Ruler of Pride Rock (reboot)

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"Do you see any other big, lovable chunk of warthog here?" This article is about the title from the reboot universe. You may be looking for the title from the original canon universe.

“

But a king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, Simba, the sun will set on my time here and will rise with you as the new king. ―Mufasa

”

The ruler of Pride Rock is the formal title given to the reigning monarch of the Pride Lands. Being an absolute monarch, the king or queen is vested with full executive and judicial control.

Duties

The reigning monarch of the Pride Lands has ultimate authority and thus is bound by no duties. This resulted in one monarch, Scar, abusing his power and leading the Pride Lands into destruction. Despite this, most monarchs respect the Circle of Life and feel duty-bound to protect their kingdom.

Regulation of food

“

Sarabi: You're killing everything. Scar: Don't you see? There is nobody to challenge me. We can finally take whatever we want. —Sarabi and Scar

”

The consumption of prey by predators is regulated by the reigning monarch. Most monarchs, like Mufasa and his heirs, believe in the Circle of Life philosophy and do not tolerate over-hunting. Should a species violate the Circle of Life, they may be subject to banishment, as was the case with Shenzi's clan. However, Scar used his hyena army to hunt the Pride Lands' herds into extinction, and no one could challenge him.

Banishment and citizenship

“

Mufasa and Simba are gone, which means I am your king. But I must admit... I cannot bear this burden alone, and I will need some help to ensure the safety of the pride. ―Scar invites the hyenas into the Pride Lands

”

The reigning monarch possesses ultimate authority over who is allowed to live and hunt in the Pride Lands. Initially, Shenzi's clan was banned from entering the kingdom due to their propensity to over-hunt. However, under Scar's reign, they were permitted to become citizens and decimated the Pride Lands as a result.

Betrothal

“

One day, you will be married. To each other! ―Zazu to Simba and Nala

”

Starting with Mufasa's reign, as he was the first ruler of the Pride Lands, betrothal of the royal heir has been a Pride Lands tradition.

Succession

“

Your reign is over, Scar. Simba is the rightful king. ―Nala

”

The order of succession is based on equal primogeniture, meaning inheritance by the oldest surviving child without regard to gender. The heir apparent is usually the eldest child, though siblings (both biological and adoptive) can also inherit the throne if the monarch has no living children. In order to ascend to the throne, the heir apparent must walk to the top of Pride Rock and roar over their kingdom. The lionesses in turn will roar back to signify their acceptance of the new monarch.

Known rulers of Pride Rock

• Mufasa (founder)
• Scar
• Simba
• Kiara (heir apparent)

Trivia

• Though Zazu refers to betrothal as a "tradition" in The Lion King, it is revealed in Mufasa: The Lion King that Mufasa was the first ruler of Pride Rock. Thus, Simba was the first royal heir to be betrothed.

• The novelization of Mufasa: The Lion King implies that only male heirs are in line for the throne of Pride Rock.