 |
| Rani | |
|---|---|
| |
| Physical information | |
| Gender |
Female |
| Species | |
| Eye color |
Brown |
| Distinguishing features |
• Dark ear rims |
| Biographical information | |
| Also known as |
• Queen Rani |
| Status |
Living |
| Residence | |
| Affiliations | |
| Titles |
• Leader of the Night Pride |
| Relationship information | |
| Family |
Sãhasí (father) † |
| “ |
|
” |
Rani is an adolescent lioness. She is the daughter of Sãhasí and Ãnanda, and the elder sister of Baliyo. She is also the mate of Kion, with whom she leads the Night Pride and rules the Tree of Life.
When Kion and his Lion Guard attempt to enter the Tree of Life to seek healing, Rani and the Night Pride prevent them from doing so. Rani consults with her grandmother, Janna, who senses the Roar of the Elders' presence and allows the Lion Guard to enter her domain, a decision about which Rani is unhappy.
Over the course of the Lion Guard's stay, Rani softens toward Kion and gradually draws closer to him. When Janna dies of old age, Rani is forced to succeed her as queen of the Tree of Life and finds herself depending on Kion for emotional support.
Eventually, Kion is healed from the pain in his scar and gains full control over the Roar. He and the Lion Guard depart for the Pride Lands, but not before he and Rani express their love for each other. After learning that the Pride Lands is now guarded by Vitani and her capable Lion Guard of former Outsiders, Kion and his friends return to the Tree of Life, where Rani takes him as her mate and king.
Biography
The Lion Guard
"The Tree of Life"
When the Lion Guard approaches the mountain pass that leads to the Tree of Life, Ullu the owl spies on their activities and leaves to inform Rani and the rest of the Night Pride.
Rani condemns Kion for using the Roar of the Elders on her brother, Baliyo
The Lion Guard enters the pass, but Bunga accidentally starts a rockslide that blocks the pass. Not long after, the Night Pride arrives, and Baliyo attacks the Lion Guard. A fight ensues, in which Kion loses control and uses the Roar of the Elders on Baliyo. Rani condemns Kion and forbids him entry to the Tree of Life.
After her encounter with the Lion Guard, Rani returns to the Tree of Life and relates the situation to her grandmother, Queen Janna. When Rani mentions the Roar of the Elders, Janna comments that the Roar has returned to the Tree of Life once more.
Rani seeks counsel from her parents, Sãhasí and Ãnanda
Janna tells Rani to allow Kion and the Lion Guard to visit the Tree of Life. Conflicted, Rani seeks counsel from her deceased parents, Sãhasí and Ãnanda, who appear to her as spirits. They advise her to follow Janna's instructions and prepare herself for becoming the queen of the Tree of Life.
After the talk with her parents, Rani returns to the Lion Guard, only to find that they have cleared the pass. Kion apologizes to her and implores her to accept his friend, Ono, for healing. Impressed by his selflessness, Rani allows Kion to come to the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard follows the Night Pride through the pass until they behold the Tree of Life for the first time.
"The River of Patience"
Rani introduces the Lion Guard to her grandmother, Janna
The Lion Guard arrives at the Tree of Life, where they meet its matriarch, Queen Janna. Kion explains that he and his friend, Ono, have come for healing. Nirmala, a gifted healer, examines them and comes to the conclusion that Kion's injuries will be far more difficult to heal than Ono's. Janna orders Rani to give the Lion Guard a tour of the kingdom while Kion begins his healing journey with Nirmala.
Rani gives the Lion Guard a tour of the territory, which includes a variety of habitats ("Welcome to the Tree of Life"). Unbeknownst to Rani, Makucha and his allies, Chuluun and Ora, are sneaking into the territory. Makucha attempts to take charge, but Chuluun and Ora rebel against him, each wanting to formulate the plan. Ullu the owl overhears their activities and leaves to inform Rani.
Rani gives the Lion Guard a tour of the territory during the musical sequence "Welcome to the Tree of Life"
The Night Pride takes on Makucha and his allies, defeating them easily, as they do not work well together. At the same time, the rest of the Lion Guard joins Kion and relates how Rani had been called away to face down a threat to the Tree of Life. Kion frets that the Night Pride could be in danger, and the Lion Guard heads off to help defeat the unknown foe.
