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Rafiki is a male mandrill/baboon hybrid. He serves as an advisor to the ruler of Pride Rock.
Appearance[]
Rafiki has the general build of a mandrill, although due to his baboon heritage, he has a long tail. He has dark, blue-gray fur with lighter gray fur on his chest and stomach and darker gray fur on his arms and ankles. His muzzle, as well as his hands, ears, and feet, are a dull, dark pink, and his toenails are a dark brown. He has a fluffy white mane and goatee, a baby-blue ridge above his eyes, dark blue eyerims and face stripes, and a dark red nose with a lighter red nosebridge. His eyes are black, surrounded by yellow sclarae.
Personality[]
Not only is Rafiki in tune with the world around him, but he is as wise as his years suggest. Though he may talk in a cryptic manner which may be hard to understand at first, he is nevertheless very knowledgeable. As an uncle and teacher, Rafiki is calm, knowledgeable, and patient with Makini.
History[]
Backstory[]
Rafiki was born in Grass Walls to unknown parents along with his brother, Fikiri. When he was young, he was often taught about the culture of Grass Walls, in addition to the Pride Lands. He soon traveled to the Tree of Life, where Janna approved of his training. During his training, he had his own Mpando Mpya where he planted his baobab tree in Mizimu Grove. Rafiki served as a shaman to Ahadi and Uru during their rule, and later Mufasa and Sarabi. Years after the King's death and Scar's takeover, Rafiki discovered that Mufasa's son, Simba, was still alive.
He traveled to find Simba and with the help of Mufasa's spirit, convinced him to return to the Pride Lands, and reclaim his title as king. He helped Simba defeat Scar and his hyena army before watching the young lion become King. Rafiki became the uncle to Kenene and Xolani, and he and Janna approved of Kenene becoming the Tree of Life's next Royal Mjuzi after Salamu. Later, Fikiri had another daughter, Makini, and Rafiki took her to see Janna, who approved of her training under him. Rafiki is continuing to train Makini for her role as the next Royal Mjuzi after him, and proudly oversees celebrations and other events in the Pride Lands.
Legends of the Lion Guard: Protectors of the Pride Lands[]
A Celebration in the Pride Lands[]
Rafiki awaits the arrival of Mhina and his family near the den. Later, he attends the Kupatana celebration, and waves his staff as the baobab flowers bloom.
The Pride Lands Games[]
Rafiki is one of the many at Pride Rock when Kion returns with the Tree of Life's delegation for the Pride Lands Games. Rafiki comments that the games will be delightful, and looks forward to seeing Dalila, Karibu, and Jelani. At Mizimu Grove the next day, Rafiki and Simba explain the rules of the first challenge and lead the delegations to Lake Shangaza. Waving his staff, Rafiki starts the swimming relay. After the awards are given out, the delegations are taken to Embamba Canyon for the running relay, and Rafiki and Simba explain the race. The mandrill supervises each round. After the event concludes, the delegations move to Acacia Grove for the stone throw, where Rafiki explains the rules. After starting the event, he keeps track of the point scoring, along with Simba.
When the stone throw concludes, the delegations are taken to the Grove of Trees for the stick toss. Rafiki once again explains the rules and starts the event, and he and Simba keep track of points. After the winner is declared, the delegations head to Lake Matope for the wrestling challenge, and he and Simba announce winners. When Okereke hurts Bunga on purpose, Rafiki, Makini, Kenene, and Kumbutana immediately rush onto the scene with medical supplies. He and Kenene, after treating Bunga, help to place him on Beshte's back.
Team Play[]
Kion says that he is glad that Rafiki and the other Mjuzis managed to fix Bunga's broken leg. When Bunga returns to the Lair, he recalls that Rafiki warned him to be careful on his leg.
The New Heroes[]
Upon hearing news of the Lion Guard feeling replaced by mysterious lions, Reirei and Goigoi plot to take Rafiki out. Their plan is soon discovered by Ono, and the Lion Guard heads there to stop them, only to find that Rafiki has used his martial arts skills to defeat them. He reassures Makini that he is fine, and takes her to his tree to sort herbs.
