Hakuna Matata, a word used in the movie meaning, "no worries".
Meaning Behind the Words
So you may be thinking about a couple of things by now, and one of them may be about the meanings of some of the words and phrases in the movie and how those meanings are fascinating topics with bigger meanings. The names, words and phrases in this movie actually have meaning and are used in the world around us. If you take the time to look through this list, you may see how clever the Disney team was when creating this movie and how it can reveal a lot about Disney and our world's history.
Simba- "Lion, Courageous warrior"
This is a very symbolic name, for it was also the name of a pro-Lumumba group of rebels in the Congo. The term Simba, refers to courage, which Simba displays throughout the movie. In fact in one scene he even says, "I laugh in the face of danger!"
This is a very symbolic name, for it was also the name of a pro-Lumumba group of rebels in the Congo. The term Simba, refers to courage, which Simba displays throughout the movie. In fact in one scene he even says, "I laugh in the face of danger!"
Mufasa- "King"
This name is said to be the name of the last king of the Bagada. The Bagada were said to have scattered after the English colonized Kenya, this is similar to Scar allowing the hyenas to invade the pride lands after Mufasa's death.
This name is said to be the name of the last king of the Bagada. The Bagada were said to have scattered after the English colonized Kenya, this is similar to Scar allowing the hyenas to invade the pride lands after Mufasa's death.
Sarabi- "Mirage"
Sarabi is noticeably larger than the other lioness. With her broad body and soft features, she gives the impression of a mother. Perhaps her name has something to do with her and Mufasa's relationship.
Sarabi is noticeably larger than the other lioness. With her broad body and soft features, she gives the impression of a mother. Perhaps her name has something to do with her and Mufasa's relationship.
Nala- "Gift"
Nala is most definitely a gift. She, in the beginning, is Simba's best friend, and in the end, his queen. Also, a speculation, Nala could have been presented to Mufasa and Sarabi as Simba's future mate. Zazu does comment that they are fixed to be married.
Nala is most definitely a gift. She, in the beginning, is Simba's best friend, and in the end, his queen. Also, a speculation, Nala could have been presented to Mufasa and Sarabi as Simba's future mate. Zazu does comment that they are fixed to be married.
Rafiki- "Friend"
The name Rafiki means friend, which is perfect for the loony baboon because he is portrayed in the beginning to be a friend of Mufasa's, and later we see his relationship with Simba develop.
The name Rafiki means friend, which is perfect for the loony baboon because he is portrayed in the beginning to be a friend of Mufasa's, and later we see his relationship with Simba develop.
Zazu- "Movement"
This one isn't actually a Swahili name at all, instead it is a Hebrew name meaning, "movement". Zazu is often seen flying, because he is of course a bird.
This one isn't actually a Swahili name at all, instead it is a Hebrew name meaning, "movement". Zazu is often seen flying, because he is of course a bird.
Timon- "He who respects" "Honor"
Timon's name is almost opposite of his personality. In the first movie, he seems very put off by the world, and states, "When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world".
Timon's name is almost opposite of his personality. In the first movie, he seems very put off by the world, and states, "When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world".
Pumba- "Dim-witted", "Dumb", "Silly"
Pumba's name kind of explains itself. He is silly and a bit dim-witted, or portrayed that way at least. He actually has some good ideas, but he is the comic relief in the movie, because of his silliness.
Pumba's name kind of explains itself. He is silly and a bit dim-witted, or portrayed that way at least. He actually has some good ideas, but he is the comic relief in the movie, because of his silliness.
Shenzi- "Savage"
Shenzi is a vicious hyena, who has a serious case of blood-lust and hunger. Her name suits her well as being a savage.
Shenzi is a vicious hyena, who has a serious case of blood-lust and hunger. Her name suits her well as being a savage.
Banzai- "Sulk"
Throughout the film, Banzai is always complaining. It is practically the only thing he does at all. If you watch the movie as much as me, it's an obvious choice.
Throughout the film, Banzai is always complaining. It is practically the only thing he does at all. If you watch the movie as much as me, it's an obvious choice.
Ed-
Ed's character is supposed to be a simpleton, plain, boring. Hence his name being Ed. It is a vvery simple name.
Ed's character is supposed to be a simpleton, plain, boring. Hence his name being Ed. It is a vvery simple name.
Rafiki's song that goes, "Asante sana, squash banana, we we nuga, mi mi apana" Translates to, "Thank you very much, squash banana, you're a baboon and I'm not." which he states later when Simba asks what he means. This is a children's song.
"Hakuna Mata" is used throughout the film, including during the song "Hakuna Mata". The phrase means "No worries".
"Hakuna Mata" is used throughout the film, including during the song "Hakuna Mata". The phrase means "No worries".