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Kiara is the main protagonist of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, and a supporting character in its midquel TV series The Lion Guard. She is the daughter of Simba and Nala, and the future queen of the Pride Lands.
Appearance
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As a cub, Kiara is small and soft-featured, less robust and stocky than her father but just as lithe and sleek as her mother. Kiara's pelt is of a more golden tone, like that of her father's, but it is tempered by the creamy hues of her mother. As a result, she doesn't carry as rich a gold as her father's or grandfather's. Her muzzle, paws, and underbelly are paler in color, while her tail tuft is creamy brown. Her eyes are reddish-brown.
Kiara compared to her grandmother, Sarabi
Come young adulthood, Kiara has grown into a beautiful young lioness, though she remains small in size, only coming up to her father's chest and her mother's shoulder. She is easily dwarfed in size by Kovu, who is roughly the same age as she is, and proves to be one of the smallest, if not the smallest lioness in her pride. Despite this, she proves herself to be agile and swift, able to keep pace with a herd of topi and haul herself over the edge of a steep cliff during a fire. Unlike most Pridelanders, Kiara remains the same light shade from her cubhood, not darkening with age as her parents did, though this could be attributed to her not being a full-grown adult yet. From cubhood to young adulthood, Kiara remains the same as far as coloration goes.
Personality
| “ | Kiara: A wise king once told me, 'We are one.' I didn't understand him then. Now I do. Simba: But...they... Kiara: Them? Us? Look at them. They are us. What differences do you see?
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As a cub, Kiara is curious and wild-hearted, constantly seeking new adventures and easily fraught at the sight of her safe nest back home in the Pride Lands. Her hunger for adventure often leads her to outright rebellion, as she continuously disobeys her parents, purposefully ignoring their better judgment in order to explore the Outlands and get answers to her unresolved questions. This deliberate disobedience echoes her father's mistakes in the first film, though Kiara does not show as much remorse as Simba once did, instead insisting on disobedience, a trait which carries into her young adult life. She also develops a sudden interest in Kovu, an Outlander cub.
A screenshot of young Kiara, reflecting her ambitious and headstrong nature
Perhaps because she is young, Kiara doesn't take criticism well, making a habit of justifying her own behavior to her parents and in particular her father. She is also shown to be impatient, wanting her way and willing to lie and scheme in order to get it. Around Timon and Pumbaa, her patience is especially tested, and she proves to be rather irritable when pushed over the edge. She can also be a bit bratty, proving to be stubborn and resistant when faced with constructive criticism.
Despite being so headstrong, Kiara is a good-hearted cub, easily excitable and open to meeting new friends, including an exiled Outsider named Kovu. She is also quick to pick up on the cultural differences between their prides, as it doesn't take her long to realize that Kovu has been raised in a different setting than she has. Being non-judgmental, she is willing to tweak her own behavior in order to make him feel more comfortable. This friendly approach makes quite the mark on Kovu, who begins to question his own role as an Outsider. Even Zira's dark training is pierced by the natural friendliness which Kiara radiates as a young cub.
Through all of Kiara's faults and childlike qualities, one question burns fervently in her mind: Who am I? As the daughter of Simba and Nala, she is the future queen of the Pride Lands, a role which she finds hard to accept as a young cub. Seeing only the dull responsibility in the position, Kiara would rather live a carefree life, devoid of accountability, than assume her father's kingly role. She often questions her own predetermined fate, wanting to choose a destiny of her own, and continually insists that she isn't just a princess, showing frequent annoyance when referred to by her title.
A screenshot of young adult Kiara, reflecting her friendly and fun-loving nature
As a young adult, Kiara remains almost identical to her cub self in personality. Still wild at heart, she longs to escape her father's overprotective wing, proving herself to be even more determined than ever to gain independence. Her yearning to be free is so strong that she's willing to run away from the Pride Lands and endanger her life in order to prove that she is capable and strong. In doing so, Kiara often rejects the truth, wanting to make herself seem as though everything is in her control. This can be clearly seen when she's around Kovu, who is much more arrogant than she is.
Unbothered by his bloated ego, Kiara determines to prove herself just as capable as he is and shows herself willing to clash heads with him in order to sustain her pride. Kiara is also much calmer as a young adult, as shown when she is dealing with Kovu and her father later in the movie, especially when she stands up to him and manages to talk reason into him, indicating her determination to complete the task at hand.
Kiara is also very cheerful, always seeing the best in others and looking at the positive side of situations. She possesses a strong sense of justice, which is shown during her mate's trial, as she believed that Kovu was innocent and realized that the ambush was not his fault. She also possesses a fierce temper that she can usually keep under control, but in the event that if there is a false accusation, she will let it out, as portrayed when she angrily defies her father that he would never be her grandfather due to his severe arrogance. This in turn shows that she is willing to confront her own father in order to show her dedication to her values.
