The
LION KING
THE GREAT ORIGIN
Disclaimer: This story is based on "The Lion King", which is, of course,
copyrighted by Disney. However, the only characters within this story
that were invented by Disney are Mohatu and Rafiki. The rest are
mine. Got it? As for the names...they are Swahili, so I obviously
can't claim them as my own. Look 'em up on www.yale.edu/swahili!
The Idea: One might as why I wrote this story. Well, for one, I'm a Lion King
fanatic. But second, I decided to start a series of prequels that would
start at the Great Mohatu's birth, and end at Simba's birth. Namely,
the stories are here to answer some questions about The Lion King.
None of these ideas come from official sources, mind you, but are
my perception on what may have happened.
Q and A: The questions that will be answered during the story are the following:
1) Who is Mohatu, and why does Disney think it's important that fans
know about him?
2) Who discovered Pride Rock, and how did they go about it?
3) Where did Rafiki come from?
Character Cast of `The Great Origin'
Onevu aptly named, Onevu is the neglectful and somewhat abusive father of
Mtundu and Mohatu. He is the King of Misty Rock.
Tiifu the mother of Mtundu and Mohatu. She fears her mate, so steers
clear of any disputes that he is involved in, even if it concerns her
sons.
Mtundu the spoiled son of Onevu and Tiifu, and brother to Mohatu. He is the
chosen heir of the Misty throne.
Mohatu the protagonist. He grows up un-cared-for by both parents, and is
tormented by his older brother, Mtundu.
Mzungu the future mate of Mohatu and future queen of Pride Rock.
Yolanda mother of Mzungu
Hekima the resident mandrill shaman of the Pridelands, and Rafiki's
tutor.
Tuli close friend of Mzungu.
Ucheshi close friend of Mzungu.
Chapter 1: Birth of a Great One
Onevu sat atop the highest ledge on Misty Rock as the sun began to set. He was literally bored out of his mind; Tiifu was inside the den birthing his second child, and Mtundu, his beloved son, was out helping the pride lionesses in their hunt. Mtundu was only two-moons-old, but already possessed great hunting skills, and was of much help to the lionesses.
Suddenly, Onevu heard the distant roars of the pride. The hunt had been a success, and roaring after a successful hunt was a custom, as well as a law. Onevu sighed with a bit of relief. Finally, there would be a fairly decent feast, and would last awhile, he hoped.
Within a few moments, Onevu saw the lionesses coming over a distant hill, and making their way towards the communal feasting grounds. He got to his feet and strode down the fortress of stone to meet with them. He trotted over to a young lioness, who had a golden pelt, that was equivalent to the sun's own hue. She met his eyes with her own, that were a deep amber color.
"Good evening, Yolanda," Onevu greeted. "Successful hunt, I see."
Yolanda turned to the large wildebeest that the pride had captured. It was a male, and a bulky one at that, with plenty of meat to go around. "Yes, that's what I thought, too," she replied, after looking the prey twice-over. "It'll do for supper."
Onevu nodded, and looked over to his son, Mtundu, who was beaming while being praised by the other lionesses. His son possessed the same hue as his father--dark copper, and also had his father's dark green eyes. There was a small tuft of black, where a mane was beginning to sprout at the top of his head.
"And did my Mtundu do his share of the work?" asked Onevu, already knowing the answer.
Yolanda nodded and forced a smile. "Yes, he's quite the little hunter," she replied. Deep down, she couldn't stand Mtundu; for that matter, she couldn't stand Onevu either, even though both were royalty. She thought that Onevu was selfish, and neglected the needs of his pride, as well as his mate, and spoiled Mtundu far too much. Mtundu was much like his father--self-indulgent, and filled with foolish pride--which was the handiwork of Onevu's constant spoiling.
Onevu didn't recognize the look of disgust that Yolanda had thrown in Mtundu's direction, and he beamed. "Yup, quite the hunter," he agreed, "just like his old man! A chip off the ol' block!"
