Sundiata Myths

Sundiata Myths
The world of ancient Africa is a foreign one to many who do not live on the continent. The concept that Africa was once rather like Europe in its many
medieval kingdoms, and their upheavals and struggles to be the greatest power, is not widely considered by the general population. Ancient Africa was
a place of great tales, heroes, and conquests however. The memories of these still linger even today. The storytellers ofAfrica are griots. They are a
mysterious group, who hold the legends and history of Africa, and orally pass them down father to son through the generations. One of these great
stories is the Epic of Sundiata. Maghan Mari Djata, commonly known as Sundiata or Sundiata Keita, was a prince of the state Mail, who created the
empire of...show more content...
As this legend is so well known, and has been told so many times, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. The Epic of Sundiata, is still however
a gold mine of true knowledge if one only sorts out the myths and pyrite. Still that is not so simple a task. The epic was for the longest time an oral
tradition, told by the griots to the villages and cities they lived in. The original griot of the story lived it, and although the epic has most likely been
added to for dramatic effect over the centuries, the original tale must have been much closer to the truth. There is some doubt however over the
legitimacy of some parts of the story. In the epic Sundiata and his main rival – Soumaoro, are accomplished sorcerers (particularly Soumaoro), as well
as other women magicians in the story. It is in fact very unlikely that Sundiata and Soumaoro communicated by familiars (animals that supposedly lend
their sight, hearing, and speaking to the sorcerers who control them, in this case Soumaoro's owl), or that Soumaoro was invincible for their first
couple battles, Nor is it probable that Sundiata's mother was possessed by an evil
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Conflict In Sundiata
Conflicts are sometimes destructive, but perhaps they teach a lesson. They are a source of quarreling, ridicule, and sometimes motivation to reflect
on oneself. Conflict in one's life is also a source of personal growth and learning. Every conflict in life, no matter how small or seemingly
insignificant, shapes a person's character. In the Mali epic Sundiata, the main character, Sundiata, experiences many conflicts in his life. The conflicts
with his family, his physical body, and himself help to transform his character from a boy with few abilities to a capable young man. Physical
disabilities can be crippling. Some disabilities can be overcome, but no matter what effect they leave physically, they have lasting effects on character.
Sundiata...show more content...
Family relationships can have the greatest impact one's life. Family can encourage, but they can also criticize and be judgmental. Judgments and
attitudes expressed towards a person can either motivate them or demolish their self–esteem. From the moment Sundiata was born, every step of the
way at every major developmental milestone, NarГ© Maghan's first wife constantly ridiculed Sundiata and his mother for his lack of abilities, looks,
and overall development. She even called him a "` lion that crawls on the ground`" (129). This mocking continued for years. The acidulous remarks
must have made him self–conscious in some way, which might have encouraged him to walk. Not only were the over wives derisive, but also
Sundiata's own mother was cynical in her attitude towards him. Sassouma mocked Sogolon for not having a son that could get leaves from a tree
for her, Sogolon hit him with a wooden board, fed up with his selfishness and showing no interest in walking (132). When Sundiata offered to get
her leaves or even the entire tree, then asked for the iron bar, one can infer that a change in his character occurred either from feeling ashamed he let
down his mother or from his mother nagging him to walk. Either way, the relationships with his family and their bullying caused him to make the
decision to walk, which was a massive leap forward in his development as a character. It meant he finally showed a desire to walk,