Despite yearning to seem mature, Kiara is a cub at heart, able to laugh at everything and make even Kovu's rough training into a game. Her outlook is a positive one, and she is one of Kovu's most loyal encouragers, seeing past his rough exterior to the kind character within. Unlike Simba, who is only able to see an Outsider's crimes, Kiara recognizes Kovu's individuality, accepting her enemies as being no different than she is. This intuitive acceptance of the Outsiders, an enemy pride, is most likely an evolution of her understanding as a cub for Kovu and his way of life. Even when young, Kiara saw no problem in making friends with an Outsider, and once grown, her bright outlook morphed into a mature understanding of how the prides should interact. Even Simba benefits from Kiara's teaching, recognizing his daughter for her recognition of a principle that he initially would not accept himself.
For a lioness so young, Kiara possesses a significant amount of bravery, as she jumps in front of a rage-driven Zira in order to prevent her from killing Simba. Her noble side shines through when she turns the other cheek and offers Zira help up the cliff side despite the risk that her enemy will pull her down into the river as a token of thanks. Once again, Simba is exposed to the mature teachings of his daughter, who is willing to endanger herself in order to bring her enemies to the light. Time and time again, Kiara proves herself to be selfless and almost unnaturally empathetic toward those who wish to do her harm. She also manages to convince her eventul mate Kovu to join her in reuniting the prides instead of running off as he'd proposed, showing that she would never abandon her family to death.
Kiara proves herself to be trustworthy, for despite her feelings for Kovu and the temptation to be free of queenly duties, she chooses to return to her pride, thinking and putting the needs of both prides before her own goals. This shows that she is of pure thought, constantly putting the thoughts and safety of others above her own goals and her life, showing her selflessness. She does not give in to the temptation to leave her pride to fate, not caving to her inner demons unlike her own father, who gave in to his fears of losing everything and everyone he loves. She forgave her mate and the Outsiders, offering them a chance to redeem themselves. She tries to save Zira, even after being threatened by her and her pride, and shows no intent to kill her or any of the Outsiders, no matter their acts of cruelty. She heroically and selflessly blocks Zira from killing her father and then attempts to save her, showing her dedication to mercy. Upon reunification, she asks for no reward whatsoever for her selfless actions. This proves that though she does not want to lead, she possesses the true personality, qualities, traits, and vision to be queen, giving her the characteristics of a true heroine.
Information
The Lion King II: Simba's Pride
Cubhood
| “ | Simba: I'm telling you this because I love you. I don't want to lose you. If something happened to you, I don't know what I'd do. One day, I won't be here. And I need you to carry on in my place. You are part of the great Circle- Kiara: Circle of Life. I know. Simba: Exactly. And you need to be careful. As future queen- Kiara: But what if I don't wanna be queen? It's no fun. Simba: That's like saying you don't want to be a lion. It's in your blood. As I am. We are part of each other. Kiara: Hmph!
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Kiara first appears as an infant at her presentation to the Pride Lands. She is carried to the edge of Pride Rock in her mother's mouth before being taken into the arms of Rafiki. She is raised up for all the animals to see, and the gathered Pridelanders erupt into cheering before bowing before their new queen. After the presentation is over, Rafiki marks Kiara's forehead, and her parents nuzzle her affectionately. Timon and Pumbaa are excited about the young cub and start to talk about all the things they're going to do with "the little guy." Rafiki laughs and informs them that Kiara is a girl. They are both shocked and dismayed at this turn of events and fall over in dead faints.
Kiara's presentation
Kiara soon grows into a strong-headed young cub. She is first seen atop Pride Rock, ready to embark on an adventure. However, her overprotective father Simba gently asks her where she is going in such a hurry. A bit annoyed, Kiara tells him to let go of her, and Simba reminds her that he just wants her to be careful. Kiara is distracted by a butterfly, and Simba struggles to get her attention, once again reminding her that accidents can happen. He starts to name off a bunch of dangers, but Kiara finishes for him. She then asks if she can just go, but Nala comes up to join them and reminds Kiara to mind her father. Kiara acknowledges her mother's words, and Simba adds that she has to stay away from the Outlands.
Zazu flies up to join the group and comments that there's nothing there but "a bunch of backstabbing, murderous Outsiders." Simba comments that one can never turn his back on an Outsider, prompting Kiara's curiosity, but Simba tells her to never mind him and just run along. Kiara insists he tell her, but Simba promises that she will understand someday when she is older. He then tells Kiara to run along again, and with a final nuzzle, he sends Kiara off, yelling after her to stay on the path that he has marked for her. Noticing how Simba is protective over Kiara, Nala laughs and teasingly asks her mate who Kiara reminds him of. When Simba proves clueless, Nala tells him that Kiara is just like Simba was when he was young. Overall, Nala assures Simba that Kiara will be fine. However, as soon as Nala is gone, Simba sends Timon and Pumbaa to keep an eye on Kiara.
Timon and Pumbaa find Kiara
Kiara runs into the open savanna and begins chasing a butterfly through the tall grass. It lands on a rock, and she sneaks forward and pounces. As the butterfly flutters away, Kiara peeks over the rocks and sees the intimidating form of the Outlands stretching before her. She is awestruck and wonders what's out there. But as she is staring at the land beyond, she doesn't notice Timon and Pumbaa. After a huge fright, Kiara falls off the rock and lands in the pool below. Pumbaa jumps in after her, but accidentally sits on top of her. Kiara eventually splutters to the surface and begins limping toward shore. As she shakes out her fur, Pumbaa reminds her that she knows better than to go off all alone; she could've been hurt. Timon exclaims that Simba would be furious with them if she ever got hurt. He then goes off on Kiara, asking her if she's hurt or sick. Kiara is annoyed, but Timon persists and hangs a fern over her head to keep the sun out of her face. Kiara swats it away and asks them to just listen to her. For once, Timon is quiet, and Kiara explains that she's more than just a princess; that's only half of who she is. Pumbaa asks who the other half is, but Kiara is unable to answer. Timon then goes to dig up some grubs "while she's figuring it out."