Yolanda looked away, an attempt to hide her disgust. "Indeed." She decided to switch the subject, before she gagged, or said something to Onevu that expressed her feelings towards he and his son. "How is Tiifu coping?" she asked, referring to Onevu's mate. "Is she birthing well?"
Onevu's smiled vanished, and he sneered a bit. "I wouldn't know. Nor would I want to."
"But Onevu..."
"No! Tiifu knew my feelings about having another cub. One was enough, and I asked her to dispose of it...as if she would listen to me," Onevu trailed off, looking toward Mtundu, who was strolling over to him. "Poor Mtundu will get jealous."
Again, Yolanda tried to hide her disgust--this time, in a form of a smile--as Mtundu approached them. He purred and did a figure-8 around Onevu's front legs. "Morning, Papa!" he exclaimed. "Great hunt, wasn't it?"
Onevu smiled proudly, and nudged his son playfully. "Indeed it was," he replied. "I can see that you're going to develop into a fine young hunter...the best in the pride!"
Yolanda groaned again. Just what Mtundu needed--another ego trip. As Mtundu grinned, Yolanda could see the chip on his shoulder doubling in size. The little snot. How she wanted to swat the little ingrate upside the head right now...
"I only wanna make you proud, Papa," Mtundu replied. Onevu nudged him again, and told him to go off and play with his friends. Gods only knew that he had enough of them. After Mtundu had run off to join a clan of lion cubs, Onevu turned back to Yolanda.
"How is your daughter, Yolanda?" asked Onevu. "Have you named her yet?"
Wow, thought Yolanda. He does talk about someone other than himself and his irritating son from time-to-time. I'd better savor the moment. She nodded. "She is well, Onevu, thank you for asking," Yolanda replied. "Yes, I have named her. Mzungu."
Onevu nodded, then a smile spread across his muzzle, and his eyes gleamed in a way that Yolanda hated. "Funny how your daughter and my son have names that sound so much alike, is it not?"
Yolanda frowned. She knew what Onevu was coming on to, and she wanted no part of it. With a glance over he shoulder, in the direction of her sleeping rock--where infant Mzungu lay sleeping--Yolanda sighed. "Gee, Onevu, as much as I'd love to converse with you," she started, "I really feel that I should tend to my daughter now. She's still too young to fend for herself, after all..."
Yolanda began to walk at a brisk pace towards her sleeping rock, hoping that Onevu would leave her alone. But of course he wouldn't. "Wait, Yolanda!" Onevu exclaimed. Yolanda stopped in her tracks, and squeezed her eyes shut in disdain. She should have known that she wouldn't have got off that easy.
Onevu trotted over to her, and sat beside her, his eyes still gleaming. "I'm going to give you an offer you can't refuse..."
We'll just see about that, Yolanda thought.
"What if I offered my handsome son--the heir of Misty Valley--to be betrothed to your daughter, Mzungu," he asked.
Yolanda's ears went back. How did she know he was going to suggest something so putrid? I'll be damned if his snooty son marries my daughter, she said inwardly. Over my rotting dead body... Thinking fast in an attempt to come up with a plausible alibi, Yolanda spoke. "Well, Onevu...I thank you for your kindness, but...well, you see...Mzungu is...already betrothed."
Onevu's face dropped in disappointment. Please, PLEASE, don't let him ask "to whom", Yolanda prayed silently. No effect. "Already betrothed? To whom?" asked Onevu.
Yolanda gulped. Her heart began to race. Mzungu was not yet betrothed, but she needed to say something, or her daughter would be cursed to live with Mtundu forever. All the other cubs were as irritating and mindless as Mtundu. Who else was there? Who, who, who? Wait! Queen Tiifu! She had given birth to a cub. Though she did not know whether the cub was male or female, she'd have to whing it. "To the Queen's new son," she replied boldly.
Onevu's face was blank for a moment. Then anger and shock came upon his face, just as Yolanda had feared and suspected. "You," he started, "betrothed your daughter to my wife's son?"
