Nala is the young female lion who is Simba’s best friend.
Introduced as a cub in The Lion King (1994), Nala grows up alongside Simba in the Pride Lands. She is the daughter of Sarafina, while her father is not named in the original film. Her friendship with Simba is established through their shared adventures and childhood rivalry.
Nala is more than a companion character. After Scar’s rule leaves the Pride Lands barren, she leaves to seek help and unexpectedly reunites with the adult Simba. She challenges his decision to remain away and helps persuade him to reclaim his responsibilities.
Nala later becomes Simba’s mate and Queen of the Pride Lands. Their daughter Kiara is central to The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, while their son Kion leads The Lion Guard. Kiara is therefore Nala’s daughter, not Nala’s identity.