After leaving home as a young lion cub, Simba comes across Rafiki, a wise baboon. Rafiki encourages Simba to question his future. Through a vision of his father, Mufasa, Simba realizes his role as the king of Pride Rock is his identity.

Mufasa saves Simba without a second thought when Simba was caught in the middle of a stampede. Mufasa's sacrifice manifested the next true King.

Mufasa expresses his disappointment to Simba for disobeying his orders and putting himself in danger. After, Mufasa tells Simba to look up at the stars whenever he is feeling lonely, as the kings of the past, and Mufasa himself, will always be there to guide him.

When Simba mentions that he's been running from the past, Rafiki hits him on the head with a stick to teach him that, while the past can hurt, he can learn from it. This lesson inspires Simba to venture out to face his past.

Nala finds Simba and tries to convince him to return to Pride Rock because they need his help. Nala describes the poor conditions living under Scar's rule and tells Simba that he's their only hope. However, Simba says he can't go back.