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Pride Rock
Standing in the Spotlight
"Everywhere you look, I'm standing in the spotlight!"
Pride Rock is a featured article, which means it has been identified as one of the best articles produced by the The Lion King Wiki community.


Pride Rock
Afua
General information
Type

Landmark

Kingdom

Pride Lands

Fauna

Lions

Societal information
Residents

   Kiara
   Kion (formerly)
   Kovu
   Nala
   Simba
   Mufasa (formerly)
   Sarabi
   Scar (formerly)
   Sarafina
   Vitani

Notable visitors

   Beshte
   Bunga
   Fuli
   Ono
   Pumbaa
   Rafiki
   Timon
   Zazu

Affiliations

   Pride Landers
   Pride Lands monarchy
   Simba's pride
   Lion Guard

Significant events

   Simba's presentation
   Scar's coronation
   Battle for Pride Rock
   Simba's coronation
   Kiara's presentation

Pumbaa: Pride Rock.
Timon: So majestic.
Pumbaa: So powerful.
Timon: So...bizarrely named. Pumbaa, how can a rock be proud? It's a rock!
Pumbaa: Well, I think it's because a 'pride' is what they call a group of lions.
Timon: Oh, sure, the lions get Pride Rock.
Timon and Pumbaa[src]

Pride Rock is a rock formation in the Pride Lands. It is the home of the monarchy as well as the center of government.

Information[]

Function[]

PrideRockfunction

Simba uses Pride Rock to decree an exile

Pride Rock serves several key purposes: it houses the monarch and his pride, serves as the central meeting place for residents, and is the place where official business is conducted.

A strategically advantageous location, Pride Rock proves the perfect home for a monarch, as it provides a clear view of the Pride Lands, including its bordering territories, the Elephant Graveyard and the Outlands. The monarch can use the summit to keep an eye on the kingdom, while he utilizes the peak to conduct official business and ceremony, and the inner caves to house his family and pride.

Every manner of professional business is established on the peak of Pride Rock, including presentations of future monarchs, coronations for new kings and queens, and official announcements and decrees. It is also the place where the residents of the Pride Lands may pay homage to their monarch and his family.

Composition[]

The Entryway[]

The entryway serves as the entrance and pathway to the royal den and the peak. It is located to the left of the peak and is surrounded by rocks, with a small pile of stones at its base. The ground of the entryway is made up of sand.


The Peak[]

The peak is the promontory that extends from the base of Pride Rock. It is the area where official business is conducted, including royal announcements, presentations, coronations, etc.


The Summit[]

The summit is the highest point on Pride Rock. It serves as a vantage point for the monarch to overlook his kingdom and its bordering territories. It is officially named in A Tale of Two Brothers.


The Royal Den[]

The royal den is a cave within Pride Rock. It serves as the official sleeping place for the monarch and his family. In the original film, the monarch has a place at the back of the cavern where he and his family sleep, while the lionesses fan around him. However, in the sequel, the monarch and his family sleep at the front of the cavern, while the lionesses cluster together in the back.


The Lair of the Lion Guard[]

The Lair of the Lion Guard is a cave in Pride Rock. It serves as the official meeting place of the Lion Guard.


Royal-blooded Rulers of Pride Rock[]


Name Information Betrothal Succession Right Picture


Role[]

The Lion King[]

Pride Rock is first seen during the "Circle of Life" sequence when Simba is presented to the gathered Pride Landers by Rafiki. Once he grows into a lively cub, Simba is taken to the summit of Pride Rock, where Mufasa presents him with his future kingdom and warns him to never visit the Elephant Graveyard.

Muffy atop PR

Pride Rock before Simba's presentation

Following Mufasa's death and Simba's exile, Scar ascends the peak of Pride Rock to take his place as king, allowing the hyenas to invade the land. Under the reign of King Scar, the Pride Lands fall into disarray, and Pride Rock becomes Scar's base, where he lazes day after day, surrounded by his loyal pack of hyenas. This comes to a young adult Simba's attention through Nala, who convinces him to return and take his place as king. A battle instigates on Pride Rock, and Simba fights Scar on the summit, surrounded by flames struck from dry lighting, where he defeats his uncle and throws him off Pride Rock into the flames. There, Scar is betrayed and killed by his own minions, the hyenas.

