In the French version of The Lion King, Pride Rock is called “Le Rocher des Lions”.
Explanation:
- “Rocher” translates to “rock”, which is a natural formation or large stone, referring to the prominent rock formation where much of the action in the movie takes place, including important scenes with Mufasa, Simba, and other characters.
- “Des Lions” means “of the lions”, referring to the lions who rule the land and call Pride Rock their home. This is a fitting name, as Pride Rock serves as both the physical and symbolic center of the lion kingdom in the movie.
Cultural Context:
- The change in name reflects the French language’s preference for descriptive terms that remain faithful to the original meaning of the location. “Le Rocher des Lions” retains the essence of Pride Rock, which is a central part of The Lion King’s story.
- This translation is similar to how other languages adapt iconic names from the original English, often adding their own unique linguistic or cultural twist while maintaining the core meaning.
So, while Pride Rock in the English version carries a sense of majesty and regality, “Le Rocher des Lions” emphasizes the lions’ connection to the rock and their dominion over it.