|
![]() |
Rafiki (2019 film) | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Physical information | |
Gender |
Male |
Species | |
Skin color |
Blue and red |
Fur color |
Black, brown, and gray |
Eye color |
Yellow |
Biographical information | |
Status |
Living |
Residence | |
Affiliations | |
Relationship information | |
Enemies |
• Scar |
“ |
|
” |
Rafiki is a male mandrill.
Rafiki is close to the Pride Lands monarchy, particularly with its king, Mufasa. When Mufasa's son, Simba, is born, Rafiki christens him and presents him to the Pride Lands. Some time later, Mufasa's brother, Scar, informs the pride that Mufasa and Simba are dead, and that he must take Mufasa's place as king. Rafiki watches Scar's coronation from afar, and he mourns Mufasa's and Simba's deaths.
Years later, Rafiki collects a tuft of fur from an ant, and he recognizes it as Simba's fur. Excited, Rafiki proclaims that Simba is alive, and he sets off to find him. When he finds Simba, he takes him to meet with the spirit of Mufasa, who encourages Simba to return to his rightful home. Simba returns to the Pride Lands, and Rafiki joins him and the pride in battle against Scar and his hyena minions. Simba is victorious, and Rafiki looks on as he takes his rightful place as king.
Simba and his mate, Nala, later have a cub, whom Rafiki presents to the Pride Lands.
Contents
Biography
Simba's coronation
“ | ” |

Rafiki presents a newborn Simba to the animals of the Pride Lands
At Pride Rock, Rafiki presents the newborn prince, Simba, to the animals of the Pride Lands. After the ceremony, he draws a painting of Simba on his tree.[1]
Famine
Months later, Scar becomes the king and allows the hyenas to take over the kingdom. Rafiki and Zazu watch from a distance in disapproval, and Rafiki sadly smudges away his painting of Simba.[1]
Finding Simba
Years after, a piece of Simba’s mane reaches Rafiki’s tree, and he realizes that Simba is alive. He journeys to the jungle, where he finds Simba distressed over the prospect of returning home. Rafiki reveals that he had known Simba’s father, Mufasa, and implores Simba to follow him in order to see his father again.

Rafiki shows Simba that his father's spirit lives on within him
Rafiki leads Simba on a chase through the jungle until they reach a pool. He instructs Simba to look at his reflection. Though at first doubtful, Simba does so and sees Mufasa’s face in the water. He encounters the spirit of his father, after which he agrees to return home. Rafiki celebrates the decision as Simba races off.[1]
Battle for Pride Rock
Later, during the battle at Pride Rock, Rafiki uses his staff to fend off hyenas. After the pride achieves victory, Rafiki watches Simba ascend Pride Rock.
Months later, he presents Simba’s cub to the Pride Lands.[1]
Trivia
- Rafiki is voiced by John Kani.[2]
- Rafiki's name means "friend" in Swahili.[3]
- In Bad Omens, Rafiki has a cousin named Tonga.[4]
Appearances
- Cinestory Comic: The Lion King
- The Lion King
- The Lion King: The Book of the Film
- The Lion King: The Novelization
- Wild Schemes and Catastrophes
References
|