History Fanfic / PrideLandsGenerations

** When Dhahabu and his siblings attempt to bluff the hyenas that their father will show up and punish them if they dare try and hurt any of his cubs, Mwizi calls him on the fact that she's certain they didn't tell Mfalme or anybody else where they were going (because she's GenreSavvy as to the nature of overconfident, rebellious cubs).

[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5959382/1/Pride-Lands-Generations "Pride Lands: Generations"]], by the author of ''Fanfic/ADifferentLesson'', is one of the older ranks of fanfics in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994'' fandom, having been written among the slew which were created after the release of ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKingIISimbasPride'' on [=LionKing.org=]. Taking cues from another famous series of fanfics which were written after the first film, "Chronicles of the Pride Lands", by John Burkitt and David Morris, as well as incorporating some common {{Fanon}} notions of the time and even a few [=OCs=] created by other fans/writers, it tells the tale of [[{{Prequel}} the first Lion King]] and his son, Dhahabu, as they deal with an incursion by a rogue band of brothers who believe they should be the rightful rulers of the Pride Lands, as well as a [[FeudingFamilies forbidden romance]] between [[StarCrossedLovers the latter's sister and the son of the head rogue]].

[[caption-width-right:350:The Wahamiji: [[labelnote:From left to right]]Kufa, Ushindi, Vita, [[PosthumousCharacter Giza]], [[BigBad Kuchinja]], Tauni, [[TokenGoodTeammate Njaa]][[/labelnote]]]]

* OffingTheOffspring: Although he contemptuously considers killing Jahili at several points in the narrative (and even planned to get rid of him at birth until convinced by Njaa that he could still be useful), it isn't until he learns of his "betrayal" with Taraji that he directly and openly threatens to kill his son if he won't continue spying for him. He doesn't go through with it since he is more focused on his revenge against Mfalme (and then having to face off with Dhahabu and his pride), but eventually does make a pretty serious attempt to kill Jahili during the FinalBattle. Unsurprisingly, this pushes Jahili to make an equally dedicated attempt [[SelfMadeOrphan to return the favor]].

** Jahili is a particularly upsetting example, seeing as it is made clear from the very outset how little his father cares for him--at best, only seeing him as a tool to help achieve his vengeance--even as he continues to wish futilely to receive his love and make him proud. Even though he is [[FatherIDontWantToFight a kind-hearted pacifist]] and rejects everything about Giza and his manner of ruling, he continues to try to find ways to please Kuchinja and aid in his plans because he knows it will make his father happy. The familiar form of LoveMartyr seems to be in play, though the fact he had no one else growing up (and he did receive love and encouragement from at least Njaa) likely helped.

** Unsurprisingly, Kuchinja is even worse. Jahili notes that he had never been kind to him, would not even let him rub against his leg as a cub without pulling away in disgust, and told him from birth how he had caused his mother's death and was "generally useless." It all goes downhill from there, with Kuchinja applying all manner of insulting epithets, threats, and physical attacks; exiling him and [[IHaveNoSon declaring him to no longer be (or never having been) his son]]; and generally treating him like weak or traitorous vermin because [[WhyCouldntYouBeDifferent he won't live up to his name or be a loyal enabler of his revenge]]. Despite this, [[StockholmSyndrome Jahili still loves him]] and is [[WellDoneSonGuy desperate to earn his respect and affection]], only turning on him after learning of his part in Sulubu's death and [[KickTheDog the threat of taking Taraji for his own]].

* ThickerThanWater: Although no one (including himself, ''or'' his father) can understand it, Jahili continues to insist on standing by Kuchinja--for no matter how he abuses him, the awful things he asks of him, and his terrible plans against the innocent lions of Kiburi, Jahili believes that family comes first; he can and will endure anything to earn Kuchinja's pride and respect because "that's how love works." Some of this may well be StockholmSyndrome, but growing up without a full pride of his own and his mother no longer living, it is sadly understandable why he would cling to uncles who are negligent and passive at best, and to such a cruel and sadistic father. It isn't until he is pushed to the breaking point by threats to his own life and that of Taraji that [[MistreatmentInducedBetrayal he finally turns on Kuchinja]]. Thankfully, he finds out in the end that he was right in one respect: sticking with the Wahamiji for as long as he did, while also remaining decent and moral, earns him the genuine love and pride of his family members after all...Njaa and Tauni.