Sundiata Character Analysis
What makes a man worthy to be honorable? Is his greatness something earned through struggle or just a title that has been passed down? It is the
man Sundiata is destined to have been, the greatest king, as he is portrayed in D.T Niane's classic tale "Sundiata: an epic of old Mali. This classic
tale shows the impact of courage, power, and motherly love on the life of the ancient africans kingdom's greatest king. D.T Niane's shows the life of a
man once being looked down upon, to now being known as one of the greatest in history.
Courage or the act of being courageous is something that can depict if a person is being weak. This act ties into the classic tale when identifying
the strength it took Sundiata to walk. Sundiata was at an age where other young boys were gathering objects for their mothers and he simply could
not, due to the fact that he was unable to walk. However, "In a great effort he straightened up and was on his feet at one go, but the great bar of iron
was twisted and had taken the form of a bow." (Page 21) A boy who once couldn't walk was now walking. He who once had to depend on hismother
can now be the one his mother depends on. Thus, " When Sogolon saw her son standing she stood dumb for a moment, then suddenly she sang these
words of thanks to god who had given her son the use of his legs". (Page 21) Sogolon was so discouraged to the point where the sight of her son's
slow development became an embarrassment. She soon became joyful of the courage

Sundiata Essay
Epics
Sundiata was written in Africa. Gilgamesh was the oldest one written. Other works include the Iliad and the Odyssey, which were written by the
blind prophet Homer. What do all these works of literature have in common with each other? The similarity that all these works of literature have is
that they are all epics. What does this mean? What is an epic? The definition of an epic is that an epic is a long, narrative poem with a hero that goes
on a quest. What is the hero? Well, the characteristics of a hero is that they all go on a quest, which is a long, arduous journey, he usually descends to the
underworld, and many other traits are possessed that determine if a hero is an epic hero.
Does an epic have characteristics like an epic...show more content...
As an answer to the people's prayers, the Gods sent Enkidu. At the end of Gilgamesh's journey, he was forced to return home with nothing but very
important, well–learned lessons.
Secondly, the next epic that will be discussed is Sundiata. Sundiata was an African epic about a very unusual king ofMali. It all began in 1200 back
when Sundiata's father, Nare Fa Maghan, ruled over Mali. Until one day Maghan, were to marry a very ugly, yet powerful female named Sogolon
Kedju to be the most powerful king of Mali. Ironically, not only did he marry the ugly woman, they birthed Sundiata. Sassouma was Maghan's first
wife and reviled Sogolon because Sundiata would now possibly be king instead of her son Dankaran. The rivaling brothers bickered and fought one
another until the rightful king Sundiata took his place at the throne.
Thirdly, the epic entitled the Odyssey will be discussed. The Odyssey was an epic written by homer a blind prophet who wrote two stories about
the Trojan War. The first epic was the Iliad and it took place during the Trojan War. Why did the Trojan War begin? Paris, the prince of Troy,
abducted Menelausus' wife, Helen. The Odyssey was the sequel to the Iliad and it began telling the tale of one of the Geek soldiers, Odysseus, began
his journey home. It takes him twenty years to make it home however; while he is gone his home encounters many hardships. Odysseus loses his
friends on this journey home, while not to his

Sundiata Analysis
In Sundiata: An Epic of Mali and The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, the importance of storytelling and recording history is
prevalent throughout both stories. In Sundiata, the griot serves as the narrator of the story recounting the tale of Sundiata told to him by his father who
learned it from his father and so on for countless generations. Griots travel amongst their people using oral history as a way of preserving African
culture and heritage throughout generations. They treasure the superiority of oral history above written history because the written word "lacks the
warmth of the human voice." Conversely, Olaudah Equiano explores the written word as a method of spreading his story throughout the world. He
writes a biography because it can be translated into countless different languages because his purpose is to educate as many people about his story in an
effort to end the atrocities of the slave trade. While the function of the griot is to connect Sundiata with his ancestry via oral storytelling and music,
Equiano's written testimony distances himself from his indigenous African heritage. The epic of Sundiata is uniquely characterized by the griots and
the use of orality in the performance of the story and within the story itself. The epic of Sundiata is meant to be performed by a griot in front of an
audience with music. The three griots within the story transcend time as Gnankouman Doua connects Maghan Kon Fatta with the future, Balla