Yolanda's patience was beginning to wear thin. Queen Tiifu and Yolanda weren't exactly on the friend basis, but it still irritated her that Onevu would show such disrespect toward his own mate. She knew that it was because Onevu still had feelings for Yolanda. Yolanda had came to Misty Peaks after parting with her brother's pride on the other side of the mountains. She knew from the start that Onevu had somewhat of a crush on her, but yet felt obligated to stay with Tiifu. Yolanda could never really stand him--he was so arrogant and full of himself--and she vowed to her brother when she had last met with him that if Onevu made any sudden moves on her, she would return home at once.
She forced herself to keep quiet. Perhaps he would back off.
"How could you do this?" Onevu growled.
Or not.
Onevu pressed on. "How could you show such disrespect and dishonor toward your own king? To your prince? Why, it's public knowledge that Mtundu has the birthright...not this son of my mate."
That was it. Yolanda stared coldly at him. "King or no," she started, "you have no say over what happens to my daughter. Nor does your son. If you continue to press on, I will go back to my brother, where my daughter and myself will be treated with the respect we deserve. Either accept my choice, or send me packing. Your decision, sire."
Yolanda half expected for Onevu to take a swing at her in rage. But he made no such action. He gritted his teeth together, and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to control his rage. Yolanda waited patiently as he regained himself. "Fine," he growled through gritted teeth, "but it's your loss, not mine."
With that, he stormed off. Yolanda smiled triumphantly as she watched him leave. Frankly, she had never been happier to see him go. But now, she had to seek counsil with the queen. Looking over to her rock, under which her daughter was, Yolanda checked to be sure that she was still asleep. And she was. Ten minutes wouldn't hurt anything...Mzungu would be fine. So Yolanda began to stroll over to the Royal Lair, to speak with the queen.
* * * * * *
"Oh, please, Queen Tiifu, please tell me you had a son!" Yolanda begged as she entered the lair.
The lioness who was laying on the floor of the den turned around to face Yolanda. This lioness had light copper fur, and a lighter underbelly. Her eyes were like a sky blue color. She blinked. "Awkward way to greet someone," she said, with a small smile. "What brings you to my cavern, pride sister?"
Yolanda sighed, and stood before the lioness, but kept a respectful distance between the two. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she started. "My name is Yolanda, I moved to this pride a few months ago from over the mountains."
The queen squinted at Yolanda for a moment, then nodded. "Oh yes, I remember now," she replied. "Go on."
"Queen Tiifu, to be completely blunt, we have a dilemma; or rather, I have a dilemma," she continued, "please, I beg of you, tell me you had a son."
Queen Tiifu smiled. She gestured for Yolanda to come closer. Yolanda approached Tiifu, and saw that in her arms lay a tiny cub. It had a copper colored pelt, a darker one than its mother, and was covered in its baby spots. "Yes, Yolanda, I had a son," Tiifu replied, "and his name is Mohatu." She beamed at Mohatu. "My little prince."
Yolanda let out a huge sigh, as if she had been holding her breath ever since she left Onevu. "Oh, thank you, thank you, Your Majesty," she exclaimed. "But I have a question for you...and I pray that you'll forgive me for asking..."
"Yes?"
Yolanda took in a deep breath. "Please, Your Majesty, will you allow me to betroth my daughter, Mzungu, to your son, Mohatu?"
Yolanda expected Tiffu to frown, and tell her no, no that simply wouldn't do. She expected her to cast her supplication away. But Tiifu took Yolanda by great surprise as her face lit up. "You...you're serious?" Tiifu asked. "You want to betroth your daughter to my Mohatu, over Mtundu?"
Yolanda nodded humbly. "Yes, My Queen. That was my intention...with your permission, of course."
Tiifu nodded, still grinning from ear to ear. "Of course," she repeated. "Yes, my sister Yolanda, my answer is yes."
Yolanda's face lit up as well, and she caught the queen by surprise by nuzzling her. Yolanda immediately realized what she was doing, and pulled herself back, as Queen Tiifu gaped at her. Yolanda smiled, embarassed. "So, so sorry, Your Majesty!" she exclaimed.
Tiifu just smiled. "Oh, my Yolanda," she started, "please don't be so formal. We're in-laws now, after all!"