** Jahili is a particularly upsetting example, seeing as it is made clear from the very outset how little his father cares for him--at best, only seeing him as a tool to help achieve his vengeance--even as he continues to wish futilely to receive his love and make him proud. Even though he is [[FatherIDontWantToFight a kind-hearted pacifist]] and rejects everything about Giza and his manner of ruling, he continues to try to find ways to please Kuchinja and aid in his plans because he knows it will make his father happy. StockholmSyndrome seems to be in play, though the fact he had no one else growing up (and he did receive love and encouragement from at least Njaa) likely helped.

* IdenticalSon: They aren't noted to look alike in other respects, but Jahili is described as having very similar coloring in mane and pelt as Kovu, who is revealed in the epilogue to be a fourth-generation descendant. Similarly, although he is nothing like him in personality and has the HeroicBuild that seems to breed true in the Pride Lands' royal line, Sulubu otherwise has the same coloring as Scar (and, going by the text of ''Literature/TheLionKingSixNewAdventures'', Ahadi). This is meant to underscore the HistoryRepeats theme, as well as illustrating (depending on your point of view) that YouCantFightFate or that [[ScrewDestiny the choice to be different]] and not fall into villainy was always in the bloodline.

* CruelElephant: Damu is portrayed this way in his EstablishingCharacterMoment, mostly in [[AbusiveParent how he treats his som, Tembo]], but also in his general arrogance toward lions and his nasty attitude toward Mfalme and Dhahabu specifically. Over time this ends up dialed back and subverted just before his death, when Tembo is able to defend himself and his choices (by [[MoralityChain appealing to his mother's memory]], relating Sulubu's death, and noting how he can work to make the savanna more like his father would like if he is Dhahabu's advisor). The end result is Damu apologizing and noting that while it's too late (and he's too stubborn) to change his ways, he can at least give him the elephant blessing, so that they reconcile and part on a genuinely moving note.

* IncrediblyLamePun: A lot of ''Lion King'' fanfics (and even the movies, to some extent) have puns of this nature, but this story is surprisingly lacking in them for the most part. However, one of the worst (or best) examples appears right in the fic's opening pages when Taraji walks up to her brother Dhahabu, who has just been pounced by Sulubu and knocked to the ground: "Oh, look! It's the Lying King."

*** Sulubu: "Strength" or "Stamina"

* SoProudOfYou: Mfalme tells Dhahabu "Well done" when he returns to the Pride Lands with Mahiri, just as his son had been badly hoping for. He also explicitly tells him he is proud of him for all he has done for the pride and its future after his cubs have been born, again when he is dying and proclaiming him to be ready to be king, and for a third time when his spirit speaks to him at the end. Dhahabu [[BreakTheCutie really needs to hear it]].) Just as meaningfully, Sulubu's spirit tells Dhahabu this as well.

* IHaveNoSon: [[EstablishingCharacterMoment In his very first scene]], Kuchinja declares this after Jahili has criticized his plans, his outlook on life, and Giza for what is apparently the last time he can stand. It is rescinded when Jahili comes up with his plan to become TheMole and gain intelligence from Taraji on Kiburi's movements, but after finding out Jahili not only was lying to him but had fallen in love with his mark, Kuchinja rejects him once again. Only at the last, when he is dying and realizes how futile his quest for vengeance was does this change...with Kuchinja inverting it by regretfully stating Jahili didn't have a father, at least not the one he deserved and longed for.

