Summary Of Sundiata

There are several versions of Sundiata’s birth and childhood, but there are two main versions that are agreed upon. One version of the story is that Sundiata was one of 12 brothers of the Mandinka royalty. They were unfortunately murdered by the jealous tyrant of Kaniaga, Samguru. Murdered all, except for Sundaita. It is said that Sundiata was spared because of he was sickly and expected to soon die anyway. This however brought about Samguru’s doom, as Sundiata escaped to gather an army to defeat Samguru as soon as he was of age. The other version is that Sundiata was born into a great line of kings, and was indeed, the heir apparent to the throne of Mali, although Mali was still a province of the Mandingo Kings. Sundiata’s birth was, according

1 Indeed the king (the handsome and formidable Naré Maghan ) married this woman, called Sogolon and after a brief period of time Sundiata was born. He certainly was far from perfect for many reasons, and at first was quite homely. Many of these reasons are mentioned in Sundiata, an epic of old Mali. 2 The main of these faults however was his inability to walk. This was exploited, chiefly by the king’s first wife, Sassouma Bérété. She was furious at her son’s ruined chance of gaining the throne (and her chance to control him as king). However when the king died soon after she pushed for her son, Dankaran Touman, to be pronounced the next king. She got what she wanted, and henceforth proceeded to rule in her son’s name. She ridiculed Sogolon (Sundiata’s mother) harshly, every chance she got, finally driving Sogolon into a rage. After a particularly incensing remark Sogolon marched to where Sundiata

However when the witches test Sundiatia to see if he should be killed, he disarms them with his kindness, and they henceforth promise to watch over him. This part of the story was most likely added over the years to show Sundiata’s might and good qualities. Although he was, by all accounts a fair and just king, it is unlikely that this exact episode really happened. Sassouma did however make some attempt to harm Sundiata, for his mother Sogolon realizes the danger that while Sassouma cannot harm Sundiata, she can harm his youngest siblings. Sogolon suggests they leave Mali for the good of the family, and Sundiata finally agrees to leave, though not before giving Dankaran Touman, the “king” a chilling message. “But I will return, added the son of Sogolon vehemently. “I will return do you hear?” The delivery of this message leaves Dankaran trembling, and he nearly gives up his throne to Sundiata right then and there. His resolve however is hardened by his mother and away into a long hard exile Sundiata and his family