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Sundiat An Epic Of Old Mali By Djibril Tamsir Niane

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Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, written by Djibril Tamsir Niane is a primary source retold by generations of African storytellers (griots). Sundiata was born a weak, looked down upon prince but as time progressed he became the most powerful warrior and king that Mali had seen. He surpassed the thoughts of his mother and father The role of African Traditional Religion (ATR) and Islam, highlighted by D.T Niane, portrays the rise and spread of power of the medieval West African Empire of Mali. As Sundiata matures, he is able to balance and blend the belief systems of ATR and Islam in order to advance trade in the Kingdom of Mali and enforce military domination on the surrounding areas. Within the Epic, religion plays a subtle but key role. It is glossed over quickly but when analyzed it adds a much more …show more content…

Sundiata placed his faith in ATR when the battle ensued. He then used the tool of his knowledge and respect of Islam to command troops from neighboring Islamic kingdoms. He used the tool of ATR to defeat Soumaoro. As Sundiata and his army marched on Diaghan he trusted the soothsayers (those who can foresee the future). He sacrificed the chickens, oxen, and rams and the Jinn accepted his sacrifice. In response to the acceptance he gained even more power and took this as a sign in order to begin his assault the next morning. After another successful assault, Sundiata humbled himself to the Jinn of water in order to gain power and vibrance to finish the succeeding attacks. Sundiata’s recognition of humbling himself to ATR spirits allowed him to gain the necessary power he needed to conquer surrounding areas. As Sundiata needed troops, his understanding of Islam allowed him to command troops from Mema (an Islamic area). The king admired him. Just as he pleased the Muslim merchants to bolster trade, and the King of Mema to command troops, he pleased the spirits of ATR to strengthen his own

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