[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5959382/1/Pride-Lands-Generations "Pride Lands: Generations"]], by the author of ''Fanfic/ADifferentLesson'', is one of the older ranks of fanfics in ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994'' fandom, having been written among the slew which were created after the release of ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKingIISimbasPride'' on [=LionKing.org=]. Taking cues from another famous series of fanfics which were written after the first film, "Chronicles of the Pride Lands", by John Burkitt and David Morris, as well as incorporating some common {{Fanon}} notions of the time and even a few [=OCs=] created by other fans/writers, it tells the tale of the first Lion King and his son, Dhahabu, as they deal with an incursion by a rogue band of brothers who believe they should be the rightful rulers of the Pride Lands, as well as a [[FeudingFamilies forbidden romance]] between [[StarCrossedLovers the latter's sister and the son of the head rogue]].

If it isn't obvious already, the story is told to [[HistoryRepeats deliberately mirror the plot beats]] of ''Simba's Pride'' (with nods to the first film as well, of course) as a means of suggesting an archetypal, mythic tale. There are also a number of other {{Mythology Gag}}s, {{Call Forward}}s, and {{Shout Out}}s to either tie the past to the future or to act as DramaticIrony. While perhaps not as dark and gory as some ''Lion King'' fics out there, it doesn't shy away from bloodshed and gruesome injuries, or details of real-life animals and predatory life.

* CallForward: Being a prequel, the story references a number of aspects of either the original film or ''Simba's Pride''; as such, most of these are {{Mythology Gag}}s as well.

** The line "I have large pawprints to fill," uttered by Dhahabu to Adhimu, calls forward to the iconic image of cub Simba stepping into Mufasa's huge print.
** Mwoga's talk of hyena glory to Ukware sets up for the visions of Gur'mekh in "Chronicles of the Pride Lands."

* ElephantGraveyard: Not only does the one from the first film appear again, it is now given a name: [[MeaningfulName Kivuli]]. Aside from being a CallForward and MythologyGag, its appearance actually acts as a plot point, since it's the fact it's where elephants go to die that enables Tembo (coming to visit his mother's bones) to aid in saving the day against the hyenas this time around.

* GenerationalSaga: While a number of ''Lion King'' fanfics have used this trope, usually this pertains to moving forward from Mufasa and Simba to Kiara and Kovu, and even one or two generations after them. This fic (and [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin it's right in the name]]) begins with [[{{Prequel}} the first Lion King]] Mfalme and his son Dhahabu, then introduces the latter's sons, particularly the heir Mohatu. True to the trope, the first generation is one beginning with a fresh slate of sorts (having eliminated Giza and banished his sons, so the pride can take a new name and establish a benevolent rule according to the Circle of Life); the second generation has to build on what came before and fully solidify the first's success (taking care of the unfinished business of Kuchinja and his brothers, then setting in place the traditions and home at Pride Rock that will serve the pride going forward); and the third generation will reap the benefits with many years of peace and prosperity (eventually earning him [[MythologyGag the brightest star]]). Matters of GenerationXerox are addressed (see below), and [[TangledFamilyTree the family tree certainly gets tangled]] when multiple second-generation characters (Taraji, Jahili) and even first-generation (Njaa) get involved, and both Giza's bloodline and Kusini's are added to the mix. On top of all this, the FramingDevice of Mufasa telling the tale to young Simba not only adds later generations, it reflects the notion of teaching the newest family member his history to inspire him with successes to emulate and warn him of dangers to avoid.

