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Kongwe
Kongwe
Physical information
Gender

Female

Species

Tortoise

Skin color

Brown, red, and tan

Eye color

Brown

Distinguishing features

Giant shell

Biographical information
Status

Living

Residence

Pride Lands

Affiliations

Pride Landers

Titles

   Oldest animal in the Pride Lands
   Wisest animal in the Pride Lands

Relationship information
Family

Unnamed mother

Allies

Beshte, Bunga, Fuli, Kion, Makini, Ono, Rafiki, Simba

Enemies

Makucha

I have seen many things, young Mjuzi, because I stop and observe. That's probably the best way to see a lot of things.
―Kongwe to Makini[src]

Kongwe is a female tortoise. She is the oldest and wisest animal in the Pride Lands.

When the spirit of Scar threatened the Pride Lands, Fuli and Makini sought out Kongwe for her wisdom. The two escorted her across the Pride Lands, during which Fuli took her advice in order to fend off a hungry Makucha. Once at Pride Rock, Kongwe assured Simba that good always triumphed over evil in the end.

Biography[]

Early life[]

Kongwe lived in the Pride Lands. She earned a reputation for being the wisest animal in the Pride Lands.[1]

Advising Simba[]

The cheetah listened to the tortoise. Perhaps now, I've truly seen everything.
―Kongwe, after Fuli takes her advice[src]
2018-04-21-02 53 55

Fuli and Makini locate Kongwe at Urembo River.

Fuli and Makini traveled to Urembo River in search of Kongwe. While searching, Fuli accidentally stepped on Kongwe's shell, alerting the tortoise to the two's presence. Fuli and Makini realized that they had found Kongwe, and Makini informed her that Simba desired her presence at Pride Rock. Kongwe attempted to offer words of wisdom to the two, but only Makini was receptive to the tortoise's advice.

Fuli attempted to hurry along Kongwe, who made frequent stops to observe her surroundings. Fuli attempted to explain her lifestyle to Kongwe, but the plan backfired when Kongwe withdrew into her shell to ponder Fuli's words. Fuli grew impatient with Kongwe and attempted to move the tortoise herself. However, when she and Makini pushed on Kongwe's shell, the tortoise toppled down the side of a shallow ravine. With no choice but to lead Kongwe through the ravine, Fuli and Makini joined her on lower ground and began to guide her back toward Pride Rock.

2018-04-21-02 57 24

Kongwe explains the importance of taking time to enjoy the small things.

Along the way, Kongwe marveled at a dead tree, which was clinging weakly to the side of the ravine. As she watched, the tree's roots sprang free of the dirt, and the tree toppled to the ground. To Fuli's relief, Kongwe was unharmed. However, Fuli realized that they could not move Kongwe around the tree, so she decided to lead the team through the Back Lands.

Once in the Back Lands, the three were confronted by Makucha the leopard, who expressed interest in eating Kongwe. Fuli jumped to the tortoise's defense, and Makucha backed off, though he warned Fuli that they were in his territory.

2018-04-21-03 08 33

Kongwe advises Fuli to observe her surroundings.

Fuli and Makini continued guiding Kongwe through the Back Lands. Suddenly, Makucha jumped out of the underbrush, and Fuli gave chase. However, Makucha skillfully evaded her and climbed into a tree. Fuli attempted to follow him into the branches but got her claws stuck in the tree trunk. Makucha took advantage of her prone position to attack Kongwe, but Fuli wrenched herself free just in time and fended him off.

After the attack, Kongwe advised Fuli to observe Makucha in order to defeat him. At first, Fuli was adamant that she had already observed Makucha, but then she realized that Makucha always zigzagged in order to outpace her. With this new wisdom, Fuli resolved to take him on once more.

2018-04-21-03 11 39

Kongwe assures Simba that good always triumphs over evil.

Fuli approached Makucha and challenged him to another fight. This time, Fuli anticipated Makucha's zigzagging strategy and managed to catch up to him and pin him down. She ordered him away from Kongwe, and he begrudgingly backed off and left. Kongwe watched in amazement, as she had not expected a cheetah to listen to a tortoise.

At sunset, Fuli, Makini, and Kongwe converged with the rest of the Lion Guard. Together, they went to Pride Rock, where Kongwe advised Simba and Kion to be patient in their conflict with Scar. Kongwe then assured Simba and the Lion Guard that good always triumphed over evil in the end.[1]

Physical appearance[]

Kongwe is a large tortoise. She has light brown skin, with a pale chin, neck, and legs. She bears a massive black and tan shell and has brown eyes.[1]

Personality and traits[]

I have seen many things. And good always triumphs over evil in time.
―Kongwe[src]

Kongwe is a creature of philosophy. She takes her time in doing things and is exceptionally calm and friendly. She often speaks in riddles but will usually be clear as to what she means.[1]

Appearances[]

Trivia[]

  • Kongwe's name means "ancient, very old" in Swahili.[3]
  • Kongwe was incorrectly referred to as a turtle in an announcement.[4]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Revealed in "The Wisdom of Kongwe" from Disney Junior's The Lion Guard. Season 2, Episode 18. Written by Jack Monaco and directed by Howy Parkins. Originally aired April 3, 2018.
  2. CCH Pounder. IMDb. IMDb.com, Inc. Retrieved on September 15, 2020.
  3. Online Swahili - English Dictionary. African Languages. Retrieved on September 15, 2020.
  4. TV News Desk (June 21, 2017). David Oyelowo to Voice 'Scar in Disney Jr's Animated Series THE LION GUARD. BroadwayWorld. Retrieved on September 15, 2020.
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