From SundiataFrom Sundiata

An Epic of Old MaliAn Epic of Old Mali

EpicEpic

A long narrative poem.A long narrative poem. Epic tales of vanished heroes—Epic tales of vanished heroes—

partly human, partly superhuman, partly human, partly superhuman, who embody the highest values of who embody the highest values of a society—do more than entertain. a society—do more than entertain. They also carry a culture’s history, They also carry a culture’s history, values, and traditions forward to values, and traditions forward to future generations.future generations.

The Oral EpicThe Oral Epic

Also known as primary epics.Also known as primary epics. An oral epic contains much more An oral epic contains much more

than words. Traditional than words. Traditional repetitions, gestures, sound repetitions, gestures, sound effects, songs, and proverbs play effects, songs, and proverbs play an important role in the “live” an important role in the “live” performance of epics. performance of epics.

An oral epic: a blend of narrative, An oral epic: a blend of narrative, poetry, and drama.poetry, and drama.

The Oral EpicThe Oral Epic

It is not until its form is more or less It is not until its form is more or less fixed that an epic is written down. fixed that an epic is written down.

Elements of oral epics:Elements of oral epics:– RepetitionRepetition– Original poetic elements difficult to Original poetic elements difficult to

translate (meter & rhyme)translate (meter & rhyme)– The narrative does carry over into The narrative does carry over into

writing well and translates easilywriting well and translates easily

Best Known Epic:Best Known Epic:

Sundiata from the Sundiata from the Mandingo people Mandingo people western Arica.western Arica.

It exists in several It exists in several versions.versions.

LegendLegend

A story about A story about extraordinary deeds, extraordinary deeds, based to some extent on based to some extent on fact.fact.

Sundiata: Fact and Sundiata: Fact and LegendLegend The epic hero in Sundiata The epic hero in Sundiata

really existed.really existed. He was a powerful leader He was a powerful leader

who, in 1235, defeated the who, in 1235, defeated the osso nation of western Africa osso nation of western Africa and reestablished the and reestablished the Mandingo Empire of Old Mali.Mandingo Empire of Old Mali.

SundiataSundiata

Under Sundiata, Mali expanded Under Sundiata, Mali expanded from the Atlantic coast to the from the Atlantic coast to the northern border of present-day northern border of present-day Nigeria, including the lands today Nigeria, including the lands today called Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, called Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Mali, and western Niger.Mali, and western Niger.

The empire he founded lasted The empire he founded lasted over 250 years.over 250 years.

SundiataSundiata

The empire finally fell to the The empire finally fell to the Songhai in 1493.Songhai in 1493.

The story of Sundiata became The story of Sundiata became transformed into a legend.transformed into a legend.

So, it is based on fact that has So, it is based on fact that has become embellished over time.become embellished over time.

SundiataSundiata

Supernatural powers are Supernatural powers are attributed to Sundiata, and he is attributed to Sundiata, and he is involved in a mighty conflict involved in a mighty conflict between good and evil.between good and evil.

Since this translation came from Since this translation came from the original Mandingo which had the original Mandingo which had been translated into French, it has been translated into French, it has lost many of its poetic qualities.lost many of its poetic qualities.

Clues: Pay attention to Clues: Pay attention to these cluesthese clues

What is Sundiata’s age What is Sundiata’s age when he begins to walk?when he begins to walk?

How do the villagers treat How do the villagers treat Sundiata after he begins Sundiata after he begins walking?walking?

Clues: Pay attention to Clues: Pay attention to these cluesthese clues

Who is Soumaoro?Who is Soumaoro? What happens in Krina in What happens in Krina in

the valley of the Nigerthe valley of the Niger What does Sundiata do to What does Sundiata do to

the city of Sosso?the city of Sosso?