The Lion Guard arrives at the scene of the fight, only to find that the Night Pride has defeated Makucha and his allies. Baliyo mentions Makucha by name, and Kion apologetically admits that Makucha and his allies had followed the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life. This infuriates Rani.
The Lion Guard and the Night Pride return to the Tree of Life, where Rani accuses Kion of letting in an army of predators. Kion apologizes and offers his services in defeating Makucha's army, but Janna advises Kion to heal before he helps the Night Pride.
Rani and Kion work together to defeat Makucha and Chuluun
That night, Chuluun leads Makucha's army in another attack, but the Night Pride fends them off. Ora then resolves to take over and attack the pride head-on by the light of day.
The next morning, the Night Pride battles against Makucha and his allies, but Baliyo gets bitten by Ora, which paralyzes him. Kion spots the disastrous battle, but chooses to finish his task first. Once Kion grabs the flower, he rushes to help the Night Pride. Afraid of the Roar, Ora flees, but Makucha and Chuluun attempt to climb the cliff to reach the Tree of Life. Kion uses the cliff trail to cut them off and, with Rani's help, defeats them. The rest of the Lion Guard arrives in time to chase Makucha's army away.
"Little Old Ginterbong"
The Night Pride defends Mama Binturong from a perceived attack by Makucha's army
Rani relaxes at a water hole with Baliyo and the Lion Guard.
Meanwhile, Mama Binturong plots to invade the Tree of Life by pretending to seek sanctuary from Makucha and his army. The army enacts the plan, and the Night Pride falls for it, accepting Mama Binturong for healing at the Tree of Life.
The Lion Guard and Mama Binturong are led into the Tree of Life, where Janna accepts Mama Binturong for healing. Mama Binturong asks for a tour of the territory, but Janna explains that the Night Pride rests during the daytime. Rani then shows Mama Binturong to a grove of trees, which smells strongly of honey badger.
The Night Pride listens to Mama Binturong's account of her fight with Bunga and Binga
Mama Binturong returns to her allies and instructs them to kill Janna while she distracts the Night Pride. The plan goes into motion, with the Night Pride falling for Mama Binturong's cries for help. In the meantime, Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora sneak over the border.
After luring the Night Pride with cries for help, Mama Binturong attacks Bunga and Binga. The Night Pride arrives, and Mama Binturong attempts to blame the honey badgers for the fight. However, Ullu arrives and informs the Night Pride of Mama Binturong's deception. Bunga and Binga then use their stench to defeat Mama Binturong.
After all the chaos, Rani praises Ono for his quick thinking.
"Poa the Destroyer"
When Baliyo catches wind of a rumor about a monster at the Tree of Life, he informs Rani. Together, they search the territory for the strange beast, only to run into Pinguino, who complains that "Poa the Destroyer" has terrorized his home a second time. This causes Rani to realize the monster's true identity, as his name matches Beshte's catchphrase.
Baliyo and Rani inform the Lion Guard of Beshte's reputation among the Tree of Life residents
Rani interrupts Kion's healing session and tells him to congregate with the Lion Guard at the Tree of Life. Once there, she explains that Beshte has been frightening the animals due to his accidents. A saddened Beshte exiles himself from the Tree of Life, believing himself to be a true destroyer. However, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride decide to host a meeting at the Tree of Life where Beshte can earn the animals' trust back.
When the animals arrive for the meeting, Kion and Rani explain that Beshte is friendly, not destructive. Just then, Beshte approaches with Pinguino on his back. Pinguino declares that Beshte had saved his life, effectively clearing Beshte's name. The animals start up a chant of "Poa," with Rani watching happily.
"Long Live the Queen"
Kion comforts Rani after the death of her grandmother, Janna
Mama Binturong and her army attack a tiger named Varya and her cubs, who are seeking sanctuary at the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard and the Night Pride arrive, saving the tigers from further harm.
