18 The Story of Sundiata
“Fear enters the heart of him who does not know his destiny, whereas Sundiata knew that he was striding towards a great destiny.”
Reflection
I am the Sundiata. I am a prophesy and a thought. I am born to the second wife of a ruler. I suffer shame and ridicule. I know what it feels like to be laughed at and scorned. I have heard my stepmother’s cruel voice teasing me; ridiculing me. She berates my mother because of me. I know what it feels like to have my father believe in me. I then too, I know what it feels like to lose my father. I know what it feels like to have my mother disappointed in me. I do not want that for myself. From deep within, I find my power, my strength. I accept and pull - I pull myself up to my feet. I walk. I become what I was meant to be. Loved by people. Loved by kings. I still am hunted and must flee. In exile I live and rise. Again heir to a kingdom, my skill and virtues are prized. But Mali needs me. My homeland calls. Even those who were cruel to me and plotted my death, now hope in me. And I do not let them down. I show up, and I overcome. I reclaim my birthright. I am king and emperor. I establish peace and prosperity. I am Sundiata.
Sundiata
The story of Sundiata is the story of the founding of the empire of Mali located in Africa in the region now known as the Sahara Desert, but then geographically characterized by savannas, fertile farmland, and the Niger River. Originally an epic that told the story of a man who actually lived, Sundiata, this narrative has mythological embellishments that work to build the legend of how Sundiata, with magnanimous spirit and great fortitude, was victorious over Soumaoro, a powerful wizard king.
This story has been told for hundreds of years (since it happened in the thirteenth century), passed from one generation to the next by Mali griots, oral storytellers. There are many versions of this tale as is always the case as stories are passed through time orally. It is interesting to note that the griots performed stories in lyrical form, as long-form songs, accompanied by an instrument called the balafon. I read this story as it was translated into prose from by author D.T. Niane who heard it from the griot Mamadou Kouyaté.
This is the story of Sundiata Keita, and it begins with a prophecy.
Lets’ begin.
One day, while Maghan Kon Fatta, ruler of Mali, was sitting with his courtiers in a courtyard, foriegn hunters appeared. They spoke boldly to Maghan Kon Fatta and prophesied of a miraculous son who would be born to him after he married a lowly, mis-shapened woman with enormous eyes. They foretold that this child, who would be born to him and this woman, would be a mighty ruler, a lion of a man, and would do glorious things for himself, his people, and his country.
In time Maghan Kon Fatta was presented with Sogolon Kedjou, a woman with a hunched back and very large eyes. Even though Maghan Kon Fatta was already married to Sassouma Bérété and had a healthy son, Dankaran Touman, he remembered the prophecy and married Sogolon, taking her as his second wife. Soon Sundiata was born. At that time, those who knew of the prophecy, laughed at it. They laughed too at Sundiata. Sundiata was not a handsome child like his father. How could he be as mighty as a lion? He could not even walk. Even at six years of age, he pulled himself from place to place. All he did was crawl around. He kept very close to his mother, and he ate continuously.
Sundiata’s father, however, continued to believe in the son of his second wife, and appointed Sundiata as his heir. However, after Maghan Kon Fatta’s death, the royal council of Mali named their late ruler’s first son, Dankaran Touman as ruler and placed Sassouma Bérété as Queen Regent. Without his father to protect him and his mother, Sassouma was cruel to them. She scolded and belittled them. Her words cut.
One day, when Sundiata was seven, after he experienced the cruelty of his stepmother to his mom, she was pointing out how Sundiata could not even gather leaves for his mother, his mother slapped him. Her disappointment in him caused him to act. With the aid of magical iron canes, he pulled himself to his feet and took steps, one after another. He grew strong. Lion-like, he made his way to a baobab tree. “Get leaves,” he thought, “ I will take the tree!” And he did! He uprooted it and carried it with ease to his mother. From this time, he also excelled in whatever he set out to do. People grew to respect him after ridiculing him for so long. “Yes, a mighty lion of a man,” they agreed.
However, not all of the people were happy with Sundiata’s new abilities and respect. Queen mother Sassouma Bérété, the king's first wife, became even more jealous. Knowing of the prophecy, and seeing Sundiata’s new found abilities, she feared that Sundiata would take away her son’s power. She devised a plan against them and called the nine witches of Mali to kill him cruelly.
Because of the hatred and jealousy of his stepmother the Queen Regent, Sundiata and his mother left Mali. While away, he was welcomed by many kings. Well liked and respected, in the Kingdom of Mema, he was adopted by the king.
He learned a lot in exile and was happy with his life. However, while he was gone, an evil wizard-king, Soumaoro Kanté, took control of Mali. Mali, his homeland, needed him; he was called to return home, to claim his birthright, and defeat Soumaoro Kanté.
Because of his good character, he was able to quickly gather together men. He formed a mighty army, and with the strength of his army, himself, and sorcery, Sundiata defeated Soumaoro and reclaimed Mali. The prophecy was fulfilled. Sundiata became a strong leader, and the Empire of Mali was formed.
And so, by overcoming ridicule and shame, with great lion-like strength of body, mind and soul, Sundiata established peace and prosperity to the grasslands of northwestern Africa.
Resources
Sullivan, Margaret Lo Piccolo. “The Epic of Sundiata:Using African Literature in the Classroom.” https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/publications/se/6204/620403.html Assessed 4 August 2021.
Niane, Dijbril Tamsir. “Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali
Niane, Dijbril Tamsir. “Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali | Character Analysis.” Course Hero.
https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Sundiata-An-Epic-of-Old-Mali/character-analysis/ Assessed 4 August 2021.
Following the Journey of the Hero: Sundiata.
A Nobel Birth into an Ordinary World
A prophesy fulfilled. Sundiata’s birth is foretold. He is born to a ruler.
Separation
The Call to Adventure
What calls the hero to take action?
His mother’s grief causes him to find his strength. His countries need, call him to deliver.
The Refusal of the Call
Why is this hero not following his heart fully as the story begins?
It is interesting how long it takes our hero to walk. I think he was waiting until the right time to act. It is in repose to the desperate need of others that his skills are fueled. He has a magnamous spirit.
The Mentor and Supernatural Aid
Who helps guide the hero to begin the quest?
I think the prophesy guides him. Also the canes he uses to stand are magical. I know there is much more to this story that I have not read - I hope to study more. To find out more of the details.
The Crossing of the First Threshold
His ability to stand.
Initiation
Helper/Mentor/Follower
His father continues to believe in him. His friends help to build a great army.
The Road of Challenges and Temptations
In his life Sundiata faces many challenges. His body is different and his ability are much different than others. His step mother is powerful and cruel. She abuses Sundiata and his mother, but he endures. He faces many battles.
What is the defeat?
He is laughed at and scorned. He must flee Mali.
Revelation - Death and Rebirth
How is the hero reborn?
Sundiata returns to his homeland.
Return
Atonement
What atonement is made?
With generosity he frees those who sought to kill him.
The Gift/ Reward
He is gifted with a peaceful and prosperous empire.
And so the hero passed from the ordinary into the extraordinary and back again - home. But in the return, changed, transformed. And, bearing gifts for the community.
Questions
What important aspects of life are highlighted in this story?
Other than entertainment, what purpose could this story have?
How are you like this particular hero?
Blessings
Thank you for joining me today! I hope you have a beautiful day! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. Peace for now, and remember, stay CHARMED ~