How could Kovu support Zira even as a cub?

[FriendlyHyena]

Somehow it didn't click before.


Simba: You know the penalty for returning to the Pridelands.
Zira; However, the cub does not. However, if you need your pound of flesh (moves a shaking Kovu in front of Simba), here.
Simba: Take him and get out!


That was just despicable what Zira did! What if Simba had killed Kovu? I know Simba wouldn't have (hopefully), but how did Kovu not freak out from being put into that situation? If Zira really did care for Kovu, she would have threatened to kill Simba if he even TRIED to hurt Kovu. How does Kovu, even from this moment, not realize that he's just a pawn of Zira's?

[Elton John]

because he’s still just a cub. maybe the equivalent of human aged 5-7. he’s not going to have the best critical thinking skills.

[TheLionPrince]

Well, Kovu was terrified so much that he was shaking in fear. Particularly in that scene, Zira was offering Kovu as a "pound of flesh" to test if Simba would really enforce his no-trespassing rule by stooping low enough to kill a cub. However, I think Elton John said it best. Kovu was too young to think for himself, and you know, it is possible that Zira could have used that moment to manipulate Kovu into hating Simba even more.

[FriendlyHyena]

[quote="TheLionPrince"]Well, Kovu was terrified so much that he was shaking in fear. Particularly in that scene, Zira was offering Kovu as a "pound of flesh" to test if Simba would really enforce his no-trespassing rule by stooping low enough to kill a cub. However, I think Elton John said it best. Kovu was too young to think for himself, and you know, it is possible that Zira could have used that moment to manipulate Kovu into hating Simba even more.[/quote]


The fact that Simba didn't try and hurt Kovu, though, you'd have thought that it might have backfired concerning Zira's "Simba is evil" brainwashing to Kovu.

[SimbasGuard]

Like TheLionPrince said, Given Kovu's young age and his state of terror. Kovu likely didn't think much of anything about that moment besides his own fear.

Zira could have easily said "I knew he would not kill you in front of his daughter, I just wanted you to see what could happen if you disobey me.