* MythologyGag: In addition to those mentioned under CallForward:
** The Wahamiji live in an oasis on the edge of the desert hardpan, the latter known as the Majonzi. The oasis isn't described in the same lush and expansive terms as the jungle where Timon and Pumbaa will live in the future, suggesting this is a smaller area (perhaps like the one where they splash Simba awake), but the hardpan in question is most definitely where Simba will collapse after being forced to flee into exile.
** Dhahabu instilling in his son Mohatu a love of and respect for the animals, plus the reference to his star one day being the brightest, are both {{Shout Out}}s to the storybook ''The Brightest Star''.
** His final exchange with a dying Mfalme, "I touch your mane"/"I feel it," is a reference to the ritual greeting in "Chronicles of the Pride Lands" (and is in fact [[MeaningfulEcho officially chosen as such]] at the end of the story).
** When the truth about her romance with Jahili comes out, Dhahabu demands of Taraji, "Is it true?" and after a long moment where she struggles with herself, she answers, "Yes, it's true." This exchange of course [[CallForward mirrors the one]] between Simba and Sarabi regarding him supposedly being responsible for Mufasa's death, except here the questioner is asking it in TranquilFury rather than disbelief and anguish.
** Rafiki's iconic "It is time" is also stated in Dhahabu's thoughts when he is about to roar to summon the animals for the presentation of his sons at the very end of the story.
** The hyenas (specifically, Mwoga, Mjinga, and their son Ukware) are revealed to be the ancestors of both Jalkort in "Chronicles of the Pride Lands" and Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed in the first film.
** Zira (and through her, Kovu) is eventually revealed to be descended from Taraji and Jahili. On the one hand this suggests her evil was InTheBlood, since she is related to both Kuchinja and Giza; on the other hand, she could have taken after the goodness in Taraji and Jahili if her mind had not been poisoned against Kiburi by first her father, then Scar. This also means that in a strange way, she did have a claim to the throne, and that by becoming Kiara's mate, Kovu has finally joined the two branches of the families together [[ArcWords as one]] again.

** In addition, the author has the mandrill Diwani direct Dhahabu to establish many of the Pride Lands traditions seen either [[MythologyGag in the films]] or in "Chronicles of the Pride Lands": Pride Rock being the king's throne (complete with cistern), having a mandrill shaman, the anointing and presentation of the heir to the kingdom's subjects, the mantlement ceremony, the ritual greeting, and the role of prince consort for non-heir sons.

* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Amusingly, a number of plot points that are left dangling at the end of the story [[WhereAreTheyNowEpilogue are followed up on in the epilogue]] thanks to Simba asking this question InUniverse. Most of these are addressed under either MythologyGag or ShoutOut above, but Mufasa also ends up speaking of Mohatu's reign (and his future mate), Ukware's fate, and the fates of Tembo and Cheko.

* RedemptionInTheRain: Played with. While the FinalBattle does end with a lightning storm that turns into rain, the dying BigBad isn't the one who receives the redemption (although he does have a minor HeelRealization and decides to FaceDeathWithDignity on the off-chance it will give him a chance at a better judgment before Aiheu and the Great Kings--also showing a slight relenting of his NayTheist stance). Instead it is Jahili (and to a lesser extent, Njaa and Tauni) who are redeemed by their heroic actions and/or by being pardoned, and even Dhahabu himself by letting go of his BlackAndWhiteMorality and [[HeWhoFightsMonsters not giving in]] to vengeance and hate. The rain does wash the BloodOath from Kuchinja's body, but this might be more properly interpreted as the land itself being redeemed of the dark legacy of Giza.

** Just before the FinalBattle, the lioness Asumini is suddenly introduced as one who had been a member of the pride all along, simply never named until that point. The in-story excuse is that she has a healer's pouch (something true to her origin; see ShoutOut) which will be needed in the fight ahead, and that there needs to be someone in Kiburi willing to be open-minded and fair so they can argue for clemency for the less-evil Wahamiji (again, true to her original character). Still, the late appearance plus her [[LastMinuteHookup sudden romance with Njaa]] does emphasize an insertion that was not prepared for or foreshadowed in any real way. The author has stated that [[WritingByTheSeatOfYourPants since the story was written as he went without a great deal of planning and outlining]], he didn't get the chance to include her earlier since he hadn't thought of her (or a role for her) until that point, and that if he could rewrite the fic he would work to make her appearance less clunky.