Sundiata Characteristics
Adrian Aviles
September 7, 2017
Dr. Lehman
African American History Sundiata an epic of old Mali is a story about Sundiata Keita who was the founder of the Mali Empire in West Africa.
This story is an oral tale of a young king's rise to power and is narrated by Djeli Mamoudo Kouyate' who was a griot or traditional storyteller. Griots
are known to be ancient historians, keeping track of their culture and passing down this information which lasts, generation after generation. In
Sundiata an epic, Kouyate' expresses how important it is to the Malinke culture to preserve this oral history. "I teach kings the history of their
ancestors so that the lives of the ancients might serve them as an example, for the world is old, but the future springs from the past" says Kouyate' ( 1
). Preserving Malinke culture and history was ideal in teaching the younger generation of their rich heritage and what it means to live the life of a
Malinke. Among numerous different qualities, Sundiata an epic of old Mali is certainly an investigation of what qualities characterize Sundiata as a
hero, and by augmentation, what excellencies are heroic. The most glaring is his strength. As a youngster, notwithstanding when he is disabled, unable
to walk, his strong arms have the strength to pull roots from the ground. Be that as it may, when he at long last stands, he astounds everybody, bowing
a tremendous pole to a bow and pulling a tree up by its foundations. Another heroic quality is

King Sundiata Research Paper
One of the most powerful Kings of the Kingdom of Mali in the 1200s was Sundiata Keita. He was known for many different things throughout
history such as taking back the Kingdom of Mali, where he grew up. He was also known for establishing the city of Niani as the capital of the empire.
These are a couple things Sundiata Keita is known for during his tenure as King. When Sundiata was a child, Mali was a very small kingdom at the
time. While he was still a child, the Soso people captured Mali and took control of the empire. Sundiata became a captive member of the Soso, he
lived with the leader of the Soso (see "Sundiata Keita of Mali" ). When he was seven years old, Sundiata began to become stronger. He learned
how to walk and started exercising every day. In just a few years, he changed himself into a strong warrior. He was determined to free Mali from
the Sosos and fled into exile. While in exile, Sundiata became famous as a feared warrior and fighter. After several years, he decided to return to
Mali in order to make Mali a better place. The people of Mali were tired of the high taxes that the Soso rulers asked of them and wanted to revolt.
After 1240, Sundiata led no further quests but consolidated his hold on the states already under his control. His...show more content...
Although Sundiata was a Muslim, he allowed the people to practice whatever religion they pleased. After defeating the Soso, Keita merged his power
towards the people of his empire and established a strong centralized monarchy (see "Sundiata Keita, Hero of the Mali Empire" ). When Keita died, his
son Uli became the mansa, or King, of Mali. The Malinke people of west Africa continued to regard Sundiata Keita as a national hero. His death was
estimated to have taken place around the 1260's. Ibn Khaldun and other fourteenth century North African historians indicate that Sundiata Keita ruled
Mali for roughly 25 to 30

Essay on Sundiata the Hero
Sundiata was not a self–absorbed person, when even at an early age, "malicious tongues began to blab. What three–year–old has not yet taken his first
steps (p.15)?" Early on in his life Sundiata showed his since of concern for others when he sees his mother distraught other being slight by Sassouma,
Sundiata says, "mother, what's the matter (p.19)?" When Sundiata makes up his mind to overcome his problem of not walking, and should feel
triumphant and celebrator by focusing on what everyone will say about him, he immediately thinks of his mother, "Mother, do you want just the leaves
of the baobab or would you rather I brought you the whole tree, (p.19)." When Sassouma tries to set Sundiata up by having the old witches steal from
his...show more content...
A leader must exhibit strength because "the multitude loves and fears strength, (p.22)." Sundiata "was a lad full of strength; his arms had the strength
of ten and his biceps inspired fear in his companions, (p.23). Sundiata leadership was not only in his strength, but "he had already that authoritative
way of speaking which belongs to those who are destined to command, (p.23)." Sundiata leadership is also displayed through his loyalty by
coming keeping the promise he made to Fran when he said, "I will make you a great general, we will travel through many countries and emerge
the strongest of all. Kings will tremble before us as woman trembles before a man, (p.32)." Upon setting out to his mission to restore Mali, he
immediate goes back to Tabon. His leadership was able to take hold because people admired him, "in the camp he had an answer to everything and
the most puzzling situations resolved themselves in the presence, (p.37)." With Sundiata, "everyone bowed before him and he was greatly loved.
Those who did not love him feared him and his voice carried authority, (p.37)." As a natural leader, "his voice carried authority, his eyes were live
coals, his arm was iron, and he was the husband of power, (p.47)." Another hero qualities that Sundiata had, was his uncompromising determination.
Sundiata did not start life out as someone who would grow up to be a great hero, "Sogolon's son had a slow and difficult childhood. At the age of
three he still

