The Great Kings of the Past

The Great Kings of the Past are kings that ruled the Pride Lands in previous years. They are never seen, only referenced. The only three characters in the entire series to actually reference them are Mufasa, Simba and Kiara.

In The Lion King, Mufasa tells Simba that the Great Kings of the Past watch over everything from the stars and that they will always guide him. Simba carries this knowledge over into The Lion King II: Simba's Pride when he "seeks council" from them regarding how he should judge Kovu.