Well, as many of us who are well established in the Lion King, two characters have a certain air of mystery surrounding them. Is it because they are female? Or is it simply that their parts in the legend of the Lion King were underwritten?

First we begin with Vitani,

Or is that her name? Disney originally named her Shetani, but changed it to Vitani, in order to change the meaning of her name to something more preferable(see previous articles).

Then, there is the question of her chronology. Who, is her mother and father? While not fully repeating what many have already discussed, it is known that she shares some relation to Nuka, possibly by Zira, whom she calls mother (but is she?-I'll get to that). It is also accepted that her father is Scar, via her looks/ facial structure etc.

Before we move over to Nala, let me pose a question. What about her eyes?

Light blue? Where do those eyes come from?

Nala now,

How about her? As soon as we first saw her, so much of her story was left out. Simba greets her without a second thought. How did they meet? The mystery further develops in the following scene, when it is established that Nala and Simba are arranged to be married. While the two future lovebirds scoff at the idea, it is revealed that such engagements are common and rooted in tradition.

So why Nala? As we know, if Nala is to marry Simba, prince and future king, she would become queen along side him. Therefore, it wouldn't be just any lioness chosen for the job. Which poses the question, is she royalty to begin with?

Her mother, Sarafina, seems to have no real high form of power in the Pride, except perhaps, her seemingly close relationship to Sarabi, Simba's mother. Was it in this relationship that the arrangements were made. Two friends growing up, all the while planning for their future children to be married? Maybe.

Or maybe the answer lies in the identity of her father. A figure left up to the imagination. Some believe the father was a rogue Lion, or perhaps the king of a nearby pride. Some even say her father is Scar, uncle to Simba, therefore brother of Simba's father, Mufasa. This theory would lead to a situation that is very serious, and illegal in most countries, called incest (relations with someone of close blood relationship). This theory can be hushed for now as it has come out that Disney went to all lengths to remove any signs of incest from the trilogy and furthermore in the theatre adaptation of the movie, Scar attempts to have Nala as his mate.

Scar is indeed twisted, but would he try to make his own daughter his queen?

Now, assuming that the monarchy in the Lion King is run like in our history, marriage in a royal family was either to a close family member (discounted for now), or it was a power play between monarchies. Many times a king would send a princess or a duchess to a rival Kingdom, as a gift to gain favour.

This seems to support the theory that the reason behind Simba and Nala's engagement is the Nala's father is indeed the King of a nearby Lion pride. She is sent to live there with the promise that she will be married to the king's son. Her mother accompanies her to the pride to take care of her as a cub.

More steam to this theory is that in the movie, Nala runs away from Scar's reign. But run where? And to get help from whom? You don't go off just hoping. You have to know you'll be able to find help.

Their Relation?

Nala and Vitani apparently have a fierce rivalry, which is revealed in the second movie. Is this rooted in childhood jealously? Impossible. They were born at different times and grew up at different times.

Here is where my new theory kicks in. Are they genetically related- and is this the cause of their hatred?

This could be true. But how? Perhaps they are cousins. Maybe Zira was sister to Sarafina? Or is it closer than that? Are they half sisters?

I'll stop here and explain.

Zira does not look like she would produce a cub with those pre mentioned eyes. Especially since blue eyes are a recessive gene in all animals. Along with green eyes.

If a parent has a dominant gene, it wins over the recessive one. This is grade six biology and family studies. However if both parents have a recessive gene, such as blue eyes or green eyes, then it is generally more of a shot in the dark as to which one the child comes out with.

Scar has green eyes, and the possibility of fathering Vitani. (she was born when he was king). Scar also probably fathered Nuka with Zira, as he looks like an amalgamation of the two of them.

However, after realizing that the mix of genes between himself and Zira would not produce preferable offspring, Scar most likely began his search for a new queen. He tried Nala, as she appeared to have the proper looks, and genes to produce a desirable future successor, plus was as far away in blood relation as he could find. (Scar was a bit like the dictator, Adolf Hitler, as he was probably obsessed with having a perfect looking pride). Nala, however, would not have it, and ran away. So, in order to obtain the same effect, Scar would have most likely turned to another with a similar appearance, like for instance, Nala's mother Sarafina. The first cub produced was female however. Scar most likely through a King Henry the eighth sort of fit, hopefully without the beheadings. When all was done, Sarafina probably abandoned the pride like her daughter, and left the cub, which she probably had not even consented in having, was left without a mother, most likely to be adopted by Zira. (the daughter, Vitani was probably too young to remember her birth mother). On the side, Scar exhausted, and needing a heir quickly, choose the most decent cub in the pride to be future king, regardless of blood relation. Hence the hand picking of Kovu. Kovu was then probably given to Zira so she could raise him, 'properly'.

This relationship between Nala and Vitani would make them half sisters. This would be enough to create friction between them, especially if they weren't told until later in their lives.

So, in conclusion, I hope that once again, my theory is welcomed into the world. I hope it finds legitimacy among all fans.

Please take the time to comment your own opinions, it is a hot topic.

This is Takaobserver, signing off.