With Scar dead and the hyenas defeated, Simba ascends Pride Rock to take his place as king, roaring from the peak. Months later, Simba stands proudly next to Nala and his friends Timon and Pumbaa to watch as his cub is presented to the gathered Pride Landers.

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride[]

As in the first film, Pride Rock is the site of a royal cub's presentation. With her parents watching proudly, Kiara is presented to the gathered Pride Landers by Rafiki. She later argues with her father on Pride Rock, begging to leave the safety of the Pride Lands in order to explore the dangerous Outlands. When she follows through with her disobedient ambitions, Kiara is guided home by her father, much to her dismay.

SunrisePR

The sun rises over Pride Rock

Years later, with Kiara now a young adult, she departs for her first hunt from Pride Rock. After the failed hunt results in Kovu's induction into the pride, Simba leads his pride home and forces Kovu to sleep outside the royal den. The following night, however, Simba allows the young lion to sleep with the rest of the pride, much to the dismay of Vitani, who's watching Pride Rock from afar.

After Kovu's betrayal, Simba exiles the Outsider from the Pride Lands from atop Pride Rock. Simba relents later on in the film, bringing both Kovu and his pride back to the Pride Lands in order to induct them back into the pride. On Pride Rock, Kovu and Kiara are married, and Simba and Nala reaffirm their rule over the Pride Lands.

The Lion King 1½[]

Pride Rock is seen in the same scenes as in the first film. However, its role is somewhat expanded, as Timon believes "the big pointy rock" to be his dream home. He later decides against this, as he discovers that a pride of lions resides in Pride Rock.

The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar[]

ReturnoftheRoar30

Pride Rock at dawn

At the start of the film, Simba is training Kiara atop Pride Rock. In the middle of their lesson, they are interrupted by Bunga and Kion, who are playing Baobab Ball, but Simba orders the two away so that he can talk to Kiara. In a fit of bravery, Bunga jumps off Pride Rock, with Kion watching in shock.

Bunga and Kion later return to Pride Rock, where they are shown the Lair of the Lion Guard by Rafiki and Simba. There, Kion learns that he is the leader of the Lion Guard, a group tasked with protecting the Pride Lands.

The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa[]

Around the World with Timon & Pumbaa[]

In order to revive Pumbaa's memories, Timon holds him up on Pride Rock.

"The Man From J.U.N.G.L.E."[]
TMFJ Pride Landers2

Quint takes his aircraft to Pride Rock to reveal Hero X's secret identity to all of the Pride Landers

Pride Rock is seen when Chromosome Quint traps Timon, who is dressed as a superhero called Super Duper Hero X, in his aircraft and is about to reveal the superhero's secret identity to the animals. After Timon, Pumbaa, and Speedy the Snail, who is the real Hero X, pull a lever that stops the aircraft from revealing Hero X's secret identity, the three realize that it also makes the aircraft stop working. It is mentioned at the end that Speedy saved Timon and Pumbaa, Pride Rock, and all the jungle animals.

"Truth Be Told"[]

Pride Rock is mentioned by Rafiki, when he tells a joke about him walking all the way from the said rock and it caused his walking stick to be tired.

The Lion Guard[]

"The Rise of Makuu"[]

When Makuu invades Big Springs, he offsets the habitats of the Pride Landers, and the baboons are pushed into Pride Rock. Kion arrives on the scene, and Kiara implores him to fix the problem. Eventually, Kion drives out Makuu, and the baboons return to their usual habitat.

"Can't Wait to be Queen"[]
Can'tWaittobeQueen40

Kiara watches her parents depart from Pride Rock

Simba is invited to attend a funeral, and in his absence, he leaves Kiara in charge. As the king strides away with Nala and Zazu, Kiara watches from the peak of Pride Rock. She later appears before Kion, striding out of the royal den to get a morning report from Ono, after which she issues her first decree as queen.

When Kion returns, stung by the bees he'd foolishly tried to move, Kiara chides him in the royal den, reminding him that she is the queen. Not long after this, Mzingo meets Kiara at the peak of Pride Rock and asks her to meet with Janja for a peace proposal.

At the end of the episode, Kiara and Kion welcome their parents home on Pride Rock.

"Paintings and Predictions"[]

The Lion Guard surveys the Pride Lands from atop Pride Rock, having just completed a mission involving Thurston's herd. The group soon departs following an urgent report from Ono.