LION KING
THE GREAT ORIGIN
Disclaimer: This story is based on "The Lion King", which is, of course,
copyrighted by Disney. However, the only characters within this story
that were invented by Disney are Mohatu and Rafiki. The rest are
mine. Got it? As for the names...they are Swahili, so I obviously
can't claim them as my own. Look 'em up on www.yale.edu/swahili!
The Idea: One might as why I wrote this story. Well, for one, I'm a Lion King
fanatic. But second, I decided to start a series of prequels that would
start at the Great Mohatu's birth, and end at Simba's birth. Namely,
the stories are here to answer some questions about The Lion King.
None of these ideas come from official sources, mind you, but are
my perception on what may have happened.
Q and A: The questions that will be answered during the story are the following:
1) Who is Mohatu, and why does Disney think it's important that fans
know about him?
2) Who discovered Pride Rock, and how did they go about it?
3) Where did Rafiki come from?
Character Cast of `The Great Origin'
Onevu aptly named, Onevu is the neglectful and somewhat abusive father of
Mtundu and Mohatu. He is the King of Misty Rock.
Tiifu the mother of Mtundu and Mohatu. She fears her mate, so steers
clear of any disputes that he is involved in, even if it concerns her
sons.
Mtundu the spoiled son of Onevu and Tiifu, and brother to Mohatu. He is the
chosen heir of the Misty throne.
Mohatu the protagonist. He grows up un-cared-for by both parents, and is
tormented by his older brother, Mtundu.
Mzungu the future mate of Mohatu and future queen of Pride Rock.
Yolanda mother of Mzungu
Hekima the resident mandrill shaman of the Pridelands, and Rafiki's
tutor.
Tuli close friend of Mzungu.
Ucheshi close friend of Mzungu.
Chapter 1: Birth of a Great One
Onevu sat atop the highest ledge on Misty Rock as the sun began to set. He was literally bored out of his mind; Tiifu was inside the den birthing his second child, and Mtundu, his beloved son, was out helping the pride lionesses in their hunt. Mtundu was only two-moons-old, but already possessed great hunting skills, and was of much help to the lionesses.
Suddenly, Onevu heard the distant roars of the pride. The hunt had been a success, and roaring after a successful hunt was a custom, as well as a law. Onevu sighed with a bit of relief. Finally, there would be a fairly decent feast, and would last awhile, he hoped.
Within a few moments, Onevu saw the lionesses coming over a distant hill, and making their way towards the communal feasting grounds. He got to his feet and strode down the fortress of stone to meet with them. He trotted over to a young lioness, who had a golden pelt, that was equivalent to the sun's own hue. She met his eyes with her own, that were a deep amber color.
"Good evening, Yolanda," Onevu greeted. "Successful hunt, I see."
Yolanda turned to the large wildebeest that the pride had captured. It was a male, and a bulky one at that, with plenty of meat to go around. "Yes, that's what I thought, too," she replied, after looking the prey twice-over. "It'll do for supper."
Onevu nodded, and looked over to his son, Mtundu, who was beaming while being praised by the other lionesses. His son possessed the same hue as his father--dark copper, and also had his father's dark green eyes. There was a small tuft of black, where a mane was beginning to sprout at the top of his head.
"And did my Mtundu do his share of the work?" asked Onevu, already knowing the answer.
Yolanda nodded and forced a smile. "Yes, he's quite the little hunter," she replied. Deep down, she couldn't stand Mtundu; for that matter, she couldn't stand Onevu either, even though both were royalty. She thought that Onevu was selfish, and neglected the needs of his pride, as well as his mate, and spoiled Mtundu far too much. Mtundu was much like his father--self-indulgent, and filled with foolish pride--which was the handiwork of Onevu's constant spoiling.
Onevu didn't recognize the look of disgust that Yolanda had thrown in Mtundu's direction, and he beamed. "Yup, quite the hunter," he agreed, "just like his old man! A chip off the ol' block!"