Sundiata The Griot Analysis
Traditions are passed down from generation to generation. A family's past, present, and future is told to each member of a family with the idea that it
will be passed down. Our traditions teach us about the way we live; including why we eat certain food, why we talk a certain way, and why we tell
the stories we tell. In the MalianAfrican culture, a Griot is the person responsible for teaching the younger children and citizens of Mali Africa the
stories of their ancestors. Through oral traditions, they are responsible for making sure their community is well versed in the culture of their people and
understand why they act the way they do; and therefore, the Griot could be considered one of the most important roles people in the community due
...show more content...
It is a story that has been told through the generations and should be taught all over the world; however, it sadly is not, but there are certain stories
that relate to Sundiata. These stories remain classics; timeless and universal narratives told with the purposed of educating our children. This
purpose is seen in modern culture. For example, "Little Red Riding Hood" teaches children to be careful who they trust, Shakespear illustrates that
anything is possible with perseverance, and 1984 expresses the importance to stand up for what we believe in. All of these stories are classics,
they are integrated into our popular culture and are considered to be educational. They present morals, teach us the lessons that we are supposed to
know, and are placed on a pedestal. Although Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali is not a fairy tale or a play, but rather an oral history of their country,
it is a still a story told time and time again. Therefore, the accessibility of Sundiata can be looked at the same way we look at our classics. The
Griots are the books, the history, the guides we are supposed to learn from. They are held on a pedestal because they deserve to be there. They
deserve to be respected because they "teach the kings the history of their ancestors so that the lives of the ancients might serve them as an example"
they are Mali's story tellers, history teachers, and keepers of

Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Essay
The great Machiavelli once said, "Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding
times." Indeed, the study of history is important as history does seem to repeat itself. Many people in today's society learn about the past from
textbooks and other books, as these are of easy access. Is this really the best way to learn about the past? The people of ancient Africa did not think
so, as they had special people called "griots"who passed the people's traditions and history down orally from generation to generation. One such griot,
Mamadou Kouyate, recalls the story of the most famous ruler in African history, Sundiata, in D.T. Niane's book Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. This
This proved to be very important, as many of the princes would grow up to be kings. The friendships he built as a child grew into alliances when he
was an adult, and it was these alliances that helped him defeat Soumaoro and become "Mansa" or king (Niane 1–84). The alliances he built with
neighboring princes proved to be vital in the military aspect of conquering, which was another conventional method Sundiata used to gain power.
Sundiata's own cavalry, the horsemen of Mema, were gained from an alliance with the king of Mema. Sundiata also gained many other military
weapons from his alliances including the "archers of Bobo" who, as Mamadou Kouyate explains, were said to be "the best archers in the world
(Niane 68). Once Sundiata was in power no one would dare try and overthrow him because of his military mite. Sundiata had at his disposal the
armies of twelve different empires, all of which were extremely loyal to Sundiata because he had given them their kingdoms back at Ka–ba. For these
reasons, Sundiata's military was vital to his gaining and remaining in power (Niane 1–84). A man cannot come to rule much of the known world by
luck, and neither did Sundiata, as he used intelligence in gaining power. Much of the intelligence that Sundiata showed was evident in his ability to
make alliances. Another aspect of intelligence was shown on the