Kiara with Kovu
He shows the insects to Kiara, who is disgusted and turns down his offer to snack on one. He then gets into an argument with Pumbaa over which grubs are tastiest, and Kiara, grasping the opportunity, sneaks away from her bumbling babysitters to set off down the path into the Outlands, away from the path that Simba has marked for her. As she is crossing a log, Kiara suddenly trips and accidentally bumps into an Outlander cub. The cub immediately bares his teeth at her and begins backing her up against the log. Remembering her father's advice to never turn her back on an Outsider, Kiara tries to maneuver her way around the cub without turning her back on him. He asks what she's doing, and Kiara determinedly tells him what her father had explained to her. The other cub mocks her and accuses her of "always doing what Daddy says." Kiara tries to defend herself, but the cub just laughs and calls her "Daddy's little girl."
The cub then brags that he can take care of himself and walks confidently onto a log in the middle of a swamp. Kiara follows, unaware that the log is actually a crocodile. The Outlander cub then turns and sees a crocodile about to swallow Kiara whole. The two cubs are terrified and begin bolting across the swamp. A chase instigates, and the cubs manage to find a dead tree sticking out of the swamp. They scramble up its branches and Kiara barely makes it back to dry land.
Kiara realizes that she can't be friends with Kovu
When they're finally safe, Kiara is ecstatic and rudely blows a raspberry at the crocodiles who are straining to reach them from the swamp. The cubs race away from the cliff, and Kiara starts to go on and on about how fierce the crocodiles are and how scared she had been. Then she softens and tells her new friend that he had been really brave. He compliments her as well and introduces himself as Kovu. Kiara tells him her name, then playfully tags him. Kovu doesn't understand what she's doing, and she picks up on this. She responds by growling playfully, and Kovu growls back. But as he does so, out of nowhere, Simba appears in front of his daughter, roaring fiercely at the strange cub. At the same time, Kovu's mother Zira leaps in front of her own cub. The two parents roar in protection of their offspring, but the cubs are horrified at the turn of events.
Simba and Zira confront, revealing to be long-lasting enemies. The argument grows heated until Simba finally growls, "We're finished here." Zira smiles menacingly and replies, "Oh, no, Simba. We have barely begun." She then stares down at Kiara and laughs sinisterly. Kiara is horrified, but Simba quickly picks her up by the scruff and carries her home. Kovu is given the same treatment, and as the cubs are separated, they whisper goodbye to each other.
Cub Kiara in "We Are One"
On the way home, Simba stops with Kiara and lets Nala and the rest of the pride go on ahead. He sets his daughter on a rock, and Kiara looks up at him, smiling innocently. She quickly sobers at his serious expression. Simba asks what she'd thought she'd been doing and reminds her that she could have been killed. Kiara starts to protest, but Simba interrupts and tells her that he loves her and doesn't want to lose her. If anything happened to her, he wouldn't know what he'd do. He reminds her that one day he won't be here and she'd need to take over in his place. He reminds her about the "great Circle of Life," but she tiredly finishes his sentence. He starts to go on about the responsibilities of being queen, but Kiara interrupts him and spits out that she doesn't want to be queen; it's no fun. Simba tells her that's like saying she doesn't want to be a lion. He reminds her that they are part of each other, and he starts to sing "We Are One."
Young Adulthood
Years pass, and Kiara grows into a beautiful young lioness. On the day of her first hunt, the pride gathers at Pride Rock. The lionesses line up on either side of the rock face, and the royal family walks down in-between them. The lionesses are all impressed with how Kiara has grown, and Nala assures her daughter that she'll do fine.
Kiara´s painting by Rafiki
Despite the festive mood, Simba is downcast and worried about his daughter. Kiara suspects that he's anxious and tells him to promise her that she can do this on her own. Simba finally submits, and Kiara nuzzles him affectionately. She leaps to the edge of Pride Rock and gives the Pride Lands a determined smile. She then looks back at her father, and he nods. But as she bounds away, Simba turns and whispers to Timon and Pumbaa to make sure that she doesn't get hurt.
Kiara emerges into the Pride Lands and begins to hunt. Trying to be quiet, she sneaks up on a herd of antelope but accidentally steps on a branch. It cracks, and the herd of antelope dash away. Kiara runs frustratedly after them. Meanwhile, Timon and Pumbaa are stealthily trying to keep pace with her. They spot the young lioness fail to bring down an antelope, as she accidentally kicks over a rock and frightens the herd. But the antelopes run right into Timon and Pumbaa, and Kiara soon spots them hiding in the grass. She demands to know what they're doing, and Timon tries to make up an excuse.