* MomentOfWeakness: Jahili is an extremely moral, brave, and determined lion who, despite [[WellDoneSonGuy his desperate need for his father's approval]] is strong-willed enough to stand up to and resist every attempt to turn him into a bloodthirsty villain or bring down an innocent pride, especially the lioness he grows to love. However, he does make one mistake that goes contrary to his nature--but it's a doozy. After resisting for so long because he was afraid it would [[SexChangesEverything change the relationship]], he gives in to temptation and mates with Taraji before telling her the truth and warning her about the danger to her father. The obvious reason is due to being OvercomeWithDesire thanks to her season, but his thoughts also suggest that he decides for once to be selfish, to take this chance since he is afraid he won't get another once Taraji knows who and what he really is. True to form, [[ATragedyOfImpulsiveness the result is awful]], since while they are...occupied, the jackal pack deals mortal wounds to Mfalme. To be fair to Jahili, knowing the truth sooner likely wouldn't have made any difference based on where Taraji was in relation to Mfalme (i.e. there wouldn't have been any chance to prevent Mfalme going on patrol, chase the jackals away, or get a healer there sooner), and other events make what happens seem destined. But this doesn't prevent Taraji from turning on him for a while, or Jahili blaming himself and doing all he can in the FinalBattle (right up to [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificing himself]]) to [[TheAtoner make up for]] this moment.

*** Kiburi: "Pride", to give the Pride Lands a less generic-sounding name, although it becomes DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment when paired with the pride's name instead of the lands' (something the author unfortunately falls into about more often than he avoids it).

** As mentioned above, Taraji and Jahili's forbidden romance is revealed to Dhahabu and the pride by Kuchinja, but it was also revealed to him by Ukware (and then confirmed when he got Jahili to confess).

** After knocking Jahili out, Kuchinja chooses not to kill him (yet) because he is focused on his revenge against Mfalme...or as he puts it, "I have a larger zebra to catch."[[labelnote:*]][[DontExplainTheJoke Which in this setting would normally be a literal thing the characters do, but here is meant as a metaphor]].[[/labelnote]]

** Kuchinja seems to like this trope, actually. During the CircleOfExtinction with Dhahabu in the FinalBattle, after describing how (as he was led to believe) Mkase tried to take the throne away from Giza, he insinuates [[LikeFatherLikeSon Dhahabu is the same as his grandfather (having taken the throne he believes should be his) by stating, "Apparently the blossom does not fall far from the kigelia."

** Mahiri: The protagonist's love interest, taking the role of Nala. However, as the daughter of another pride's king (a friend of Mfalme's) she is an outsider (which might be viewed as a nod to the [[{{Fanon}} fandom notion]] that the meaning of Nala's name, "gift," reflected her having been presented to Mufasa by a foreign pride, except the author has stated he wasn't aware of this until after the fic was completed, making it only a fun coincidence). Although there is no ArrangedMarriage, she does put Dhahabu through a test before she will agree to be his mate, so has a more active romantic role than Nala does, but in the end she's still as determined to protect the Pride Lands from the BigBad, and has a number of badass scenes (including playing a key role in the FinalBattle).

** Dhahabu: The protagonist, a young prince who must grow up quickly and suffer through trauma before he can become king of the Pride Lands, is in Simba's role. While he does suffer from some arrogance and naivete early on, he gets over this much quicker than his antecedent does, and while his trauma for most of the fic involves getting over his brother's death rather than his father's (though he still [[ItsAllMyFault blames himself]]), he gets to grow up with his father, learn how to be a king, and even take a mate and have cubs before his father is taken from him. That said, he's just as crippled by self-doubt and insecurity as Simba is, possibly more.

** Mahiri: The protagonist's love interest, taking the role of Nala. However, as the daughter of another pride's king (a friend of Mfalme's) she is an outsider (which might be viewed as a nod to the fandom notion that the meaning of Nala's name, "gift," reflected her having been presented to Mufasa by a foreign pride, except the author has stated he wasn't aware of this until after the fic was completed, making it only a fun coincidence). Although there is no ArrangedMarriage, she does put Dhahabu through a test before she will agree to be his mate, so has a more active romantic role than Nala does, but in the end she's still as determined to protect the Pride Lands from the BigBad, and has a number of badass scenes (including playing a key role in the FinalBattle).

