My Lion King Forum

Granted, this is just a theory, but it's plausible. When Zazu said that Nala was betrothed, he meant when she came of age. Likely Mufasa may have died before that happened or Simba would be of age too and so she'd marry him. However, if Simba was dead, maybe she was scheduled, via the betrothal law, to be made Scar's mate by the Pridelands law on what would be her 18th birthday, so she left right before that point.

It would also explain why she left alone, as she was technically planning to break the betrothal law. Otherwise, it would seem odd that she just went to get help by herself.


Perhaps Scar was planning to make Nala be his main bride, but when she went AWOL, he took Zira instead.

If this theory overall is true, then Simba and Nala might have just come of age around the time that they returned to the Pridelands.

the movie reason why she left had nothing to do with her betrothal.

in a deleted scene scar wanted to make her his bride and to put it mildly, he sexually harassed her. that’s why she originally left. It is fairly obvious why this scene was cut for a G rated movie.

This was kept for the broadway show.

I agree with Elton John. In one of the earlier versions of the film, that was the case, but since it was deleted, it no longer applies to the final film. In the film, Nala left the Pride Lands to find help for the ailing kingdom. Also, there's not enough context in the film to suggest that's how the betrothal law works. Lastly, I don't think Scar took Zira to be his bride or mate. Zira was just a devoted follower of Scar.

One thing to add here is the reason Nala left alone, is because taking a contingent of Lionesses with her would have gotten Scar's attention. Also it would be easier for a lone Lioness to slip past The Hyenas than a group of them.