Kiara at the onset of her first hunt
Kiara soon realizes the truth; her father had lied to her, even though he'd promised to let her do this on her own. Timon gently tells her that her father just doesn't want her to get hurt, but Kiara states that she should've known that he wouldn't have given her a real chance. Angry, she runs away and yells over her shoulder that she is going to hunt away from the Pride Lands. Timon and Pumbaa try to catch up with her, but Kiara soon disappears into the grasslands.
Meanwhile, Nuka and Vitani set the Pride Lands ablaze in an effort to trap the princess. Kiara, who is still hunting, once more fails to be silent and frightens the herd away. As they disappear over the crest of a hill, Kiara gives up the chase. But the next moment, she sees them running back toward her, crying out in fear as they are chased by a wall of blazing flames. Kiara realizes what's going on and runs after the retreating animals, but she is soon trapped in the raging flames and makes a last desperate attempt to escape. She jumps onto a ledge, nearly falling off, and manages to haul herself onto the ground above.
Kiara embraces her mother
Once safely on the ledge, she collapses onto her side, too weak to move, and sees a young lion stalk up to her, but she is too weak to run away. The lion growls, and Kiara faints from exhaustion. The lion examines her, unimpressed, then picks her up and puts her onto his back. He carries her through the burning forest and throws himself off a cliff into a lake below. He sees Kiara disappear under the water and hastens to bring her to the surface and haul her back to land.
The stranger drags her to shore, and Kiara wakes up, gasping for breath. She asks where she is, and the young lion tells her that she's "safe in the Pride Lands." Kiara is stunned but soon becomes angry. She demands to know why he had brought her here and who he thinks he is. Her rescuer is offended and reminds her that he has just saved her life. Kiara tells him that she had had everything under control, but the stranger replies, "Not from where I'm standing." Kiara retorts, "Then move downwind." She attempts to walk away, but the other lion blocks her. She tries once more, but the stranger jumps in front of her again. Kiara prepares herself for a fight, but the young lion suddenly asks, "What are you doing?" Kiara then realizes that the young lion is her childhood friend Kovu.
Kovu stands beside Kiara's fallen form
Before she can react, Simba arrives and roars at Kovu. Nala, who has come with Simba, rushes up to Kiara, relieved to see that her daughter is all right. Kiara asks Simba why he'd broken his promise, and Simba replies, "It's a good thing I did." He then laments how he almost lost her, strictly telling her that there will be no more hunts for her, not ever. Kiara protests and points out that she had been doing just fine, even before Kovu intervened. At the mention of Kovu's name, Simba roars at the young lion, and Kovu roars back. Nala is surprised by Simba's ferocity, but before the argument can get worse, Rafiki appears on a nearby hill and indirectly tells Simba that Kovu has saved his daughter's life.
Simba questions Kovu's motives for saving her, to which Kovu replies that he has left the Outsiders and is now a rogue. He asks to join Simba's pride, but Simba forcefully reminds him that he has been banished with the rest of his kin. Kovu tells Simba to judge him for what he is or to accuse him of a crime he didn't commit. Simba growls, thinking over the proposition. Nala reminds her mate that Kovu has saved Kiara's life, and Zazu adds that "royal protocol demanded all debts be paid." The bird adds under his breath that Simba might want to make an exception. Simba reluctantly agrees to Kovu's request, following the law of his father, but decides to reserve judgment until he can see who Kovu really is. Kiara is delighted at the news.
Kovu and Kiara after her first hunt
That night, the pride returns to Pride Rock with Kovu. Simba notices Kovu about to go into the inner cavern with the lionesses and quickly jumps in front of him with a growl, intimidating him away from the cavern opening as he goes inside. Kovu scowls at Simba before walking to the rocks outside the cavern to sleep.
Kiara is the last of the lionesses to reach Pride Rock and sees Kovu lie down beside the rocks. She approaches him and thanks him for saving her life. Kovu smugly asks her what kind of a hunter she thinks she is and points out that she could've been killed. He then tells her that she couldn't last three days on her own. Provoked, Kiara asks if he can teach her how to hunt, to which Kovu answers confidently. Simba then calls for Kiara, and she quickly tells Kovu to "impress her," for they'd start at dawn. Kovu smiles smoothly as she walks away and says that he will be looking forward to it.
Kiara interrupts Kovu's assassination attempt
The next morning, Kovu sees Simba taking a drink at the water hole. He prepares to attack but is interrupted by Kiara, who jumps in front of him and cheerfully tells him good morning. She excitedly jumps around him and tells him that she's ready for her first lesson. Kovu looks at the water hole and sees that Simba is gone. He growls to himself as they walk away, frustrated that his first attempt to kill the king has failed.
While tirelessly training Kiara, Kovu waits in the grass for Kiara to pounce on him by surprise. He rolls his eyes and counts to three. He then ducks, and Kiara leaps full over his evasion, landing on the ground a few feet away. Kovu steps toward her and looks down at her. Embarrassed, she asks if he had heard her, to which Kovu replies, "Only...a lot." He then tells her that she is breathing too hard. He urges her to feel the earth beneath her paws so it won't shift beneath her. He then decides to show her an example. He sees a flock of birds alight on a nearby hillside and runs up the side of the hill. He roars and unintentionally pounces on Timon, who cries out in fear and begs Kovu not to eat him.