Just then, Ullu arrives and warns Rani that Janna wants to see her, Kion, and the rest of the Night Pride immediately. While the Lion Guard stays behind to care for Varya and her cubs, the Night Pride and Kion follow Ullu to the Tree of Life. Once there, they see a crowd of animals outside the Tree of Life and realize that Janna is dying. Baliyo is afraid to enter the Tree of Life, but Rani reminds him that the Night Pride will be at his side the whole time.
Kion and Rani at Janna's funeral
Together, the Night Pride and Kion enter the Tree of Life, where Janna lies in a weakened state. Janna encourages her son, Surak, and her grandson, Baliyo, to help Rani during her reign. She then encourages Rani, telling her that she is ready to be queen, with Makini as her Royal Mjuzi. Janna dies, and Kion comforts Rani.
Once outside, Makini addresses the crowd, informing them of Janna's passing and Rani's upcoming coronation. The animals attend Janna's funeral at the Willows, where Kion comforts Rani once more. Rani expresses her doubts about becoming queen, to which Kion admits that he had felt the same when he'd first become the leader of the Lion Guard. He mentions having been encouraged by his grandfather, Mufasa, at the time. He adds that he does not want to face Mufasa anymore due to his scar, but Rani suggests that he speak with Mufasa anyway.
Makini announces Rani as the new queen of the Tree of Life
Rani returns to the Tree of Life, where Makini shows her a wall of paintings that will help guide her in her rule. Just then, Bunga arrives with Varya and her cubs. Varya asks for permission to stay at the Tree of Life, since Rani has now succeeded Janna as queen, and Rani accepts her appeal. At first, Rani is unsure what to do next, but Makini gestures to the wall, where all the information Rani needs is preserved in paintings.
Rani leads Varya and her cubs to the tundra section of the Tree of Life. She convinces a musk deer named Kiril to share the territory with the tigers, despite his initial hesitancy.
At sunset, Rani becomes the new queen of the Tree of Life.
"The Lake of Reflection"
One day, Makucha and his army launch an attack on the Tree of Life. The Night Pride challenges them, though Baliyo's yawning exposes how exhausted they are from a night of patrolling. The Lion Guard arrives in time to help, but Kion and Rani's dual leadership results in confusion.
Rani criticizes Kion for his inability to lead
Eventually, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride succeed in driving off the army, though Rani criticizes Kion for not following her lead. Fuli jumps to Kion's defense, but Kion admits that he no longer has control of the Roar. Nevertheless, he offers to patrol the Tree of Life during the day in order to give the Night Pride time to rest, and Rani gratefully accepts his offer. Unbeknownst to the team, Mama Binturong is spying on their conversation from a nearby tree.
As the Lion Guard departs, Fuli tells Rani that Kion does not appear to be healing, but Rani assures her that the Tree of Life's healer, Nirmala, knows what she is doing. However, as Rani joins back up with Baliyo and Surak, she admits that Fuli may be right.
Rani listens as Kion admits his doubts about his ability to lead the Lion Guard
At Pratibimba, Rani approaches Kion. The two walk around the area as Kion admits his doubts about his scar and his ability to lead the Lion Guard without the Roar of the Elders. Rani wonders if the Roar is necessary and considers if the Roar should be returned to the Tree of Life. Just then, the Lion Guard approaches with Heng Heng and Kely, who are having a dispute over bamboo. After hearing the two's stories, Rani decides that Heng Heng can have the bamboo stand when she is required to eat and that the lemurs can have it in-between those times.
As Kion returns to his reflections, Rani tells Fuli that Kion may be unable to heal any more. She then relates what Kion had said about his inability to lead the Lion Guard without the Roar. Before leaving to sleep, she suggests to Fuli and the others that they should speak with Kion directly.
Later, Ullu warns the Lion Guard that Makucha's army is launching another attack. The Night Pride arrives, and Kion leads the two teams in their attack. The teams succeed, and Rani praises Kion for his great leadership skills.
"Triumph of the Roar"
Makucha and his army sneak into the Tree of Life due to Ullu falling asleep. The Night Pride, partly exhausted and tired, arrives, only for the Lion Guard to take over the shift and defeat the army. During the fight, Rani gazes at Kion in admiration after he strikes down Makucha with ease.
