Timon and Pumbaa are a fictional meerkat and warthog pair in Disney's The Lion King.
Well known for their brilliant philosophy (and not to mention musical skills), they have become well loved Disney characters.
Timon is known for claiming Pumbaa's ideas as his own, while Pumbaa has an unpleasant air about him-- to put it bluntly, he
stinks. However, Pumbaa is also a fierce warrior, charging into battle like a battering ram, and taking great offense if anyone who's not his friend calls him a pig.
Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King
Timon and Pumbaa are the best friends and protectors of Simba, the Lion King of the Pride Lands. They found Simba as a young cub in the desert, and saved him from dying of thirst. They
then raised Simba with their philosophy of "Hakuna Matata", meaning "no worries", in which case there were plenty of
worries. They lived with Simba in their oasis home until Nala, Simba's childhood friend, came and found him. After learning Simba's true identity as king, the two accompanied him to Pride
Rock to help him fight Scar and the hyenas. They later serve as the protectors of the royal family after their child is born.
Timon and Pumbaa have taken up residence at Pride Rock. They serve as aids to Simba, and are often called upon to keep
an eye on his adventerous daughter Kiara. Timon and Pumbaa also teach Kovu, Kiara's new boyfriend, how to have fun after he forgets due to years of indoctrination in hatred. They later assist in the
battle against Kovu's vengeful mother, Zira, and her pride of exiled lions.
Timon and Pumbaa's origins are revealed. Timon was part of a group of meerkats who lived on the savannah, but he was unable
to do any job properly. Feeling depressed, he received counsel from Rafiki, who told him to "look beyond what you see". Timon took this literally, and set off to find the ultimate paradise. Along
the way, he met Pumbaa, and learned that he had a "special power" that kept away predators. The two set off together, though
their friendship got tense at times. Eventually, they found their oasis.
The film also shows more of Simba's maturing, and what happened with Timon and Pumbaa while Simba was heading back to Pride
Rock. Pumbaa, determined to help Simba, set off after him, leaving behind a reluctant Timon, who eventually came to his senses.
After providing their hula distraction from The Lion King, the two run into Timon's mother and his Uncle Max, who had
been following Timon ever since they found out about his leaving. They then prove invaluable in helping defeat the hyenas,
digging a massive tunnel network that eliminates their threat.
Timon and Pumbaa in Other Media
Timon and Pumbaa recomprise their Lion King roles in the video game Kingdom Hearts II. They charge in to battle the hyenas, and must then be saved by the protagonists. Pumbaa later shows his bravery by standing
between a pregnant Nala and Scar's Ghost. Ernie Sabella reprised his role as Pumbaa, but Nathan Lane was unable to provide Timon's voice; thus, James Arnold Taylor voiced Timon.
They had also appears in several commercials and advertisements.