The Indian Chief (named Great Big Little Panther in the original novel) is Tiger Lily's father and the leader of Neverland's Indian tribe in Disney's 1953 film, Peter Pan.
Background
Personality
One look at the Chief and one is bound to be intimidated. This can be because he is in a bad mood, or if Tiger Lily is in danger, but deep down he is extremely kind and rather sweet. He often looks stern and has never been seen smiling (aside from a brief moment in which he delivered an oration in sign language).
Role in the film
In the film, when John, Michael, and the Lost Boys are out hunting Indians, they are captured by them instead, taken to their camp and, brought to the attention of the Chief, who thinks they've kidnapped Tiger Lily (who was actually kidnapped by Captain Hook) and he orders that they will be burned at the stake if she doesn't return home by sunset. Luckily, Peter Pan rescues her and the Chief sets the Lost Boys free, makes them Honorary Indians, and Peter the chief Little Flying Eagle. He also explained through the song "What Made the Red Man Red?: how the Red Man becomes red by falling in love with a maiden, to which Peter falls in love with Tiger Lily causing Wendy to become jealous and upset. He is not seen again for the rest of the film.
Gallery
Add a photo to this gallery
Trivia
- Due to controversy surrounding the characters' portrayals, neither the Chief, Tiger Lily, or the rest of his tribe have returned in most of Disney's Peter Pan-related material. However, the village and totem pole can be seen in the sequel, Return to Never Land, and they make physical appearances in the 2002 video game Peter Pan: Adventures in Never Land and in Disney's Magic English series. Plus, there have also been produced toys and figurines of the characters.
