire, which had died down to embers and burned grass, and followed him. The two examined a strange marking on the ground, and Rafiki recognized it as a symbol of great evil. Greatly troubled, he decided to consult the paintings of the past about the matter.[21]
Sumu's attack on Simba
We're trying our best to help him, Kion. We just haven't figured out the best way to help him.Makini to Kion, as she and Rafiki attempt to heal Simba
On the day of the Kumbuka celebration, Rafiki presided over the ceremony at Pride Rock. In the midst of the event, a scorpion named Sumu stung Simba on the tail, causing him to collapse. Upon examining the wound, Rafiki determined that Simba had been stung by a scorpion.
Once Simba had been moved into the royal den, Makini and Rafiki tended to him as best they could. Before long, Rafiki remembered that volcanic ash could cure a scorpion's sting and implored the Lion Guard to fetch some from the Outlands volcano. Though Bunga volunteered to carry the gourd that would hold the ash, he nearly dropped it, and so, Rafiki sent Makini to perform the task instead.
Along with Makini, the Lion Guard rushed to the volcano and collected some of the ash. As they started to leave, however, Scar manifested in the caldera and surrounded them with his army. With no other option, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blast the Outlanders away, and the Lion Guard raced out of the volcano. Mzingo's parliament followed them and nearly wrestled the gourd full of ash away from Makini, but Kion defeated them with the Roar.
Just in time, Bunga and Fuli delivered the ash to Rafiki, who administered a dose to Simba. The rest of the Lion Guard arrived at Pride Rock to find Simba weak but recovering, and Rafiki promptly shooed them from the den so that Simba could get some rest. Once outside the den, Kion told Rafiki that he must speak with his father, but Rafiki insisted that Simba must rest. Kion then revealed that Scar had returned, and Rafiki agreed that he should talk about the situation with Simba once the king recovered.[22]
Makini escorts Kongwe to Pride Rock
You're just lucky I never really liked mandrill.Makucha to Makini
One day, at Pride Rock, Rafiki tasked Makini with finding Kongwe, the oldest and wisest animal in the Pride Lands, so Simba could confer with her about Scar's return. When Simba worried that the journey might take too long, Fuli volunteered to help speed up the trip.
Together, Fuli and Makini traveled to Urembo River, where they discovered that Kongwe was a tortoise. Makini informed Kongwe that Simba wished to speak with her at Pride Rock, and Fuli urged her to come with them right away. Though Kongwe offered words of wisdom to the two, only Makini was receptive to her advice.
Along the way to Pride Rock, a tree toppled into the trio's path, forcing them to take a route through the Back Lands. No sooner had they entered foreign territory when Makucha approached and expressed interest in eating Kongwe. Fuli, however, jumped to the tortoise's defense, and Makucha reluctantly backed off. Before long, he returned and advanced on Kongwe. Makini challenged him to a fight, but he merely batted her aside and remarked that she was lucky he did not like mandrills. Just in time, Fuli chased him away again.
At sunset, the trio reconvened with the Lion Guard in the Pride Lands, and the group traveled to Pride Rock as one. There, Kongwe urged Simba to be patient and asserted that good always triumphed over evil in the end.[23]
Makini explores the Lair of the Lion Guard
Cave of SecretsKion and Makini, after they discover a chamber beneath the Lair
While the Lion Guard was scouring the Lair for clues on how to defeat Scar, Makini approached and showed them around, explaining that all the Lair's caverns contained paintings. Eventually, Kion noticed a boulder that was blocking a painting, and Beshte shoved it aside to reveal a secret tunnel. Makini brought a nearby painting to life, and it revealed that Askari and his Lion Guard had ventured deep into the Lair's caverns in order to defeat a great evil. While the Guard resolved to navigate the Lair's caverns themselves, Makini stayed behind to study the Lair's paintings more.
While examining the Lair's paintings, Makini stumbled upon a hole in the ground and realized that the Lion Guard had fallen through it. Worried for their safety, she jumped into the hole and followed their tracks through the winding passageways below. Though Kion was reluctant to endanger her further, Makini pointed out that the caverns were full of paintings that had been done by Royal Mjuzis like her, and he at last allowed her to come.
As the group reached a chasm, Makini brought a nearby painting to life, and it showed Askari's bravest walking across the divide, seemingly on thin air. Using the painting as inspiration, Bunga recklessly jumped into the chasm and ended up revealing an invisible bridge. The group soon reached another chamber, where Makini showed off another painting that depicted Askari and his Lion Guard defeating an evil pride of lions by using an unstoppable force.
