40 ‘Lion King’ Quotes: Rafiki, Mufasa, and Simba Being Witty and Wise

Although not as famous as the other main characters, Rafiki is iconic in Disney's "The Lion King." His wise words and intelligence made him a royal advisor, leading Mufasa and his son, Simba, to the right path while offering moral lessons.

Rafiki, a wise old shaman, was first seen in "The Lion King" when he presented Simba to the animals in the Pride Lands. He is a respected elder amongst the animals and also a good friend of Mufasa. After Mufasa's passing, Rafiki serves as Simba's mentor, helping him find his place in the kingdom while pursuing the throne his father once had.

Rafiki often emphasizes the Circle of Life in the Pride Lands, which Mufasa once ruled. He stresses the balance needed to live peacefully and co-exist with others. For Rafiki, there is a natural order in the kingdom, which he tries to make Simba understand.

Although eccentric, Rafiki's words are often wise and relatable to all. Through his few lines in the film, Rafiki shares moral lessons and motivation that help Simba find the right path and reconnect with his diseased father.

Rafiki with his quote: "It is time." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

Iconic 'Lion King' Quotes from Rafiki

"The question is: Who are you?" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"I'm not the one who's confused; you don't even know who you are." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"It is time." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"You're a baboon, and I'm not." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"What? Kovu... Kiara... together? This is the plan? Are you crazy? This will never work! Oh, Mufasa, you been up there too long. Your head is in the clouds!" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

Rafiki with his quote: "You follow old Rafiki. He knows the way. Come on!" | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"The whole kingdom is coming." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Don't dawdle... Hurry up." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Can't cut it out. It'll grow right back!" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"You follow old Rafiki. He knows the way. Come on!" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

Rafiki with his quote: "I don't think this is going to work, but I trust you. I just hope you know what you are doing!" | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"No, no, no, no, not the stick! Hey, where you going?" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Simba? He's—he's alive? He—he—he's alive!" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"I don't think this is going to work, but I trust you. I just hope you know what you are doing!" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Simba: I thought I knew. Now I'm not so sure.

Rafiki: Well, I know who you are. Shh. Come here. It's a secret. Asante sana! Squash banana! We we nugu! Mi mi apana!" – "The Lion King"

"Rafiki: Hey, where are you going?

Simba: I'm going back!

Rafiki: Good! Go on! Get out of here!" – "The Lion King"

Rafiki with his quote: "Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

Inspiring 'Lion King' Quotes from Rafiki

"Hakuna Matata, it means 'No Worries.'" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Life without worry. You seek Hakuna Matata." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"You must look beyond what you see." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

Rafiki with his quote: "It's the Circle of Life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love, 'til we find our place on the path unwinding." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"The Roar is a very powerful gift. It can be used for great good. But it can also lead to terrible evil." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"It doesn't matter; it's in the past!" – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it." –– Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"Everybody is somebody, even a nobody." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

"It's the Circle of Life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love, 'til we find our place on the path unwinding." – Rafiki, "The Lion King"

Mufasa with his quote: "A king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"Simba: Looks like the winds are changing.

Rafiki: Ahhh. Change is good." – "The Lion King"

"Simba: That's not my father. That's just my reflection.

Rafiki: No. Look harder. You see, he lives in you." – "The Lion King"

'Lion King' Quotes from Mufasa and Simba

"When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so, we are all connected in the great Circle of Life." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"A king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

Mufasa with his quote: "Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"I'm only brave when I have to be. Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"Believe in yourself, and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life. Remember who you are, remember." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

Simba with his quote: "I'm not letting anyone tell me where to go, what to do, and even who to marry. There will never be a king like me." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"It belongs to no one but is yours to protect. It is a great responsibility." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"He's my brother, Zazu. This is his home. As long as I am king, that will never change." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"Whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you, and so will I." – Mufasa, "The Lion King"

"Sometimes what's left behind can grow better than the generation before." – Simba, "The Lion King"

"I'm not letting anyone tell me where to go, what to do, and even who to marry. There will never be a king like me." – Simba, "The Lion King"

Simba with his quote: "You must look beyond what you see." | Source: Facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing

"The Lion King" is undoubtedly one of the best Disney classics that well-integrated valuable lessons into its storyline. Although it has been decades since "The Lion King" first premiered, many of its songs are still known among today's generation. Several tracks in the movie were beautifully written and co-written by Elton John.

In 2019, a live-action "The Lion King" adaptation hit the big screen with several talented cast members, including Beyonce, Donald Glover, Seth Rogan, and Billy Eichner.

Like Rafiki, another notable character in the film is Timon, whose laidback and fun nature brings adventure into Simba's life. Read some of Timon's quotes for a good laugh and nostalgia.