 |
| Rafiki (2019 film) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Physical information | |
| Gender |
Male |
| Species | |
| Skin color |
Blue and red |
| Eye color |
Yellow |
| Biographical information | |
| Status |
Living |
| Residence | |
| Affiliations | |
| Relationship information | |
| Enemies |
• Scar |
| “ | ” |
Rafiki is a male mandrill.
When Mufasa's son, Simba, was born, Rafiki christened him and presented him to the Pride Lands. Some time later, Mufasa's brother, Scar, informed the pride that Mufasa and Simba were dead, and that he must take Mufasa's place as king. Rafiki watched Scar's coronation from afar, and he mourned Mufasa's and Simba's deaths.
Years later, Rafiki collected a tuft of fur from an ant, and he recognized it as Simba's fur. Excited, Rafiki proclaimed that Simba was alive, and he set off to find him. When he found Simba, he took him to meet with the spirit of Mufasa, who encouraged Simba to return to his rightful home. Simba returned to the Pride Lands, and Rafiki joined him and the pride in battle against Scar and his hyena minions. Simba was victorious, and Rafiki looked on as he took his rightful place as king.
Simba and his mate, Nala, later had a cub, whom Rafiki presented to the Pride Lands.
Contents
Biography
Early life
Rafiki lived in the Pride Lands. He was close to the Pride Lands monarchy, particularly Mufasa.[1]
Simba's presentation
| “ | ” |
At Pride Rock, Rafiki presented the newborn prince, Simba, to the animals of the Pride Lands. After the ceremony, he drew a painting of Simba on his tree.[1]
Famine
Months later, Mufasa and Simba, supposedly, were killed in a stampede. Scar became the king and allowed the hyenas to take over the kingdom. Rafiki and Zazu watched from a distance in disapproval, and Rafiki sadly smudged away his painting of Simba.[1]
Finding Simba
| “ | Rafiki: Come. Your father is waiting. Do you see him? Simba: I don't see anything. Rafiki: Look closer. You see? He lives in you. |
” |
Rafiki shows Simba his reflection.
Years after, a piece of Simba’s mane reached Rafiki’s tree, and he realized that Simba was alive. He journeyed to the jungle, where he found Simba distressed over the prospect of returning home. Rafiki revealed that he had known Simba’s father, Mufasa, and implored Simba to follow him in order to see his father again.
Rafiki led Simba on a chase through the jungle until they reached a pool. He instructed Simba to look at his reflection. Though at first doubtful, Simba did so and saw Mufasa’s face in the water. He encountered the spirit of his father, after which he agreed to return home. Rafiki celebrated the decision as Simba raced off.[1]
Battle for Pride Rock
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Later, before the Battle for Pride Rock, Rafiki retrieved his staff from a secret place in the branches of his tree. He used this staff to fend off hyenas during the battle. After the pride achieved victory, Rafiki affirmed Simba's coronation and watched him ascend Pride Rock.
Months later, Rafiki presented Simba and Nala’s cub to the Pride Lands.[1]
Physical appearance
Rafiki is an elderly mandrill covered in wiry gray hair. He has a short tail and a long, narrow face marked with patches of blue and red skin, and his eyes are brown. He has a thick mane of white hair that covers his head and extends down to his chin, forming a short goatee. Occasionally, he carries a staff of twisted wood.[1]
Personality and traits
| “ | Simba: Yeah, I think you're confused. Rafiki: I am confused? You don't even know who you are. |
” |
Rafiki is a wise and solemn being. He speaks rarely, and when he does speak, he chooses his words carefully. Despite his old age, he is not to be intimated by larger animals, as seen when he challenged a brooding Simba to question the identity the young lion had chosen for himself. As evidenced by his quiet tolerance of Scar's tyrannical reign, Rafiki knows his limits and elects to choose his battles rather than throw himself headlong into a conflict. However, when he does fight, he is fearless and ruthless, displaying enough physical strength and fear factor to repel multiple hyenas during the Battle of Pride Rock.[1]
Appearances
Trivia
- Rafiki was voiced by John Kani.[2]
- Rafiki's name means "friend" in Swahili.[3]
- In Bad Omens, Rafiki has a cousin named Tonga.[4]
References
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