Kovu and Kiara stargaze
Kiara rushes up after Kovu and asks Timon what he's doing. Timon is relieved to see her and explains that he's not following her for once. He tells the lions that the birds are eating all their grubs and gestures to the numerous birds poking at the ground. He asks Kovu to lend a voice, but the Outsider doesn't understand. Kiara shows him what Timon means by roaring at the birds, scattering them into the sky. Kovu tries, and together, the two lions follow Timon and Pumbaa down the hillside, scattering birds in all directions. Kovu is still confused and asks Kiara what the point of this training is. Kiara laughs and tells him that it's just for fun. Kovu is flustered, but Kiara's laughing and Timon and Pumbaa's whooping eventually bring him out of his shell, and he whoops and yells right alongside them.
The group accidentally runs into a rhinoceros herd, with the birds sitting atop the creatures' horns. The rhinoceroses snort loudly, and Kiara and her friends race back the way they came with the rhinos in hot pursuit. The four friends manage to squeeze into a crevice, and the herd of rhinos shoots past. They all laugh uncontrollably, and even Kovu seems to be having fun. But as they're struggling to get out, Kiara and Kovu accidentally touch muzzles. They're both a bit flustered and smile in embarrassment, but it is perceived that the two secretly enjoyed the tense moment. All the friends climb out of the crevice and begin making their way out of the gorge.
Kiara in "Upendi"
That night, Kovu and Kiara are lying on the grass, gazing up at the stars. Amid trying to decipher pictures in the stars, Kiara spots a baby rabbit, and Kovu sees two battling lions. Kiara grimaces, but Kovu laughs and admits that he's never done this before. Kiara is surprised and tells Kovu that she used to do it all the time with her father, who told her that the Great Kings of the Past look down on them from the stars. Kovu wonders if Scar is up there, but Kiara doesn't answer. Troubled, Kovu tells her that even though Scar wasn't his father, he was still a part of him. Kiara tells Kovu that Simba had said there was a darkness in Scar that he couldn't escape. Kovu quietly wonders if that darkness is in him, too. Kiara doesn't answer but puts her paw on Kovu's, and they nuzzle. Simba and Nala watch them from a nearby hillside, and Simba seeks counsel with the Great Kings. He is hesitant to trust Kovu around his daughter, but Nala urges him to give the Outsider a chance.
Kovu then pulls away from Kiara, and she asks what's wrong. Kovu starts to tell her his part in Zira's plan but decides against it and starts to walk away again. Kiara softly urges him to stay, and Kovu hesitates, then starts to leave again. Suddenly, Rafiki appears out of the grass and asks Kovu where he thinks he's going. Kovu is flustered and replies, "Nowhere." Rafiki laughs and says, "That's what you think." He then disappears into the grass, and Kovu searches frantically for him. He then asks who the baboon is, and Kiara laughs nervously, explaining Rafiki as "a friend of the family." Rafiki then appears on Kovu's back. The baboon slips off him and pulls his tail, telling him that "Rafiki knows the way." Kovu asks where to, and the baboon tells him that if he'd follow, he'd see. The baboon then springs away, and Kiara follows after him, giggling. Kovu runs after her, and Rafiki sings "Upendi" to the lions, encouraging them to like each other more. They sing to themselves afterward as they make their way back to Pride Rock.
Two lionesses stop Kiara from reaching Kovu
They give each other an affectionate good night and are both disappointed when they remember that Kovu can't sleep with the pride. As Kiara goes into the cave, she looks back at Kovu and sighs pleasantly. The next day, Kovu is debating whether he should tell Kiara his part in Zira's plot or not. He finally convinces himself to do so and to also tell Kiara that he loves her. But just as he's about to talk to her, Simba interrupts them and tells Kovu that he'd like to talk with him. Kiara is both surprised and pleased to see that her father wants to talk to Kovu, but Kovu is a bit suspicious and still anxious to talk to Kiara.
Later, Kiara sees her father limping back to Pride Rock. Immediately worried, she sends Zazu for help, then rushes out to aid her father with the help of Timon and Pumbaa. Timon asks Simba what happened, but the king can barely speak and wheezes painfully, "Kovu...ambush." He then falls onto his side in pain. Kiara stares at him in horror as she realizes what Kovu has done. Timon and Pumbaa then help carry Simba back to Pride Rock.
Kiara searches for an exiled Kovu
After Simba has recovered, Kiara can't believe that Kovu would ambush her father. Just then, Kovu comes back to Pride Rock with a fresh scar inflicted by Zira. Kiara is delighted to see him and starts to run out to him, but her father snarls and stops her. Kovu approaches down the narrow aisle between the congregated animals gathered around the base of Pride Rock. Simba demands to know why he had come back, and the young lion starts to explain that he had had nothing to do with the ambush, but Simba interrupts him and forcefully tells Kovu that he doesn't belong in the Pride Lands. Kovu asks for Simba's forgiveness, and Kiara begs her father to listen to him, but Simba harshly yells at Kiara to be silent, then turns back to Kovu and says that he'd told the Outsider that he would wait on judgment but would pass it now. Kiara is terrified, and to her heartbreak, Simba shouts, "Exile!" The animals on Pride Rock then sing "One of Us." Kiara tries to reach Kovu, but two lionesses block her way. She eventually manages to push past them only to be stopped by another two lionesses.