Nguruma and the Bully[]
After Nguruma is rescued from Mapigano, Makini rushes off to help out her uncle. The next day, Makini takes Nguruma to Urembo River to collect burdock roots for Rafiki, and after they are attacked again, she reports this to the Lion Guard.
Kion and Nguruma's Birthday[]
Rafiki helps to plan Kion and Nguruma's birthday celebration. Later, he says that Makini is ready for her painting ceremony, and watches as she paints.
An Enemy In Trouble[]
Rafiki helps to guide Makini in the right direction while she searches for herbs.
A Fragile Hope[]
Rafiki is outside Pride Rock when the Lion Guard returns to hear from Simba. He explains that he and Makini are going to travel to the Tree of Life to heal Jivin, who is sick with greencough. When the Lion Gaurd and Nguruma are allowed to go, Rafiki urges everyone to get going, and he leads them through the Pride Lands and into the Back Lands. They soon enter Acacia Woods and find the first Moja Kwa Moja Stone, where Rafiki activates it and is delighted that they are on the right path. Soon, he praises Makini for finding the next Moja Kwa Moja stone, and calls out that they must hurry to get to the Tree of Life. Upon reaching the Mountain Pass, Ullu and Kenene greet them, and Rafiki describes the herbs they have to the Royal Mjuzi. They enter the Tree, and he says they will start treatment at once. He mixes ingredients in Anika's gourd, assigning Makini to get wet moss and making a poultice upon Kenene's request. He praises Makini and Umhlaba when they return with the water. Later, Rafiki agrees with his apprentice when she claims that staying up is a wonderful idea.
Mhina's Tale[]
Rafiki is mentioned by Makini, who claims she needs to help him find more herbs as an excuse to leave Kion and Mhina alone.
A Wonderful Royal Summit[]
Rafiki, along with Nala, Kovu, and Makini, are gathered at the peak of Pride Rock with Simba when Kiara takes the Lion Guard up there. As Simba leads the procession to Mizimu Grove for an event, Makini tries to ask Rafiki about what is going on, but he refuses to tell her, stating that she'll find out soon enough. He affectionately ruffles her mane. After Simba announces that a Royal Summit is being hosted to discuss the onset of the dry season, Rafiki exclaims that it will affect every kingdom, which is why maintaining the bonds they have is beyond important to balance the Circle of Life. He and Makini soon sit through the summit in its entirety.
Wildfire Emergency[]
The animals injured in the wildfires are taken to Rafiki's Tree for healing. Rafiki and Makini, settled outside, immediately get to work, and Rafiki orders all of the injured to be put in nests so they can be treated. Mlinzi limps up to help, but the old mandrill stops him, telliing him that his wound must be treated before he can heal others. Soon, Ma Tembo reports that Rafiki and Mlinzi have almost finished treating injuries.
A Remedy for Impatience[]
The Young Leader[]
The Likizo ya Mvua Celebration[]
The Ultimate Lion Guard Day[]
A Mother's Day Party![]
Legends of the Lion Guard: Battle for the Pride Lands[]
Rafiki is attacked by Kiburi's Float at Ukuni Woods. While Kion is sure he can defend himself, he leads the Lion Guard, Mhina, Anga, and Jasiri there anyway. By the time they have arrived, the crocodiles have already been driven off by Rafiki, who says that he likes embracing his inner warrior. He ruffles Kion's head tuft before bounding off to his tree to sort herbs. Later, Ushari mentions Rafiki, recalling that he overheard Nguruma talking to his apprentice, Makini. While out collecing herbs at Lake Kiziwa, Makini mentions that she's doing so for her uncle. When Jivin arrives at Pride Rock, Rafiki is settled outside the den, and he heads in to hear the conversation between him and Simba. While talking inside, Makini tells Kenene that Rafiki told her about a rare herb called the Blazing Star, and in turn, she reveals that she learned about the same thing. When Kion, Mhina, Rani, and Baliyo return to Pride Rock, Rafiki is settled outside. He calls to Makini, saying they should return to Ukuni Woods, and they walk off together. Upon the Tumaini Pride's arrival in the Pride Lands, Rafiki is at Pride Rock, and heads inside the den to hear the discussions betweem them and the Royal Family. In the volcano, Scar informs the Outlanders that his next plan is for them to take out Rafiki due to his ability to sense spirits - including himself. He mentions that he is currently not at his tree, but meditating at Mapango Cliffs with Makini, and Janja remarks that Rafiki won't ever know what will hit him.
