What does it mean to be a hero? For some, a hero is someone with superhuman strength or abilities, while others believe that heroes are ordinary people who exhibit extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. To me, a hero is someone who uses their strengths and abilities to help others, even at great personal risk. One such hero is Sundiata, the legendary founder of the Mali Empire, whose heroic actions have been chronicled in the African folk tale of Sundiata. Sundiata's heroic actions in the African folk tale of Sundiata demonstrate his courage, determination, and selflessness, and prove that he is a true hero. His most heroic actions include his perseverance from his childhood, his selflessness in war, and his preservation of the griots …show more content…
When he was exiled from his kingdom, Sundiata could have given up on his dream of becoming a great leader and returned home. Instead, he chose to continue his quest and gathered a loyal group of followers who shared his vision. He put their needs above his own, leading them to victory against their enemies and ultimately founding the powerful Mali Empire. There are accounts of this in the story, including “I defend the weak, I defend the innocent, Fakoli. You have suffered an injustice so I will render you justice, but I have my lieutenants about me and I would like to know their opinions.” These words show his sense of leadership and selflessness throughout his life, bringing justice to Fakoli after his wife was stolen by the …show more content…
Griots know the history of kings and kingdoms and that is why they are the best counselors of kings (40)”. Sundiata's preservation of the griots is a testament to his heroism and commitment to his people's culture and history. By recognizing the importance of the griots and taking them with him into exile, Sundiata ensured that the stories and legends of his people would be preserved for future generations. His actions showed that true heroism involves not only physical strength and courage but also a deep respect for cultural traditions and a commitment to preserving them. Sundiata's dedication to the griots serves as an example of how one person's actions can have a far-reaching impact on the culture and history of an entire