After Kovu is driven away, Kiara begs her father to reconsider, but Simba stubbornly refuses and tells her that she can't go anywhere without an escort from now on. Kiara starts to protest, but Simba tells her that Kovu had used her to get to him. Kiara protests again and says that Kovu loves her for who she really is, but Simba tells her that Kovu "loved" her because she was the daughter of the Lion King. He then tells her that she can't leave Pride Rock; she must stay where he'll keep an eye on her, away from Kovu. Kiara tries one last time, telling Simba that he doesn't know Kovu, but Simba tells his daughter that he knows Kovu is following in Scar's paw prints and that he himself must follow in his father's. Kiara defies him, saying, "You will never be Mufasa!" Simba is stunned and horrified at this comment, and Kiara runs into the cave, weeping whilst watched on in shock by the other lionesses.
Kiara in "Love Will Find a Way"
While crying, Kiara sees a hole at the back of the cave and escapes Pride Rock without her father seeing. She begins searching for Kovu but cannot find him anywhere. She starts to sing "Love Will Find a Way," during which Kovu finds her, and they reunite. They laugh together and lie down next to a pool. Kovu looks at their reflection, which has merged through the ripples, and says to her, "Look, we are one." He smiles at her, and she smiles back, then realizes what Kovu has just said and looks shocked. Kovu leaps away from the pool and announces that they should run away together and start a pride of their own. Kiara smiles affectionately and reminds him that they have to go back. Kovu thinks she's kidding and reminds her that they are finally together. She tells him that their place is with their pride and that if they left, their families would be divided forever.
The battle of the prides begins, and Kiara and Kovu race back to stop their battling families. They run down an embankment covered with fallen logs. The battle continues until Simba and Zira start a showdown. Just as they raise their paws to inflict blows, Kiara and Kovu jump in front of their parents. Simba is surprised at his daughter's sudden appearance and tells her to stand aside, but Kiara tells him that the fight must stop. He tells her to stay out of the fight, but Kiara reminds him that "a wise king" once told her, "We are one." She didn't used to understand what he meant, but now she does. Simba starts to protest about the Outsiders, but Kiara tells him to look at them. She tells him that "they are us" and asks him to name any differences he can see. At her words, the clouds part, and the rain stops. Simba realizes that Kiara is right about the Outsiders, then smiles at his daughter and reconciles with her as they nuzzle and embrace.
Kiara reconciles with Simba
Zira tries to get her pride to attack, but Kiara's words have hit a soft spot. Starting with Vitani, all the Outsider lionesses cross over to stand with Simba's pride. Simba tells Zira to put her past behind her, but she refuses to let it go. In a last attempt to fulfill Scar's plan, she leaps at Simba, but Kiara jumps in the way. The two lionesses tumble down an embankment and begin falling into the gorge. Simba jumps down the slope, trying desperately to reach Kiara, but she and Zira have already fallen too far down the ledge. Kiara manages to catch a hold onto the ledge, slowing her descent enough for her to jump onto a small ledge, but Zira isn't so lucky and clings to the rocks some distance below.
Meanwhile, Simba is still trying to reach Kiara. Nala yells for her daughter, then notices that the logs blocking the gorge have broken and are letting in a flood of water. The river is rapidly rushing to fill the canyon. Zira hangs precariously from the rock face while Kiara is above on the ledge. She reaches down a paw and tells Zira to take hold of it. Zira swipes angrily at it and loses a foot of her hold on the cliff. Kiara urges Zira to take her paw and tells the Outsider that she will help her. Zira slides further down the rock wall, scrabbling at the rock, but is unable to climb up. Finally, she loses her grip and falls into the churning water below, leaving Kiara horrified and saddened. As Zira disappears beneath the surface, the river calms, and Kiara watches the logs bob away. Simba then reaches her and holds out a paw. Kiara sadly tells him that she'd tried.
Kovu and Kiara are married
Simba then helps Kiara back up the cliff, where she is greeted enthusiastically by her worried mother and the two prides. Kovu and Kiara embrace, relieved to have fulfilled their mission. As Simba watches his daughter embrace the Outsider, he softly tells Kovu that he had been wrong, for Kovu does belong with the pride. The two prides join together and go back to Pride Rock as one. They then gather on Pride Rock, where Rafiki shakes his stick over top Kiara's and Kovu's heads, blessing their union and hinting that they're now mates. Simba and Nala lead the procession through the pride, who are lined up along Pride Rock with bowed heads. Kiara and Kovu follow behind them. Both couples make their way to the tip of Pride Rock. First, Simba roars, then Kovu. Finally, all four roar together while the rest of the pride roars in answer.
The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
Kiara can first be seen atop Pride Rock, learning from her father Simba about life as a future monarch. When her younger brother Kion runs past, she starts to remind him that she's training to be the queen of the Pride Lands, but he cuts her off, finishing her sentence for her. Kiara replies that at least she has her life figured out and mockingly asks Kion what he is going to grow up to be, to which Kion replies, "Happy." The two are then separated by Simba.