The Outlanders' attack gets the attention of Anga, who warns the Lion Guard, but Bunga points out that Rafiki can fight them off on his own and protect Makini. Kion says that the Lion Guard will still help him, and he leads them to Mapango Cliffs. Meanwhile, Chungu asks Janja about the plan, and she states that they will eliminate the mandrills and avoid letting Scar down again. Mzingo flies up to them, a stick of fire in his hands, and he comments that it's a "gift" for Rafiki and Makini. Slowly, the hyenas and jackals close in on them, but as they do, Rafiki suddenly fights back, and fends off Cheezi, Chungu, and Goigoi. Reirei calls for a regroup, and Rafiki remarks that fighting was fun, but it's time for a break. When the Lion Guard arrives on the scene, Rafiki asks how he can help, and Kion instructs him to protect Makini. Once Kion roars the Outlanders away, Rafiki thanks the Guard, saying that he enjoys embracing his inner warrior. Noticing that Kion is in shock, he questions what's going on, and moves toward the border. There, he notices a mark on the ground, revealing that it belongs to Scar and concluding that he has returned. Deciding to consult the Spirits of the Past, he heads back to his tree with Makini to figure out what the mark means. While telling his parents about Scar's return, Kion mentions that Rafiki found his mark in the earth. Later, Rafiki is outside the den when Kiara takes the Lion Guard to Simba. He is settled outside when the kingdom delegations are taken to Pride Rock, and he goes inside with the others so Simba can reveal that Scar has returned.
Simba recalls that Rafiki recently discovered a mark near Mapango Cliffs, and the Spirits of the Past have helped him figure out what it means. Rafiki says the mark is in the shape of an eye, and he's seen it before in paintings. The Spirits of the Past have told him that it's a sign of terrible evil which has befallen the Pride Lands once again. Makini adds that the mark is like one in a painting her uncle showed her. Some time afterward, Rafiki stands behind Kion as he addresses the Pride Landers, and Simba reveals that he and Kion found a mark at Mapango Cliffs. Rafiki adds that he has consulted the Spirits of the Past, and they have told him that evil has returned to the Pride Lands. Meanwhile, the animals of Leopon Plains, the Tree of Life, and the Back Lands learn of Rafiki's discovery. Soon, Rafiki enters the cave, wishing to take Makini home to Ukuni Woods. Suddenly, he notices Nguruma and asks what happened, to which Kion replies that Reth's Pride tried to drown him, and Makini refuses to leave his side. Listening to his heartbeat, Rafiki says that Nguruma needs an herb mixture, preparing one quickly. He instructs Makini to tilt his head, and Rafiki pours the mixture into his mouth. Nala questions if Nguruma will be okay, and Rafiki isn't certain, responding that he will need time. Later, Kion mentions that Rafiki doesn't want Nguruma leaving Pride Rock for a few sunrises because of his whitecough, and Mhina and Ono are happy that he and Makini treated him.