The group moved on, entering another chamber that contained a pool of water and another painting. As he studied the pool, Kion realized that it showed their reflections; thus, it was the Lion Guard itself that was the unstoppable force. Makini then brought the painting to life, and it showed how Askari's Guard had worked together to defeat the pride of evil lions. She apologized for having failed to explain this earlier, but Kion reminded her that their journey had taught them their value as a team.[24]
Rafiki trains Bunga in combat
The Hyena ResistanceBunga and Rafiki, as the latter teaches the former how to use a stick to fight
One day, while attempting to use Rafiki's moves on the Army of Scar, Bunga injured his back. At his friends' urging, he visited Rafiki at his tree, and Rafiki taught him how to wield a stick as a weapon. Eventually, Bunga injured himself again and opted to rejoin the Guard, but Rafiki reminded him to keep practicing so that his form would improve.[25]
Makini's mpando mpaya
Every baobab tree in Mizimu Grove was planted by a Royal Mjuzi while they were training, and tonight, I get to plant mine!Makini
On the day of Makini's mpando mpaya, she showed the Lion Guard a root that she would plant in Mizimu Grove, as per tradition for Royal Mjuzi apprentices. That evening, Timon and Pumbaa performed "Tujiinue" for Makini's mpando mpaya. In the midst of the ceremony, the Army of Scar attacked, and Scar manifested in a nearby fire, frightening the gathered Pride Landers away.
The next day, Kion brought the Pride Landers back to Mizimu Grove, where they discovered that Makini's sapling had survived the fire. Kion reminded the Pride Landers that they were strong together, and they resolved to remain in the Pride Lands and resist Scar's tyranny. As they looked on, Makini planted her root.[26]
Battle for the Pride Lands
If Kion is to get better, he must seek out the Tree of Life.Rafiki, after Ushari bites Kion
After the battle for the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard brought Kion to Rafiki for healing, as he had been bitten and scarred by Ushari. Before examining Kion, Rafiki studied Ono's eyes and concluded that only time would tell if his vision would heal from the vog. Turning to Kion, he explained that he had seen such an injury before and that it was not good. He gave Kion some tuliza to calm him, then explained that Ushari's venom may warp his sense of right and wrong. He added that there was no cure in the Pride Lands but that he could seek healing at the Tree of Life.
Shortly afterwards, the Lion Guard readied to leave for the Tree of Life. Before they departed, Rafiki sent Makini with them, and she explained that she had already visited the Tree of Life before and that she could administer tuliza to Kion as needed. Together, the group left the Pride Lands on their journey.[27]
Makini's memories of the Tree of Life
I know that I was here with you, Mom, but my friends think we might be going the wrong way. I wish I could run back to the Pride Lands and ask you for help. What would you say? Maybe... "As you move forward."Makini, after the Lion Guard gets lost in the desert
As the Lion Guard traveled to the Tree of Life, they reached a moja kwa moja stone near a dry riverbed, and Makini reminisced about her original journey to the Tree of Life with her parents. Just then, Anga reported that the next moja kwa moja stone was near a dry pool, but Makini noted that the pool had used to be full. Suddenly, she remembered a nearby waterfall that she had visited with her parents and begged the Lion Guard to take a detour with her. They did so, only to discover that the waterfall had dried up.
As the group continued on, Makini continued to recall memories from her past journey, but the reality of the surrounding landscape proved to be quite different from her recollections. As a result, the Lion Guard began to question if her memories were accurate or not. Eventually, the team arrived at the dry pool, and Ono revealed that the next landmark was four white flowers in the shape of a diamond. Makini could not recall any white flowers from her previous trip but explained that she and her parents had crossed a vast desert in order to reach a series of cliffs. Though reluctant to rely on Makini's memories, the Guard let her take the lead.
Together, the team crossed the desert, only for a storm to blow away their footprints and leave them lost. Per Ono's suggestion, they built a burrow in the sand and rested there until nighttime. As night began to fall, Makini's thoughts turned to her parents, and she hypothetically asked her mother what she would say if she could offer advice, recalling her parents' advice to "move forward." At that moment, Beshte approached, and Makini confided in him about her doubts. He encouraged her to leave her past mistakes behind and to remember that a lot had changed in the seasons since she had been there.
