“ | The Roar will be there for you when you need it. And so will I. Until the Pride Lands end. | ” |
–Mufasa to Kion, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar |
Mufasa is a Great Lion of the Past, Scar's older brother, Sarabi's mate, Simba's father, Nala's father-in-law, Kiara and Kion's paternal grandfather and the former King of the Pride Lands.
He first appears in The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar and is a recurring character throughout The Lion Guard, albeit as a spiritual guide for Kion. When the Lion Guard arrive at the Tree of Life Kion asks Askari for council, a relative of Mufasa.
Contents
- 1 Appearance
- 2 Personality
- 3 History
- 3.1 Prior to The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
- 3.2 The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
- 3.3 The Rise of Makuu
- 3.4 Bunga the Wise
- 3.5 Can't Wait to be Queen
- 3.6 The Mbali Fields Migration
- 3.7 Never Roar Again
- 3.8 The Savannah Summit
- 3.9 The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar
- 3.10 The Wisdom of Kongwe
- 3.11 The Kilio Valley Fire
- 3.12 Cave of Secrets
- 3.13 The Fall of Mizimu Grove
- 3.14 Battle for the Pride Lands
- 3.15 Friends to the End
- 3.16 Long Live the Queen
- 3.17 The Lake of Reflection
- 3.18 Journey to the Pride Lands
- 3.19 Return to the Pride Lands
- 4 Family
- 5 Trivia
- 6 Videos
- 7 References
Appearance
Mufasa is shown in the clouds with dulled color. He is a powerful, strong well-built lion, with orange fur and a creamy peach muzzle and underbelly. His mane is thick and dark red, the same color being present on the tuft at the end of his tail. His eyes are dark brown, and his nose is pink. He has a square jaw, small eyes, and thin eyebrows. In a cave painting, he was shown to be taller and broader than his brother Scar.
Personality
“ | They will. As long as you trust yourself. Confidence, Kion. That's all you need to complete this journey. But confidence doesn't come from what others think about you. It comes from inside yourself. | ” |
–Mufasa, The Mbali Fields Migration |
Mufasa, like Kion, Simba and the rest of his living family, respects and understands the Circle of Life.[2] He believes that family should constantly support each other[3], and that while there are times to back down, true leaders must also know when to stand their ground.[4]
Despite his supposedly wise and caring nature, it's revealed in a flashback that during his younger years, Mufasa gave his younger brother the nickname of "scar" after Scar himself defeated a rogue lion and cobra who attempted to host an uprising against the great King himself by using Scar's power. This shows that as a teenager, he can be cocky, playful, but also very foolish, and insensitive, as this infuriated his brother, and eventually set a rift between the siblings so powerful, that it would lead to Mufasa's undoing.
History
Prior to The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar

Mufasa and his brother
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar

Mufasa imparts his advice
The Rise of Makuu
Kion needs advice after Makuu becomes the new leader of the crocodiles and ca
Kion seeks advice from his grandfather
Bunga the Wise
Kion calls for his grandfather over concerns on how the recent storm has affected the Pride Lands, expressing an interest in using his roar to blast the
"The easy solution is not always the best solution"
Can't Wait to be Queen

Mufasa advises his grandson
Mufasa appears to Kion after he storms out of Pride Rock due to an argument with his sister Kiara, who was serving as temporally queen. He asks his grandson what's wrong, and Kion explains. Mufasa reminds him that Kiara is still his sister, and that she will always need him, especially if she is in the wrong. Kion thanks his grandfather and goes to save his sister from Janja and his henchmen.
The Mbali Fields Migration

Mufasa lifts Kion's spirits
Never Roar Again

Mufasa tells Kion to speak with Nala
Mufasa appears when Kion calls for him, having almost hurt his mother by accident when Janja's Clan attacked her. After hearing his grandfather mention the power of the roar, Kion contemplates never using the Roar again. Mufasa consoles Kion, by not only reminding him that Scar's misuse involved his own selfishness, but also by asking why Kion used the Roar out of anger. When Kion explains why, Mufasa informs Kion that Scar never cared for anyone, and suggests speaking to the one he cares so much about.
The Savannah Summit

Mufasa offers a suggestion
After Kion unintentionally disappoints his father, Simba, when he jumps to conclusions regarding Makuu's involvement in the Savannah Summit, he isolates himself and summons Mufasa. He gently questions Kion over Makuu's actions, to which Kion denies the crocodile having done wrong, and Mufasa responds by prompting Kion to remember an old saying of Rafiki's. Kion agrees, and, after thanking Mufasa, rushes off to correct his mistake, with Mufasa warmly stating his assurances.
The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar

Mufasa gently questions him, and Kion reveals his concerns. Mufasa praises the Guard, and patiently reminds Kion that hardships are present in both seasons, and the effects of the difficulties on the animals, to which Kion agrees, and promises to keep control of the Roar.
Mufasa is later seen during The Path of Honor, gazing proudly at his son, and his grandson.
The Wisdom of Kongwe

Talking with his son and grandson
Kion and Simba are speaking to Mufasa, warning him that Scar is back. Mufasa shows concern at the return of his evil brother. Although the problem is beyond his experience in dealing with the spirit of an evil lion from the past, he is certain that, between his son who has already saved the Pride Lands before from Scar and his grandson who is the leader of the Lion Guard, that they can defeat Scar. He leaves them with the message that the wisdom is within the Pride Lands, leading both lions to believe that he could be referring to an animal. And Simba knows just who he may be referring to.
The Kilio Valley Fire

Cave of Secrets
Paintings of Mufasa can be seen during Wisdom on the Walls.
The Fall of Mizimu Grove
After what happ
"Even on the darkest days Kion you can find hope."
Battle for the Pride Lands
When Kion doesn't know if he can defeat Scar he talks to Mufasa. He
Mufasa tells Kion that he can't fight fire with fire
Friends to the End
Mufasa is mentioned when Kion considers talking to him to ease his doubts. However, he decides against it upon seeing his reflection, not wanting his grandfather to see him while he looks like his brother Scar.
Long Live the Queen
Mufasa is mentioned by his grandson when he and the newly appointed queen Rani talk
Kion speaks to Mufasa after not seeing him for a long time
The Lake of Reflection

Kion tells Mufasa that's he's ready to give up his Roar
Journey to the Pride Lands
Kion talks to Mufasa about whethe
Kion asks Mufasa if he should stay
Return to the Pride Lands
Mufasa appears in the night watching his reunited family at Pride Rock. He later appears
Mufasa looks down at his family
Family
- Scar: Brother †
- Sarabi: Mate
- Simba: Son
- Nala: Daughter-in-Law
- Kiara: Granddaughter
- Kion: Grandson
- Askari: Distant relative †
- Kovu: Grandson-in-Law
- Rani: Granddaughter-in-Law
Family Tree
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Trivia
- He is one of the two characters who had different voice actors for the movie and the TV series. The other one being the Baboon Leader.
- He is the second deceased character in the series following Askari.