Sundiata

1. Sundiata An Epic of Old Mali

2. Epic • Long, narrative poem • Tales of vanished heroes—partly human, partly superhuman, who embody highest values of society. • Carries a culture’s history, values, and traditions to current and future generations.

3. Oral Epic • Most ancient epics began as oral epics. • There are oral epics still yet to be recorded! • Oral epics include more than words. • Exciting blend of narrative, poetry, and drama. • Traditional repetitions, gestures, sound effects, songs, and proverbs play an important role in the “live” performance of epics.

4. Oral Epic • As an oral epic is written and translated into new languages, the epic changes. • Many elements of oral epics do not carry over well into writing. However, narrative, or storytelling, elements of epics DO carry over into writing easily. • Repetition enlivens and oral performance, but tends to deaden written works. • Translators find it difficult to carry over original poetic elements (rhyme, meter, etc.)

5. Sundiata • Best-known African epic • Preserved and passed on by griots.

6. Sundiata • Blend of fact and legend • Sundiata Keita, the story’s hero, really existed. • Powerful leader who, in 1235, defeated the Sosso nation of western Africa and reestablished the Mandingo empire of Old Mali. • Under Sundiata, Mali expanded from the Atlantic coast to the northern border of present-day Nigeria, including the lands today called Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Mali, and western Niger.

7. Sundiata • Sundiata is not a historical document. • Rather, the story of Sundiata, over time, turned into a legend. • Legend—a story about extraordinary deeds that has been passed on from one generation to the next. • Supernatural powers are attributed to Sindiata, and he is involved in a mighty conflict between good and evil.

8. Sundiatain Written Form • First recorded in Guinea during the 1950s. • No one knows how many centuries old this version of the epic is. • First translated to French, later English. • Because now “twice removed” from original source, many features of the original language have been lost (meter, assonance, and alliteration). • However, still contains some original songs, repetition, and proverbs that accompanied the oral performance.

9. Sundiata • Hero—Sundiata • Unusual childhood and shows signs of greatness as a child • Endures many trials growing up. • Undertakes a long journey into exile before coming back to lead his people • Supernatural • Sundiata, mother, sister, and enemies all possess supernatural powers. • Setting and Characters • Reveals unique history of traditions of the culture. • Mali was a powerful kingdom, enriched by alliances and neighboring nations; wealthy and complex; well-educated leaders. • Sundiata’s father (king) was killed when Sundiata was a child, leaving Mali vulnerable. • Invasion by the Sossos tests Sundiata’s heroism.