As the Lion Guard journeyed on, a jerboa named Tupp showed them to some water that had gathered on a plant's leaves. He likewise explained that desert creatures navigated their surroundings by using the stars. This made the Guard realize that the "flowers" on Rafiki's map were, in fact, stars; thus, Makini's memories had been right all along. Together, the group headed toward some cliffs in the distance.[4]
Rafiki's plot to bring together Kovu and Kiara
The Lion King II: Simba's PrideKovu and Rafiki
As Kiara grew into a young adult, Rafiki remarked that she would someday be a queen to make the Pride Landers proud. However, he worried that Kovu was growing stronger and that his mother, Zira, was filling his heart with hatred. As he confessed his worries to Mufasa's spirit, a strong wind suddenly blew down one of his gourds, splitting it open upon the ground. Rafiki picked up the broken pieces, only to realize that they formed a single image around Kovu's and Kiara's paintings. Though he was reluctant to follow through with Mufasa's plan, he eventually accepted it.
Later, Rafiki attended the onset of Kiara's first hunt. During the hunt, a fire broke out, and Kovu saved Kiara from danger. Simba confronted Kovu, hostile and distrustful, until Rafiki pointed out from a nearby ridge that Kovu had saved Kiara's life. Simba then reluctantly allowed the rogue to join his pride.
One evening, Rafiki brought Kovu and Kiara to a jungle paradise, where he encouraged them to pursue their romantic feelings for one another. However, when Zira ambushed Simba, he exiled Kovu from the Pride Lands, and Rafiki looked on in disapproval and despair.[3]
Marriage of Kovu and Kiara
After the Outsiders reconciled with Simba's pride, Rafiki married Kovu and Kiara at Pride Rock.[3]
Makini's training with Janna
I'm glad you are here, Makini. It's been some time since we've had a Royal Mjuzi. That bakora staff was hers, before she completed her journey on the Circle of Life.Janna
Once the Lion Guard arrived at the Tree of Life, Queen Janna and Makini recalled one another from Makini's past trip to the Tree of Life. To Makini's delight, Janna offered to continue her training as a Royal Mjuzi. Later on, Janna noted that it had been a long time since the Tree of Life had had a Royal Mjuzi and gave Makini their past Royal Mjuzi's bakora staff.[28]
Janna's death
And Makini, your Royal Mjuzi, will help guide you.Janna prepares Rani to become queen
As Janna neared death, Makini tended to her in the Tree of Life. Before long, the Night Pride approached, and Janna reminded Rani that Makini would help guide her when she became queen. Soon after, Janna died, and Makini grieved for her. Afterwards, Makini told Rani that it was her duty as a Royal Mjuzi to inform the animals of the Tree of Life about Janna's death. Standing before the gathered crowd, she announced Janna's passing and made arrangements for her funeral as well as Rani's coronation.
Later, Makini showed Rani several paintings in the Tree of Life that depicted the territory's history, some of which Makini herself had completed. At that moment, Varya asked Rani for permission to stay at the Tree of Life with her cubs, but the young queen did not know how to proceed. In answer, Makini gestured to the nearby paintings, and Rani consulted them for help.
At sunset, Makini presided over Rani's coronation.[29] Later, when the Lion Guard resolved to return to the Pride Lands, Makini opted to remain at the Tree of Life, as it was her role in the Circle of Life to serve Queen Rani.[30] Upon learning about Makini's decision, Rafiki laughed and noted that Janna had been correct all along. Afterwards, he, Kiara, and Kovu explained to the Lion Guard how the Outsiders had joined Simba's pride.[5]
Battle of the Lion Guards
Pride Landers, welcome to the Battle of the Lion Guards. Kion's Guard will compete with Vitani's to see which team is the best.Rafiki, during the Battle of the Lion Guards
At Mizimu Grove, Rafiki announced the Battle of the Lion Guards to a crowd of Pride Landers.[5]
Kion's coronation
Animals of the Tree of Life, friends from near and far, it is my honor to present King Kion.Makini, during Kion's coronation
During Kion's coronation, Makini anointed him and formally announced him to the crowd at the Tree of Life. She then embraced her parents, who were in the crowd.[5]
Notable mandrills
Appearances
Trivia
- In the film series, Rafiki is erroneously referred to as a "baboon" or "monkey."[1] However, this mistake is remedied in The Lion Guard, in which Rafiki and his kind are correctly referred to as "mandrills."[15]
- In Mufasa: The Lion King, Rafiki is also erroneously referred to as a "baboon."[31]
References
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