That same day, Scar commences his attack on the Pride Lands, and Rafiki is one of the many animals to gather at the base of Pride Rock. He affirms that he will be participating in the battle unless his assistance is required. When Mhina is brought to Flat Ridge Rock, Rafiki prepares bundles with Kenene and Makini, and Tatu calls for him. Rafiki is shocked by the sight of Mhina, asking what happened to him, and Tatu explains that he was injured fighting Kariuki and Slash. He examines his shoulder, confirming that it's infected and planning on applying a poultice to it, adding that Mhina will no longer be able to fight in the battle and will be taken to Pride Rock to rest. Kenene passes him the poultice, and Rafiki tells Makini to keep his shoulder steady as he applies it to Mhina. Once he is done, he comments that Mhina must rest now. Mhina gets up, confessing to Rafiki that Kariuki said he had the Mark of Evil, wondering if he will end up like Scar. The mandrill reassures him that this isn't true, as the Mark of Evil only comes from a cobra bite. Rani then approaches Flat Ridge Rock, limping, and he questions if she's come for treatment as well. Rani confirms this, and Rafiki states that she can rest with Mhina. He prepares a poultice, and spreads it onto her leg. Mhina leans against Tatu's shoulder, and Rafiki looks at them fondly. After Ono's eyesight becomes foggy following Scar's defeat, Kion says that they'll take him to Rafiki, and Beshte offers to take him to him right now.
When Kion heads into the Lair, Mhina tells him that Rafiki wouldn't let him go out to search for him. Kion reveals what happened to Ono, mentioning that they hope Rafiki can help him. Just then, Rafiki enters the Lair with the Lion Guard and Anga, and Mhina nudges Kion, informing him that Rafiki is here. The mandrill approaches them, examining the scar on Kion's face, and he explains that the Spirits of the Past, in addition to Fuli, have told him what happened. Rafiki ruffles his head, saying that his type of injury isn't good. He listens to Kion's heartbeat, surprised to see that he is calm, and glancing at Makini, he instructs her to bring him some tuliza. Once she hands it to him, Rafiki gives it to Kion, telling him that is not a permanent cure for the scar. He then examines Ono, confirming that the vog has hurt his eyesight, and only time will tell if it will return to full strength. Makini tries to reach toward him, but Rafiki urges her to let him rest. He turns to Kion's family, explaining that if the venom remains in Kion for long, he might no longer know the difference between right and wrong. Regretfully, he announces that there is no cure for him in the Pride Lands, but he can go to the Tree of Life for treatment. Makini asks if she can go, and Rafiki promises to speak with her parents. When Kion makes Ono the smartest member of the Lion Guard, Rafiki comments that he is never one for tradition. Simba then leads everyone out so Kion and Mhina can have some alone time.
Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy[]
Kion asks Kiara how she can be so sure that he'll never be Scar, pointing out that Rafiki said he won't know right from wrong if the venom stays inside him too long. The next day, Rafiki is one of the many animals gathered at Pride Rock when the Lion Guard departs for the Tree of Life. When the Lion Guard arrives at the Tree, Janna correctly assumes Rafiki sent them, which Kion confirms. After settling near Janna, Kenene asks Makini how her training with Rafiki is going, and she says that he's taught her so much. The next day, Nirmala reminds Kion that Rafiki sent him to the Tree of Life to be healed. Later, Kenene mentions how honored she is to help Rafiki with Makini's training while she is at the Tree of Life. Meanwhile, in the Pride Lands, Rafiki enters the den with Simba and Nala, pointedly stating that it is time for Amira and Koti's wedding. He leads the way there, and standing atop the pedestal, he shakes his staff over Amira and Koti's heads, effectively marrying them. That night, at Pride Rock, Nala reminds Simba of what Rafiki said about the venom remaining inside Kion. When Kenene offers to show Makini the Blazing Star, the latter reveals that Rafiki told her it no longer grew in the Pride Lands.
The next day, Makini asks Kenene if Rafiki will enjoy hearing about the Blazing Star, as the flower is so ancient even he hasn't seen it, and Kenene answers that he'd love to use information about it for stories and cave paintings. Delighted, Makini believes she can paint the Blazing Star for Rafiki when she gets back. Weeks later, Makini believes she'll impress Rafiki when she tells him of her encounter with the Blazing Star. After the Lion Guard, Makini, and Nguruma return home, Rafiki is apart of the crowd that gathers at the base of Pride Rock. When Makini informs Simba and Nala of the progress in her training, Simba is certain Rafiki will be proud of her, and shortly after, the latter and Zazu arrive at the peak of Pride Rock.
Family[]
Trivia[]
- Rafiki is voiced by Khary Payton.