** The terms of Mahiri's challenge are that Dhahabu can only claim her as his mate by winning the fight against her. He loses...but still wins her, because of the ''manner'' of his loss--not due to being outfought or badly wounded, but because [[WouldntHitAGirl he cannot bring himself to harm her]], cannot commit to the fight and still pull his punches, and [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy he would rather she be with someone who respects and protects her, even if that isn't him]]. It's also in contrast to Simba, who had absolutely no problems fighting Nala but never managed to beat her in a fight despite very much wanting to, lost a fight against her simply by their recognizing each others' identities, and then became mates without fighting or a test even entering into it. Also, amusingly, Dhahabu ''succeeds'' in pinning Mahiri after she pinned him twice...and then when he realizes how close he came to killing her and backs down, [[YouCantFightFate he gets thrown and pinned again after all]].

* CycleOfRevenge: The {{Backstory}} of the founding of the Pride Lands is, sadly, based on this. After interfering when he was raping one of his subjects, Mkase (Mfalme's father) was exiled by Giza. Returning later after Mfalme has grown up thanks to a drought making food scarce, he begged for forgiveness, only to be fought and slain before his family's eyes. This in turn caused Mfalme to track Giza down, challenge him, and leave him dying of his wounds. Kuchinja and his brothers, banished by Mfalme, swore to kill him and reclaim their lands, leading to the siege in the fic's present-day events. When the Wahamiji succeed in killing Mfalme, Dhahabu and the pride in turn track them down to kill them (and Kuchinja is more than ready to kill Dhahabu too, so he can finally retake the throne). Breaking this cycle is in the end what both Jahili and Taraji are determined to do so as to finally bring peace.

* CallingTheOldManOut: After the truth comes out about Jahili's love for Taraji, Kuchinja lays into him for being weak, foolish, and disloyal--but Jahili gives as good as he gets. Not only does he point out [[DidntThinkThisThrough the folly in the damage to the land and its resources]] that his father's siege has caused ([[AndThenWhat "Have you not thought of that? All your attacks...they only serve to erase the future you wish to preserve]]!"), he lashes out at last for the abuse and cruelty his father has heaped on him, as well as his constant valorizing of Giza.

* CallingTheOldManOut: After the truth comes out about Jahili's love for Taraji, Kuchinja lays into him for being weak, foolish, and disloyal--but Jahili gives as good as he gets. Not only does he point out [[DidntThinkThisThrough the folly in the damage to the land and its resources]] that his father's siege has caused ([[AndThenWhat "Have you not thought of that?]] All your attacks...they only serve to erase the future you wish to preserve]]!"), he lashes out at last for the abuse and cruelty his father has heaped on him, as well as his constant valorizing of Giza.

* CallingTheOldManOut: After the truth comes out about Jahili's love for Taraji, Kuchinja lays into him for being weak, foolish, and disloyal--but Jahili gives as good as he gets. Not only does he point out [[DidntThinkThingsThrough the folly in the damage to the land and its resources]] that his father's siege has caused ([[AndThenWhat "Have you not thought of that?]] All your attacks...they only serve to erase the future you wish to preserve]]!"), he lashes out at last for the abuse and cruelty his father has heaped on him, as well as his constant valorizing of Giza.

* BirthDeathJuxtaposition: Mfalme is torn apart by a pack of jackals at the same time Taraji and Jahili are mating (and, it turns out, conceiving their cub)--with [[TwistedEchoCut intercuts between the scenes]]. The fact Mfalme is the ancestor of Mufasa and Simba, while the StarcrossedLovers turn out to be the ancestors of Zira, only makes the juxtaposition all the more meaningful. Interestingly, Mfalme doesn't die right away, which could be seen as reflecting the fact the cub is still growing rather than actually getting born at the time. Heavy-handed, but it does fit the Circle of Life theme as well as the fic's darker tone and leaning into NatureIsNotNice (even as [[AnimalsRespectNature it should be respected]]).