Nala (2019 film)

"Do you see any other big, lovable chunk of warthog here?" This article is about the character from the 2019 film. You may be looking for the character from the 1994 film.

Nala is an adult lioness. She is the daughter of Sarafina and the mate of Simba, with whom she has a cub.

At birth, Nala was betrothed to the future king of the Pride Lands, Simba. As both cubs grew, they became good friends and spent time together. One day, Simba recruited Nala to join him on an adventure to the Elephant Graveyard. Once within its borders, however, they were ambushed by Shenzi and her clan. Luckily, the cubs were rescued by Simba's father, Mufasa, who subsequently sent Nala home so as to speak with his son alone. Some time later, Nala listened in horror as Scar related the supposed deaths of both Mufasa and Simba.

Over the years, Nala grew into a rebellious young lioness who wanted nothing more than to be free from Scar's rule. One night, she snuck out of the Pride Lands and escaped into a jungle, where she was reunited with her best friend, Simba, whom she had thought dead. Nala tried to convince Simba to return to the Pride Lands, but he refused, and Nala dejectedly set out for home alone. Luckily, she was soon joined by Simba, who had had a change of heart, and together the two hastened to the Pride Lands. While Simba battled Scar, Nala rallied the pride, and as one they took down Scar's army of hyenas.

Following the battle, Nala took Simba as her mate, and together they had a cub.

Biography

The Lion King

Cubhood

When Simba learns of the existence of the Elephant Graveyard, he goes to get his friend, Nala. He finds her getting bathed by her mother, Sarafina. Nala agrees to join Simba on a trip to the “water hole”, though Sarabi forces the cubs to bring Zazu along as a babysitter.

Along the way, Simba informs Nala about the Elephant Graveyard, and the cubs resolve to lose Zazu. Just then, Zazu reveals that the cubs are betrothed, to which both react with disgust. They then race away across the water hole, getting lost among the crowd.

With Zazu gone, the cubs begin to scuffle, with Nala easily pinning Simba. Their antics make them roll right into the Elephant Graveyard. While Simba is eager to prove his bravery by exploring the area, Nala warns Simba that they should return home.

As they are exploring, they are surrounded by Shenzi and her clan. They attempt to escape through a network of tunnels, but get cornered by the clan. Just in the nick of time, Mufasa arrives and fends off the hyenas. He leads the cubs back to the Pride Lands and has Zazu lead Nala home.

After Mufasa’s death, Nala grieves the supposed loss of her best friend, Simba.

Adulthood

Over the years, the Pride Lands turn into a wasteland under Scar’s rule. Nala is restless to leave the kingdom, but Sarabi encourages her to stay and defend her home.

One night, Nala sneaks out of the Pride Lands with the help of Zazu. She eventually reaches a lush paradise, where she attempts to hunt Pumbaa. She is thwarted by an adult male lion, whom she recognizes as her childhood friend, Simba.

The two have a joyous reunion. Nala informs Simba of Scar’s takeover, but Simba insists that they go on a tour of the jungle instead of dwelling on their problems. The two spend a romantic evening together.

Eventually, Nala brings up the subject of Scar again and urges Simba to claim his birthright. Simba refuses, and Nala sorrowfully bids him farewell.

On her way back to the Pride Lands, Simba catches up with her and joins her. Together, the two rally the lionesses against Scar and his hyena minions. A battle breaks out, with Nala taking on and defeating Shenzi.

After the pride wins the fight, Nala nuzzles Simba and watches him take his place as king. Years into his reign, the two have a cub together.

Physical appearance

As a cub, Nala has slightly fuzzy fur. Compared to her friend Simba, she is slightly smaller and leaner, but physically strong. She has creamy golden fur, dark-lined teal eyes, rounded ears, and black lips. Additionally, she has dark spots on her lower legs, a white muzzle, and a light underbelly.

As an adult, Nala is much larger with a slender, but strong build. Her fur is smoother, sleeker, and glossier. She is slightly smaller than Sarabi and Sarafina, but still possesses more physical strength than the larger, stockier Simba.

Personality and traits

As a cub, Nala is playful, fun-loving, and always ready to join her best friend, Simba, on his adventures. Being Simba's closest friend, she knows him very well, including what he likes and dislikes. She is able to easily catch on to his unusual behaviors, such as when she realizes that they are not going to the watering hole like Simba had told his mother, Sarabi. Despite being close with Simba, she is disgusted at the prospect of marrying him in the future, as she only thinks of him as her friend. However, her mischievieousness doesn't make her reckless. She knows there is a limit to what a lion cub can do and is quick to sense danger that Simba is unaware of.

As a young adult who has grown up under Scar's tyrannical rule, Nala is more mature, fearless, and protective of her pride. The devastation to her home caused by Scar has made her doubt the possibility of the tyrant ever becoming a better ruler. She won't hesitate in expressing her disapproval of Scar, going so far as to suggest to Sarabi that the pride should either forcefully dethrone him or leave the Pride Lands. Additionally, Nala has developed a grudge against Shenzi due to their long history. Both are shown exchanging hostile glances; this eventually leads to a fierce showdown during the final battle of Pride Rock.

Even after being pressured by Scar, Nala remains steadfast in opposing him and protecting her pride. She is willing to take the risk of being punished for treason if it means her pride will be saved. When reuniting with Simba, she becomes his voice of reason, speaking sense into him and reminding him of his responsibilities as the rightful king of the Pride Lands. Her courage and faithfulness in Simba allows her to quickly take on a leadership role to the lionesses, rallying them together to fight alongside Simba.

Trivia

• As a cub, Nala is voiced by Shahadi Wright Joseph. As an adult, she is voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
• Simba mentions that Nala is afraid of rhinoceroses.^[2]

References