Yolanda looked away, an attempt to hide her disgust. "Indeed." She decided to switch the subject, before she gagged, or said something to Onevu that expressed her feelings towards he and his son. "How is Tiifu coping?" she asked, referring to Onevu's mate. "Is she birthing well?"
Onevu's smiled vanished, and he sneered a bit. "I wouldn't know. Nor would I want to."
"But Onevu..."
"No! Tiifu knew my feelings about having another cub. One was enough, and I asked her to dispose of it...as if she would listen to me," Onevu trailed off, looking toward Mtundu, who was strolling over to him. "Poor Mtundu will get jealous."
Again, Yolanda tried to hide her disgust--this time, in a form of a smile--as Mtundu approached them. He purred and did a figure-8 around Onevu's front legs. "Morning, Papa!" he exclaimed. "Great hunt, wasn't it?"
Onevu smiled proudly, and nudged his son playfully. "Indeed it was," he replied. "I can see that you're going to develop into a fine young hunter...the best in the pride!"
Yolanda groaned again. Just what Mtundu needed--another ego trip. As Mtundu grinned, Yolanda could see the chip on his shoulder doubling in size. The little snot. How she wanted to swat the little ingrate upside the head right now...
"I only wanna make you proud, Papa," Mtundu replied. Onevu nudged him again, and told him to go off and play with his friends. Gods only knew that he had enough of them. After Mtundu had run off to join a clan of lion cubs, Onevu turned back to Yolanda.
"How is your daughter, Yolanda?" asked Onevu. "Have you named her yet?"
Wow, thought Yolanda. He does talk about someone other than himself and his irritating son from time-to-time. I'd better savor the moment. She nodded. "She is well, Onevu, thank you for asking," Yolanda replied. "Yes, I have named her. Mzungu."
Onevu nodded, then a smile spread across his muzzle, and his eyes gleamed in a way that Yolanda hated. "Funny how your daughter and my son have names that sound so much alike, is it not?"
Yolanda frowned. She knew what Onevu was coming on to, and she wanted no part of it. With a glance over he shoulder, in the direction of her sleeping rock--where infant Mzungu lay sleeping--Yolanda sighed. "Gee, Onevu, as much as I'd love to converse with you," she started, "I really feel that I should tend to my daughter now. She's still too young to fend for herself, after all..."
Yolanda began to walk at a brisk pace towards her sleeping rock, hoping that Onevu would leave her alone. But of course he wouldn't. "Wait, Yolanda!" Onevu exclaimed. Yolanda stopped in her tracks, and squeezed her eyes shut in disdain. She should have known that she wouldn't have got off that easy.
Onevu trotted over to her, and sat beside her, his eyes still gleaming. "I'm going to give you an offer you can't refuse..."
We'll just see about that, Yolanda thought.
"What if I offered my handsome son--the heir of Misty Valley--to be betrothed to your daughter, Mzungu," he asked.
Yolanda's ears went back. How did she know he was going to suggest something so putrid? I'll be damned if his snooty son marries my daughter, she said inwardly. Over my rotting dead body... Thinking fast in an attempt to come up with a plausible alibi, Yolanda spoke. "Well, Onevu...I thank you for your kindness, but...well, you see...Mzungu is...already betrothed."
Onevu's face dropped in disappointment. Please, PLEASE, don't let him ask "to whom", Yolanda prayed silently. No effect. "Already betrothed? To whom?" asked Onevu.
Yolanda gulped. Her heart began to race. Mzungu was not yet betrothed, but she needed to say something, or her daughter would be cursed to live with Mtundu forever. All the other cubs were as irritating and mindless as Mtundu. Who else was there? Who, who, who? Wait! Queen Tiifu! She had given birth to a cub. Though she did not know whether the cub was male or female, she'd have to whing it. "To the Queen's new son," she replied boldly.
Onevu's face was blank for a moment. Then anger and shock came upon his face, just as Yolanda had feared and suspected. "You," he started, "betrothed your daughter to my wife's son?"