Kiara stands atop Pride Rock with her father, Simba
Later, Kiara and her friend Tiifu watch as their friend Zuri gets her claws stuck in a log. Bunga arrives and tells them that Simba has made Kion leader of the Lion Guard and that Bunga is the first member. Kiara finds the idea funny and questions her brother on whether Simba knows about this or not, to which Kion replies that it had been Simba who'd told him about the Lion Guard. Kiara then watches Bunga sing "Zuka Zama".
After Kion has assembled his team, Kiara tells Simba about Kion putting Bunga in the Lion Guard and proves this to him when Zazu leads them to Kion and his friends. Simba thanks Kiara for informing him of this before sending her and Tiifu to track gazelles.
Later, Kiara and Tiifu track gazelles, with Kiara telling Tiifu that they can't take more than their fair share, as it would break the Circle of Life. When Janja and his clan attack the Pride Lands, Kiara sends Tiifu to get Simba. She is then trapped in the midst of a gazelle stampede, and it is up to Kion and the Lion Guard to save her. She is last seen alongside her father, proud of Kion and his team.
The Lion Guard
"The Rise of Makuu"
Kiara and her brother, Kion
When Kion returns to Pride Rock and admits his misgivings about the mashindano between Makuu and Pua, Kiara asks her father why he can't interfere. Simba gently replies that although he is king, he must recognize and respect the traditions of other animals.
Kiara later witnesses the mashindano between Makuu and Pua, with her friends Tiifu and Zuri at her side. After the fight, she informs Kion that Zazu has reported that the giraffes have encroached on the baboon's forest.
After Kion deals with the problem, he returns to Pride Rock, where Kiara informs him that the baboons have taken over Pride Rock. She expresses annoyance at the antics of the baboons and chastises Ono for sweeping Bunga's stink toward her.
"Can't Wait to be Queen"
Kiara starts an argument with Kion when he takes the tree that she'd found, but Simba soon approaches and tells Kion to back away, for Kiara is going to serve as queen for the day. When Kion reacts with confusion, Simba gently explains that his presence is needed at a funeral in Kilio Valley for Aminifu, a wise old elephant who has passed away. Though Kiara is unsure of herself in acting as queen, Simba reminds her that he had been nervous to rule the Pride Lands on his own, too.
Not long after this, Kion is ready to go on morning patrol with the Lion Guard, but instead of joining his team, Ono simply flies over them en route to Pride Rock. The Lion Guard rushes after their friend, but when they arrive at Pride Rock, Kiara is given a royal announcement by her friends, Tiifu and Zuri. A thoroughly annoyed Kion asks Kiara what's going on, and she explains that she is getting the morning report from Ono, since Zazu is off with the king and queen.
Kiara at Broken Rock
Ono then reports that a herd of elands are moving along the river and that several new hives of bees have appeared on the trail along the river. Kiara quickly connects the dots and realizes that the elands will run right into the hives, inciting chaos. She asks Kion to divert the herd rather than move the bees, and Kion reluctantly agrees.
Eventually, Kion makes his way to the hives of bees, but instead of following Kiara's orders, he decides to move the bees rather than redirect the herd. His plan backfires, and the bees chase the Lion Guard straight into the path of the elands, who panic and run away in fear. A bruised, defeated, and stung Kion returns to Kiara and tries to make the best of his report, but Kiara accuses him of not having listened to her orders. He is then forced to admit that not all of the elands cooperated with them, and Kiara implores him to listen to her next time.
As the cubs squabble, Mzingo reports back to Janja, explaining that Kion and Kiara are fighting in the wake of Simba's departure. Janja decides to take advantage of the family struggles and instructs Mzingo to take a special message to Kiara.
As Kiara looks out over her kingdom, Mzingo lands on the peak of Pride Rock and offers a peace proposal to the young queen. Though suspicious, Kiara listens as Mzingo tells her that Janja wishes to meet her at Broken Rock, which serves as neutral ground between the Pride Lands and the Outlands. Kiara promises to think the offer over, and Mzingo flies away.
When Kion hears about the proposal, he desperately tries to talk his sister out of it, but Kiara points out that Janja probably came to her because Kion is constantly running him off. Furious, Kion points out that she's not really the queen, but Kiara resolves to do things her own way. A frustrated Kion refuses to take part in her plan and runs off into the savanna.
Kiara and Kion
As Kion storms away from his sister, he encounters Mufasa, who encourages him to support Kiara. He gently reminds the cub that Kiara needs his help, especially when she's wrong, and Kion realizes that he was wrong to have abandoned his sister. After thanking his grandfather, Kion races off to rejoin Kiara, but when he returns to Pride Rock, Tiifu and Zuri explain that Kiara has already gone off to meet with Janja. Gathering the Lion Guard, Kion sets out to stop her.
Having gotten a good head start, Kiara reaches Broken Rock, where Janja surrounds her with his cronies, but just in time, Kion arrives with the Lion Guard, and Janja flees. As the hyenas scurry away, Kiara admits that Kion had been right about Janja, and he reminds his sister that she had been right about the bees. With their argument settled, the siblings return home.
