Lion Queen: Nala (The Lion King)

Lion Queen: Nala (The Lion King)

Name meaning: Swahili, “Woman”

With her buff-colored coat and aqua eyes, Nala is an elegant and spirited lioness. Simba’s best friend since childhood, she has been an accomplice in all of his adventures. When Simba runs away, Nala goes after him. She is loyal, both to her friends and to her pride. She refuses to let Scar run Pride Rock and its people into the ground. She is even more independent and headstrong in the Broadway version, where she fends off Scar’s lecherous advances and ventures far into the desert to forage for food for the starving lions. She is the voice of common sense in their group, in contrast to the smark-aleck Timon, dim-witted Pumbaa, and Simba’s stubbornness. She has a sense of humor, but is determined. When Simba takes his place as king of Pride Rock with her by his side, they have a daughter named Kiara. And the circle of life has come full circle.
Nala: Simba's gone back to challenge Scar.
Timon: Who?
Nala: Scar.
Pumbaa: Who's got a scar?
Nala: No, no, no. It's his uncle.
Timon: The monkey's his uncle?
Nala: No. Simba's gone back to challenge his uncle to take his place as king.
Timon, Pumbaa: Oh.

Nala: What's happened to you? You're not the Simba I remember.
Adult Simba: You're right, I'm not. Now are you satisfied?
Nala: No, just disappointed.
Adult Simba: You know you're starting to sound like my father.
Nala: Good. At least one of us does.

Young Simba: I... am a genius.
Young Nala: Hey, Genius, it was my idea.