"The Mbali Fields Migration"[]

Kion meets with his father, Simba, atop Pride Rock, where Simba tasks Kion with leading a migration. From the peak of Pride Rock, the king shows Mbali Fields to his son.

"Bunga and the King"[]

The royal family departs Pride Rock to attend an elephant concert.

"The Imaginary Okapi"[]

Ajabu is introduced to Simba and Nala atop Pride Rock, where he is dubbed a Pride Lander.

"Too Many Termites"[]

The Lion Guard meets Simba on Pride Rock to discuss the termite problem. There, Simba explains to the team that the aardwolves keep the termite population under control.

"The Trouble with Galagos"[]

Pride Rock is seen in the distance as the Lion Guard enters the Back Lands.

"The Lost Gorillas"[]

Kion leads two gorilla princes, Hafifu and Majinuni, to Pride Rock. They meet with Simba, but admit that they have forgotten the message from their father, Sokwe. Simba tasks his son, Kion, with returning the gorillas home and bringing back Sokwe's message. After Kion follows through on his mission, he reports back to Pride Rock with Sokwe's declaration of peace.

"The Trail to Udugu"[]

Simba and Nala watch their cubs, Kiara and Kion, wrestling from Pride Rock.

When Nala, Kiara, and Kion return from their trip to Udugu, they join Simba atop Pride Rock, where he shows them the kingdom.

"Ono's Idol"[]

A Royal Mud Print Ceremony is held for Hadithi near Pride Rock.

Later, a different Royal Mud Print Ceremony is held for Ono in the same location.

"The Savannah Summit"[]

Simba assembles various animal leaders at Pride Rock before departing to Mizimu Grove for the Savannah Summit.

Later, Bupu and Makuu attempt to work out an agreement at Pride Rock.

"The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar"[]

Simba and Nala observe the Pride Lands from Pride Rock.

Later, Kion and Simba observe a painting of themselves on Pride Rock, and subsequently ascend it. Rafiki introduces his new apprentice, Makini, to the royal family at Pride Rock.

Janja mentions Pride Rock when he attempts to work Kion into a rage.

"Let Sleeping Crocs Lie"[]

Simba and Makuu discuss sleeping arrangements for Makuu's float atop Pride Rock.

Later, the spirit of Scar towers over Pride Rock during the musical sequence "I Have a Plan".

"Rafiki's New Neighbors"[]

A painting ceremony is held for Makini at Pride Rock.

"Rescue in the Outlands"[]

When Thurston gets lost in the Outlands, Kion advises him to head in the direction of Pride Rock.

"Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas"[]

Kion approaches his family at Pride Rock in order to ask then to participate in Bunga's Christmas celebration.

"The Morning Report"[]

At Pride Rock, Simba expresses concern over Zazu's being late for his Morning Report.

Later, Zazu gives his report to Simba at Pride Rock, despite it being nighttime.

"The Scorpion's Sting"[]

During the Kumbuka celebration at Pride Rock, Simba is stung by Sumu on Scar's orders. Rafiki tends to the king, who eventually recovers after the Lion Guard return from the Outlands with volcanic ash. The Guard then look out from Pride Rock as they contemplate the return of Scar.

"The Wisdom of Kongwe"[]

Rafiki assigns Makini the task of finding Kongwe and bringing her to Pride Rock to consult on the matter of Scar.

Fuli and Makini eventually arrive at Pride Rock with Kongwe, who urges patience in seeking a means to defeat Scar.

"The Kilio Valley Fire"[]

Pride Rock is visible behind Ma Tembo as she declares that she and her herd will not be leaving the Pride Lands.

"The Underground Adventure"[]

The Lion Guard are summoned to Pride Rock due to an "emergency", which proves to be that Tiifu and Zuri are upset by the dry season heat. Nala, arriving with Kiara, scolds the young lionesses, and Beshte suggests that they visit the mudpots on the edge of the Pride Lands.

Upon emerging from the underground tunnels after their misadventure, the young lions, Bunga, and Thurston find themselves not far from Pride Rock.

"Pride Landers Unite!"[]

The Lion Guard assemble their force of Pride Lander recruits at Pride Rock before beginning their training.

The Pride Lander army is later present at Pride Rock when Ono arrives with word that Kiburi's float is attacking Makuu's float.

"The Queen's Visit"[]

Dhahabu, queen of the Back Lands, meets with Simba at Pride Rock as they discuss a water treaty, with a large gathering of Pride Landers greeting the visiting zebras.