When Simba and Nala return home, Kiara asks how the tribute had gone, and Nala answers that everything had turned out fine. She then asks how ruling the Pride Lands had gone, and though Kiara begins to stumble over her words, Kion jumps in, proclaiming that Kiara is going to make a great queen someday.
"The Kupatana Celebration"
At the Kupatana celebration, Kiara stands beside Kion and their parents as Simba gives his speech to the gathered animals.
"Fuli's New Family"
Kiara learns how to track gazelles with her friends, Tiifu and Zuri.
"Bunga and the King"
On their way to witness the first elephant concert of the season, Kiara nearly falls into a sinkhole until she is saved by her father, Simba. Much to the dismay of Kiara, Kion, and Nala, Simba falls into the hole, and Bunga gets himself trapped trying to rescue the king. Simba orders Kiara and Nala to go on ahead of him, for it is tradition that the royal family be in attendance, so the two leave without him.
After the concert, Kiara and Nala congratulate the elephants on their song. Shortly afterward, Simba arrives with the Lion Guard, Pumbaa, and Timon. Together, all the animals sing "Hakuna Matata".
Other Roles
Literature
A Little Help From a Friend
At the start of the story, Kiara is shaking her father awake and begging him to take her on a walk around the kingdom. Groggily, Simba awakes, and the two exit the cavern to immediately run into Timon and Pumbaa.
Kiara in A Little Help From a Friend
At the sight of her two infamous babysitters, Kiara becomes frustrated, as she knows how overprotective her father can be. However, before Simba can assign Timon and Pumbaa a task, Zazu flutters up to the king and announces that Outsiders have been spotted in the Pride Lands near the western canyon. With such news, Simba is forced to cut the walk short. Before leaving, he instructs Kiara to stay near Pride Rock with Timon and Pumbaa beside her at all times.
Disappointed, Kiara begins to plot a way to get away from her babysitters so she can go to the western canyon herself. With a devious plot forming in her head, the young cub leads Timon and Pumbaa away from the shelter of Pride Rock.
As the trio make their way through the forest, Timon and Pumbaa begin to search the foliage for grubs, completely forgetting about their duty to oversee Kiara. Taking advantage of the situation, the small cub sneaks away. No sooner has she escaped, however, when a strange cub tackles her to the ground. At first, the two don't recognize each other, but then Kiara identifies the cub as her old playmate, Kovu.
The princess is delighted and proceeds to invite her friend to come to the canyon with her so they can watch her father drive away the Outsiders together. To her disappointment, Kovu declines the offer. Dejectedly,
Kiara saves Timon
Kiara begins to walk away, but then she realizes that it would be much more fun to stay and play with Kovu, so she turns around and starts up a game of tag with her former playmate.
As the cubs are playing, Kiara hears Pumbaa cry out for help. The two friends immediately race to the source of the voice and find that Timon is hanging unconscious from a vine in a tree. Quickly, the two formulate a plan. While Kovu climbs up the tree and frees Timon, Kiara clambers onto Pumbaa's back and catches the meerkat as he falls. After laying Timon gently in Pumbaa's tusks, Kiara bids her friend farewell, as they both agree that he would not be welcome in the Pride Lands.
On the way back to Pride Rock, Timon revives and thanks Kiara for saving his life. The three friends then agree not to tell anyone about their encounter with Kovu but to merely mention him as a friend. The story is later recounted to Simba, who praises his daughter for her quick thinking. Kiara accepts the thanks and then adds cheekily that many things are possible if only with a little help from a friend.
Relations
Template:Relations
Voice Actors
- The Lion King II: Simba's Pride - (1998) - (film) - Mary Gibbs (newborn), Michelle Horn (cub), Charity Sanoy (singing cub), Ashley Edner (young lion growls), Neve Campbell (young adult), Liz Callaway (singing young adult)
- The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar - (2015) - (film) - Eden Riegel
- The Lion Guard - (2016) - (TV series) - Eden Riegel
Trivia
General
Kiara's original design
- Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker, the wife of Matthew Broderick, were both considered for the role of Kiara, then named Aisha.[1]
In Development
- During early production of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, Kiara had several different names, including Aisha and Shani.[2][3]
- In early developments, Kiara had light brown fur, green eyes, and a hair tuft.[4]
- During production of The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, Kiara had a brother named Chaka. However, he was removed to make the film less complicated.[5]
Quotes
| “ | Kovu: What are you doing? Kiara: My father says to never turn your back on an Outsider! Kovu: You always do what Daddy says? Kiara: No! Kovu: Bet you do. Bet you're Daddy's little girl! Ha, ha!
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| “ | Kiara: Where am I? Kovu: You're safe...in the Pride Lands. Kiara: The Pride Lands....no! Why did you bring me here? Who do you think you are? Kovu: I think I'm the one who just saved your life! Kiara: Look, I had everything under control. Kovu: Not from where I'm standing. Kiara: Then move downwind.
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Gallery
 The Lion King Wiki has a collection of images and media related to Kiara. |
Video
Kiara's first hunt
References
Template:Queen Template:Succession Box Template:Appearances
| Characters from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride | |
|---|---|
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Kiara • Kovu • Simba • Zira • Timon • Pumbaa • Rafiki • Nala • Zazu • Nuka • Vitani | |
Template:Return of the Roar