Sundiata Essay - 971 Words

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 of Mali. 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 hisShow MoreRelatedEssay on Sundiata the Hero1266 Words   |  6 PagesSundiata was not a self-absorbed person, when even at an early age, â€Å"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, â€Å"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 willRead MoreEssay about Sundiata1005 Words   |  5 Pages 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 AfricaRead MoreThe Functions of Griots - Sundiata Essay1127 Words   |  5 Pagesthe main source of information for the book Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. The book focuses on the trials and tribulations of Sundiata, a legendary warrior, king, and founder of the Mali Empire; and the functions of griots in serving their king. Sundiata is born to Sogolon, and is supposed to become the king of Mali, but Sundiata cannot walk until he turns 11 years old, and his half brother, Dankaran Touman, becomes the king. Dankaran exiles Sundiata and his family, and Balla Fasseke, SundiatasRead MoreAnalysis and Commentary on The Epic of Sundiata685 Words   |  3 Pages The Epic of Sundiata The Epic of Sundiata is a tale about the ancient kingdom of Mali in Africa and the legendary king and founder of the Mali Empire told by Djeli Mamadou Kouyate a griot, which is equivalent to storyteller. Before the griot begins the story he introduces himself as a â€Å"master in the art of eloquence.† He explains how his family had played an important role in preserving the history of the Mali Empire. By serving the princes of the Mali Empire. He says a griots job is to protectRead More Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Essay1013 Words   |  5 Pages as they had special people called griotswho passed the peoples 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. Nianes book Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. This book has become an entertaining, yet scrutinized, source about the history of Mali and its surrounding areas. Much scrutiny of this tale co mes from those who question the validity of the griots, thoughRead MoreSundiata s The Mali Empire1524 Words   |  7 Pages Sundiata himself is the most significant contributor to the formation of the Mali empire, however, various women hold a background role that is vital to the series of occurring events that allow Sundiata to become the king of Mali and form the Mali empire. The buffalo woman, Sogolon, and Nana Triban are all female characters who allow Sundiata the ability to fulfill his prophecy and become the king of Mali. Besides Sundiata himself, these women have some of the most important roles as comparedRead MoreSundiata: an Epic of Old Mali Essay858 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"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 des tiny and fate. The character that holds his name to the story, Sundiata, is the son of King Maghan Kon Katta and the â€Å"buffalo† woman. Sundiata was prophesized to be a great leader and to save the people of Mali. SundiataRead More Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali by Mamadou Kouyatà © 1068 Words   |  4 PagesSo in this book we are presented with an epic about a great King named Sundiata. We see that in those times griots were for the kings and for them to now were their ancestors came form so they know what it means to continue being a king. This book was brought from the words of a griot, so even in today’s society in Africa there are still griots around telling us stories and the epic such as the one we read in class this past week. Almost right into the book we see that a griot helps a king make discussionsRead MoreEssay about Sassouma Berete and Sogolon Kedjou in The Epic of Sundiata835 Words   |  4 PagesKedjou and Sassouma Bà ©rà ©tà © both had an impact on there sons life, their character traits were at different ends of the maternal spectrum. Despite minuscule similarities Sogolon Kedjou and Sassouma Bà ©rà ©tà © were depicted in direct contrast in the epic Sundiata. When comparing the two Sogolon Kedjou and Sassouma Berete both did what they thought would help to get their sons to become king. Sogolon knew everything that Sassouma was capable of doing to hurt her family, so she came up with the idea toRead MoreSundiata and the Odyssey of Homer1023 Words   |  5 PagesA quest is the act or instance of seeking or pursuing something. In the books Sundiata and The Odyssey of Homer, both of the main characters venture out on quests. Throughout each characters quest, they have goals they would like to achieve, obstacles that get in their way, and enemies they must face. Sundiata and Odysseus also receive some assistance along the way. Both characters also have a common goal to return to their homes after their quests are over. If their quests are successful they