After touring the Pride Lands and being menaced by-and saved from-Outlander invaders, Dhahbu announces the renewal of the water treaty from atop Pride Rock.

"Battle for the Pride Lands"[]

One sunrise, Rafiki and Simba look out from Pride Rock across the Pride Lands in the direction of the areas burned by Scar's army.

In preparation for the attack on the Outlands, the Lion Guard and their allies gather at Pride Rock. Scar's army launches a sneak attack that night, setting a fire that creates a ring around Pride Rock. Hadithi and Anga carry Simba, Nala, and Kiara to safety, while the Lion Guard and hyenas-trapped in the lair-make their way out through a flooded tunnel. Scar then appears atop the burning Pride Rock, warning Simba and the Pride Landers to flee, which Simba refuses. Janja, having had a change of heart, returns to Pride Rock with Jasiri and tells the Lion Guard how Scar can (supposedly) be defeated.

Scar recalls reporting his defeat of the strange lion and cobra to Mufasa on Pride Rock, only to be teased and given the nickname "Scar" by his older brother ("When I Led the Guard"). He also recalls his fatal battle with Simba on the rock, though differently than how it actually occurred, before gazing in the direction of his former home in the present. Rafiki, Makini, Simba, and Nala all remain at Pride Rock as the Pride Lander army and their allies invade the Outlands. The Lion Guard later returns to Pride Rock, successful in defeating Scar, but Kion and Ono have suffered injuries. Hoping to find healing for the two at the Tree of Life, the Guard departs from the Pride Lands, with many of their friends and allies gathering at Pride Rock to see them off.

"Journey to the Pride Lands"[]

Upon learning that Zira and the Outsiders have invaded the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard make their way back from the Tree of Life. As they near the Pride Lands, they see Pride Rock looming in the distance.

"Return to the Pride Lands"[]

As the Lion Guard and their Outlands allies near the Pride Lands, Anga spots Kovu standing on Pride Rock. After the altercation between Kion's Guard and Vitani's is broken up by Kiara and Kovu, they are led back to Pride Rock. Kion and the others are greeted by his parents and Rafiki, who-together with Kiara and Kovu-explain the circumstances of Zira's death and the reunion of the two prides. Timon, Pumbaa, and Basi then arrive at Pride Rock to greet the homecomers.

The royal family, including Kovu, later confer with Mufasa's spirit from atop Pride Rock. With the conference finished, the lions disperse, but Kiara notices Kion looking at the stars. Kion tells his sister about Queen Rani, whom he met at the Tree of Life, and admits to missing her. Kiara, sensing her brother's feelings, encourages him to go back to her if he so desires, feeling confident that their parents would understand. The next day, Kion's guard returns to the lair only to find that it has been occupied by Vitani and her lionesses, who see no reason to step down from their position despite the return of Kion's group.

In preparation for the final event of the ensuing Battle of the Lion Guards, the two rival groups and various spectators gather near Pride Rock, and Vitani challenges Kion to a mashindano. When Vitani remains adamant that she will fight despite her disadvantage against Kion's Roar of the Elders, Kion declares her the victor of the contest and confers the Mark of the Lion Guard and the Roar of the Elders upon her. The spirit of Askari then appears in the sky and congratulates Kion, adding that his willingness to give up the Roar has allowed him to achieve complete mastery of it. By way of demonstration, Kion uses the Roar to lift the entire mass of Pride Rock out of the ground and into the air, before gently settling back into its proper place.

The Lion King: Six New Adventures[]

A Tale of Two Brothers[]

After Simba promises his son Kopa the chance to see the Pride Lands from the summit of Pride Rock, Kopa is eager to go. However, kingly duties soon get in the way, and only a story from Rafiki can convince Simba to fulfill his promise.

A Snake in the Grass[]

When Kopa becomes grumpy, Nala leaves him in the able paws of Timon and Pumbaa, and heads back to Pride Rock.

A Little Help From a Friend[]

At the start of the story, Kiara awakens her father Simba, who is asleep in the royal den. Once the two exit the den, Zazu flutters up to the king, clamoring about an Outsider invasion. With such news, Simba is forced to cut the walk short, though he later reunites with his daughter beside Pride Rock after the Outsiders have been driven away.

Comics[]

Appearances[]

Films

Television series

Short stories

Comics

Gallery[]

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