Rani thanks Kion for saving the Tree of Life
After the fight, Bunga compliments Kion for his good leadership skills, and Nirmala agrees, adding that Kion's healing is complete. Rani worries that this will prompt Kion to return to the Pride Lands, but Kion assures her that he and the Lion Guard will help defend the Tree of Life from Makucha's army first.
At the Tree of Life, Bunga questions Rani on why Kion is not ready to use the Roar. Makini interrupts, explaining that Kion might be practicing his Roar at Cikha Escarpment, as Askari used to do so long ago. Bunga and Rani decide to visit him there.
Once at Cikha Escarpment, Bunga and Rani witness Kion practicing his Roar. Anga arrives and brings news that the Tree of Life is under attack. Kion, Bunga, and Rani arrive at the scene, and Kion uses the Roar to defeat the villains. Nirmala declares that Kion is truly healed, and Rani thanks him for saving the Tree of Life. She then tells him that he should stay at the Tree of Life.
"Journey to the Pride Lands"
Kion and Rani confess their love for one another during the musical sequence "Of the Same Pride"
Kion seeks advice from the spirit of his grandfather, Mufasa, about whether he should return to the Pride Lands or not. He explains that he could use more training with the Roar of the Elders and that the Night Pride needs help protecting the Tree of Life. Mufasa tells Kion to choose the path that is best for him.
Rani approaches and comments that she and Kion make a good team. The two travel around the territory together and confess their love for one another ("Of the Same Pride"). Afterward, Rani asks Kion if he will be her king. However, before he can answer, the Lion Guard approaches and declares that they are ready to return home. Rani once again tells them to stay, and they strongly consider her offer.
Just then, Ullu approaches, heralding the arrival of Azaad, Janja, and Jasiri. Jasiri informs Kion that Zira is invading the Pride Lands and that the royal family needs the Lion Guard's help. While Kion decides to return home to help, Makini stays behind due to her duty as Rani's Royal Mjuzi. Rani bids them farewell and comments wistfully that perhaps she will see Kion again someday.
“Return to the Pride Lands”
Rani and Kion become the queen and king of the Tree of Life
Rani is mentioned by Kion when he talks with Kiara. Kion admits that seeing Kiara with Kovu reminds him of how much he misses Rani. Kiara assures him that one day, he may go to the Tree of Life again and that their parents would surely understand.
After Kion relinquishes his role as leader of the Lion Guard to Vitani, he returns to the Tree of Life with his family and friends to become its protector and marry Rani. Rani tells Kion that she's looking forward to ruling with him. Kion tells Rani that they'll make a good queen and king, to which Rani replies that they already are. The two of them then roar together, finalizing their union.
Physical appearance
Rani is a slender young lioness who has chestnut fur with a dark brown stripe running down her back. The top of her ears are lined with a similar brown, and her pink inner ears have dark brown fur underneath. She has a red nose and her eyes are chocolate brown, and just above them is tawny, with the lower half becoming lighter.
This brown-cream color is also present on her muzzle, her underbelly, and her paws. The back of her legs contains dark markings, similar to Kion's. The tip of her tail is dark brown. She also has a scar on her lower right foreleg from unknown circumstances.
Personality and traits
Rani is strong-willed and dutiful. She is protective of her home, the Tree of Life, as well as her family and friends. She is conscious of her position as the leader of the Night Pride and as queen, rarely showing any weakness to others. She is quite straightforward in speaking her mind and can sound harsh at times.
Rani is critical of Kion, displaying her headstrong and temperamental side
Rani is not without faults, however. While she is brave, she on occasion can be temperamental and headstrong when she thinks she is in the right, to the point that she is quick to assume things and refuses to listen to an explanation from the other party. Beneath her strong exterior, she hides a vulnerable side of uncertainty and doubt in herself at the prospect of becoming the next queen, as she feels she's not ready yet to embrace the title. This is evident after the loss of her grandmother, Janna.
Getting to know Kion and his friends helps Rani find the self-assurance to be queen, knowing that she has her friends and family at her side. After becoming queen, Rani grows wiser and is quick to adapt to her new title, earning the respect and trust of the animals of the Tree of Life.
Behind the scenes
- Rani was voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee.[1] Her singing voice was provided by Lana McKissack.[2]
Media
References
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