Sundiata: an Epic of Old Mali Essay
"Sundiata: an Epic of Old Mali": A Character Analysis of Sundiata. Sundiata is an oral epic passed from griot to griot. D.T. Niane's Sundiata contains
many powerful characters. Throughout the story Niane uses the strength and weaknesses of his characters to show the importance of destiny and fate.
The character that holds his name to the story, Sundiata, is the son of King Maghan Kon Katta and the "buffalo" woman. Sundiata was prophesized to
be a great leader and to save the people of Mali. Sundiata must go through a series of tests and trials, before fulfilling his destiny and taking throne of
Mali. Though Sundiata road to greatness he had to deal with overcoming many different obstacles. Such as him being disable until the age of seven.
People had seen one–eyed kings, one –armed kings, and lame kings, but a stiff –legged king had never been heard tell of. No matter how great the
destiny promised for Mari Djata might be, the throne could not be given to someone who had no power in his legs; if the jinn loved him, let them
begin by giving him the use of his legs."(67). The harsh remarks to Sundiata's mother broke her spirit, she had of her son becoming the next king
of Mali despite the prophecy. At the age of seven Sundiata still crawled while the other kids his age flourished. However, all of these challenges
Sundiata had to faced created his character. Sundiata's vulnerability makes his accomplishments even more special because he was so difference
from everyone else within the Mali town. In addition to Sundiata's vulnerability he was very courageous. Not only was Sundiata being laughed at
for not being able to walk, his mother also had to deal with the misfortune of being embarrassed by her son. In Sundiata's and his mother's worst
times he found a way to overcome his biggest obstacle. "Oh son of misfortune, will you never walk? Through your fault I have suffered the greatest
affront of my life! What have I done, God, for you to punish me in this way?" (67). Sundiata then found the courage to walk, "Standing in the
position of a soldier at ease, Sogolon Djata, supported by his enormous rod, was sweating great beads of sweat. Balla Fasseke song had alerted the
whole palace and people came

Essay about Sundiata
If you want a taste of West African History Sundiata will give you exactly what you want and more. Sundiata was an interesting piece of literature to
read. Unlike the previous two books we have read this semester I found this book much more simple. This book was much easier for me to
comprehend and actually get into. This book exposed me not only to the West African history, but also a new religion. The story of Sundiata depicts the
story of the foundation of the Mali Empire in West Africa. This story takes place during a transitional time period, when the trade network that linked
towns and villages across western Africa attracted north African merchants who brought increasing Muslim influence. The Mali Empire was one of the
great...show more content...
He gives special attention to Lahilatoul Kalabi, the first black prince to make the Pilgrimage to Mecca. On his return trek, he was robbed by
brigands, and his entourage split. Allah saved his life and made him a king once he returned to Mali after seven years of wandering. They state,
"After seven years' absence Lahilatoul was able to return, by the grace of Allah the Almighty" (Sundiata, 2). Another important role in this epic
was the importance of long distance trade. After the exile of Sundiata it gives him a chance to learn about the trade routes and people of his region.
An example of this long distance trade was in the chapter of The Baobab Leaves. Sundiata's sister, Kolonkan, now of a marriageable age took on
the role in society as a woman. "She was at the market she noticed a woman who was offering for sale nofiola, and gnougou, condiments unknown to
the people of Mema" (Sundiata, 43). She recognized the baobob leaves and many other vegetables which her mother used to grow in her garden at
Niani. The merchant questions Kolonkan on how she knows about the baobab leaves, due to her offering at the market in Mema for days, but no one
wanting them. While over hearing the conversation a man draws near offering the princess a cola. "We are merchants and we going from town to
town"(Sundiata, 44). The details of trade in this chapter greatly illustrate the existence of trade in the West African

Sundiata Myths

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