THE KING

Every morning, as the sun peeks over the horizon, a giant rock formation catches the first rays of light. This is Pride Rock, home to Mufasa and his lovely wife, Queen Sarabi. On a particular morning, animals from all the Pride Lands had journeyed to Pride Rock to honor the birth of their newborn cub, Simba.

The presentation of Simba As part of the celebration, Rafiki had a special duty. He cranked open a gourd, dipped his finger inside, and made a mark on Simba's forehead. Then he lifted the future King up high for all to see. The elephants trumpeted with their trunks, the monkeys jumped up and down, and the zebras stamped with their hooves with happiness.

Mufasa ask's Scar where he was Not far from the ceremony, in a cave at the backside of Pride Rock, a scraggly lion with a dark mane grumbled. Life's not fair. I shall never be king. This was Mufasa's brother, Scar, who was jealous of Simba's position as the next King. Moments later, Mufasa was at the doorway to the cave. Sarabi and I didn't see you at the presentation of Simba. Zazu, Mufasa's trusted advisor, also appeared. You should have been first in line. I was first in line until the little hairball was born. And with that, Scar stalked out of the cave.

Mufasa and Simba on top of Pride Rock Before long, Simba grew into a healthy, playful young cub. Early one morning, he and Mufasa climbed to the top of Pride Rock. As they looked out at the rising sun, Mufasa pointed to the light beams that stretched across the Pride Lands. Look Simba: Everything the light touches is our kingdom. Simba scanned the horizon and noticed a dark spot in the distance. What about that shadowing place ? That's beyond our borders. You must never go there, Simba. But I thought a king can do what ever he wants. There's more to being king than getting your way all the time. Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king you need to understand that balance and respect all the living creatures - from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope. We are all connected to the great Circle of Life.

Scar put's his paw on Simba's head Later, as Simba headed back to down the path, he ran into Scar. Hey uncle Scar! Guess what? I'm gonna be King of Pride Rock. My dad just showed me the whole kingdom! And I'm gonna rule it all! Scar looked slyly the young cub. He didn't showed you what's beyond that rise at the northern border. Well no. He said I can't go there. And he's absolutely right. It's far to dangerous. Only the bravest lions go there. Promise me you never visit that dread- full place.

Simba telling Zazu that he will be fired as soon as Simba becomes King When Simba returned home, he found his friend Nala and her mother, Sarafina, visiting with Sarabi. Come on! I just heard about this great place! The mothers gave permission for the youngsters to go, as long as Zazu went with them. Simba and Nala raced across the Pride Lands in an effort to lose the watchful bird. They led him trough many herds of animals until they finally lost him.

Simba and Nala in the Graveyart One the cubs were free of Zazu, Simba pounced on Nala, then Nala flipped Simba onto his back. They tumbled down a hill and landed in a dark ravine litter with elephant skulls and bones. Simba looked around and gasped. This is it! We made it! Before the cubs could explore any farther, Zazu tracked them down. We're way beyond the boundary of the Pride Lands. And right now we're all in very real danger.

The Hyenas have found the cubs Suddenly three hyenas slithered out the eye sockets of an elephant skull. Frightened, Simba, Nala and Zazu jumped back. It was Banzai, his partner, Shenzi, and the always - laughing Ed. Banzai sneered. A trio of trespassers. Zazu tried to lead the cubs to safety, but Banzai grabbed him by the neck and plopped him down. The hyenas circled their prey, licking their chops. What's the hurry? We're love you to stick around for dinner.

Mufasa roars when he resques Simba and Nala While the hyenas argued about who was going to eat whom, Simba, Nala and Zazu quickly slipped away. But the hyenas weren't distracted for long. They gave chase, and Simba and Nala had to run as fast as they could. Finally they tried hiding behind some elephant bones. Just when it looked as if it were all over for the cubs, Mufasa appeared and sent the hyenas flying with a swipe of his big paw. If you ever come to my son again... The hyenas slicked away, and Mufasa glared at Simba. You deliberately disobeyed me! I'm very disappointed in you !

Mufasa gives Simba a lesson for life Mufasa sent Nala and Zazu home so he could talk privately to his son. Simba peered up at his father. I was just trying to be brave, like you. Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble. Dad we're pals right? And we'll always be together right? Mufasa looked up at the stars. Simba, let me tell you something my father told me: Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. So whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be their to guide you. And so will I.

Scar plots his evel scheme with the hyenas Meanwhile, the hyenas received another visitor: An angry Scars showed up at the lair. I practically gift wrapped those cubs and you couldn't even dispose of them. Scar warned the hyenas to be prepared. Banzai laughed. Yeah! Be prepared!.. For what? Scar looked at him with danger in his eyes. For the death of the king.

Simba must run for his life The following day, Scar invited Simba to join in the gorge. When they arrived, Scar turned to his young nephew. Now you wait here. Your father has a marvelous surprice for you. Moments after he left, Scar signaled the hyenas, who chased a herd of wildebeest directly toward Simba. From a distance, Mufasa noticed the rising dust. Scar appeared quickly at his side. Stampede! In the gorge! Simba's down there! Without waiting a second, Mufasa took of to save his young son.

Mufasa is fighting for his life Mufasa plunged into the gorge and battled his way through the oncoming wildebeests. He found Simba, grabbing him by the nape of his neck, and put him on a nearby ledge. Suddenly Mufasa was knocked back into the stampede. Desperately he tried to climb up another ledge from which Scar stood looking down on him. Brother - help me! Scar reached for Mufasa and pulled him close enough to whisper in his ear. Long live the king. Then Scar let go of Mufasa and he fell to his death. Simba peered over the ridge just as his father disappeared beneath the thundering stampede.

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