Yolanda's patience was beginning to wear thin. Queen Tiifu and Yolanda weren't exactly on the friend basis, but it still irritated her that Onevu would show such disrespect toward his own mate. She knew that it was because Onevu still had feelings for Yolanda. Yolanda had came to Misty Peaks after parting with her brother's pride on the other side of the mountains. She knew from the start that Onevu had somewhat of a crush on her, but yet felt obligated to stay with Tiifu. Yolanda could never really stand him--he was so arrogant and full of himself--and she vowed to her brother when she had last met with him that if Onevu made any sudden moves on her, she would return home at once.
She forced herself to keep quiet. Perhaps he would back off.
"How could you do this?" Onevu growled.
Or not.
Onevu pressed on. "How could you show such disrespect and dishonor toward your own king? To your prince? Why, it's public knowledge that Mtundu has the birthright...not this son of my mate."
That was it. Yolanda stared coldly at him. "King or no," she started, "you have no say over what happens to my daughter. Nor does your son. If you continue to press on, I will go back to my brother, where my daughter and myself will be treated with the respect we deserve. Either accept my choice, or send me packing. Your decision, sire."
Yolanda half expected for Onevu to take a swing at her in rage. But he made no such action. He gritted his teeth together, and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to control his rage. Yolanda waited patiently as he regained himself. "Fine," he growled through gritted teeth, "but it's your loss, not mine."
With that, he stormed off. Yolanda smiled triumphantly as she watched him leave. Frankly, she had never been happier to see him go. But now, she had to seek counsil with the queen. Looking over to her rock, under which her daughter was, Yolanda checked to be sure that she was still asleep. And she was. Ten minutes wouldn't hurt anything...Mzungu would be fine. So Yolanda began to stroll over to the Royal Lair, to speak with the queen.
* * * * * *
"Oh, please, Queen Tiifu, please tell me you had a son!" Yolanda begged as she entered the lair.
The lioness who was laying on the floor of the den turned around to face Yolanda. This lioness had light copper fur, and a lighter underbelly. Her eyes were like a sky blue color. She blinked. "Awkward way to greet someone," she said, with a small smile. "What brings you to my cavern, pride sister?"
Yolanda sighed, and stood before the lioness, but kept a respectful distance between the two. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she started. "My name is Yolanda, I moved to this pride a few months ago from over the mountains."
The queen squinted at Yolanda for a moment, then nodded. "Oh yes, I remember now," she replied. "Go on."
"Queen Tiifu, to be completely blunt, we have a dilemma; or rather, I have a dilemma," she continued, "please, I beg of you, tell me you had a son."
Queen Tiifu smiled. She gestured for Yolanda to come closer. Yolanda approached Tiifu, and saw that in her arms lay a tiny cub. It had a copper colored pelt, a darker one than its mother, and was covered in its baby spots. "Yes, Yolanda, I had a son," Tiifu replied, "and his name is Mohatu." She beamed at Mohatu. "My little prince."
Yolanda let out a huge sigh, as if she had been holding her breath ever since she left Onevu. "Oh, thank you, thank you, Your Majesty," she exclaimed. "But I have a question for you...and I pray that you'll forgive me for asking..."
"Yes?"
Yolanda took in a deep breath. "Please, Your Majesty, will you allow me to betroth my daughter, Mzungu, to your son, Mohatu?"
Yolanda expected Tiffu to frown, and tell her no, no that simply wouldn't do. She expected her to cast her supplication away. But Tiifu took Yolanda by great surprise as her face lit up. "You...you're serious?" Tiifu asked. "You want to betroth your daughter to my Mohatu, over Mtundu?"
Yolanda nodded humbly. "Yes, My Queen. That was my intention...with your permission, of course."
Tiifu nodded, still grinning from ear to ear. "Of course," she repeated. "Yes, my sister Yolanda, my answer is yes."
Yolanda's face lit up as well, and she caught the queen by surprise by nuzzling her. Yolanda immediately realized what she was doing, and pulled herself back, as Queen Tiifu gaped at her. Yolanda smiled, embarassed. "So, so sorry, Your Majesty!" she exclaimed.
Tiifu just smiled. "Oh, my Yolanda," she started, "please don't be so formal. We're in-laws now, after all!"