An Epic Of Old Mali - 1252 Words

History often times never really comes from the proverbial horse’s mouth, but rather from written testimonies require translation, or verbal traditions passed down through generations. Both forms have their own strengths and weakness’. Oral histories are often influenced by culture, plus religious beliefs affect the way the history is told. Primary sources are often times influenced by the author’s own culture, as well as the motive they have for creating the record of the time. One I not better than the other. Rather, each can be used for different lenses of analysis into different periods of time and research. Oral histories may come in many forms. Music depicting a decade long war, or nighttime stories warning children from the animals of the night around them, as well as epics chronicling the rise of a great king. Sudiata: An Epic of Old Mali gives a glimpse into many aspects about the ideals, beliefs, values and culture of the people who originally told the story. Concerning the values of Mali, the characteristics the teller’s portray for their king are telling about what is considered necessary qualities for a good king and warrior. Sundiata was born crippled, unable to walk, but showed incredible strength in his arms early in life, a sign for the strength he would grow into later. He also demonstrates enormous skill and bravery in battle, qualities deemed ideal in a warrior. A good warrior is not the only characteristic seen as definitive for Sundiata, but also aShow MoreRelatedsundiata an epic of old mali816 Words   |  4 PagesAmongst many other things, the epic is implicit ly an exploration of what qualities define Sundiata as a hero, and by extension, what virtues are heroic. The most glaring is his strength. Even when he is crippled as a child and cannot walk, the boy has strong arms. But when he finally stands, he surprises everyone, bending an enormous rod to a bow and pulling a tree up by its roots. Another quality is his bravery, most clearly illuminated by his skill and grit in battle. But Sundiata has more thanRead MoreAnalysis Of The Epic Of Old Mali972 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis An Epic of Old Mali Sundiata: an Epic of Old Mali was written by D.T. Niane and translated by G.C. Pickett. D.T. Niane was a historian who received this version of Sundiata’s epic from Djeli Mamoudou Kouyatà ©, a griot. In fact, there is not a true author for this epic due to the fact that it has been transmitted orally for many years. This epic justly showed the type of culture Africa had at the time taken place and has defined the type of people who use to reside there. Sundiata: an Epic of OldRead MoreSundiat An Epic Of Old Mali1472 Words   |  6 PagesIn the story of â€Å"Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali,† the male king, as always is the dominant figure. Maghan Kon Fatta, was a Mandinka king who received a divine hunter at his court. The hunter predicted that if he married an ugly woman she would give him a son who would be a mighty king one day. He had three wives and six children, three of which were boys and three were girls, one of his sons was going to take his spot on the thron e. Women always seem unequal to men and basically live under aRead MoreThe Odyssey And Sundiat An Epic Of Old Mali1328 Words   |  6 Pagesusually inevitable or irresistible, course of events. (Google). Finally A journey is defined as an act of traveling from one place to another. (Google). While analyzing these two great epics I came across many similarities between the two main characters. In both epics The Odyssey and Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Odysseus and Sundiata embark on destined heroic conquest to fulfill their destiny. All throughout the two main characters quest, they encounter obstacles, and foes they must overcome inRead More Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Essay1013 Words   |  5 PagesSundiata, 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 comes from those who question the validity of the griots, though Mamadou Kouyate is quick to point out that [His] word is pure and free of all untruth; it is the word of [his] father...griots do not know what lying is (Niane 1). If the context of the epic is true, then there are many valuable thingsRead 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 destiny 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 MoreSundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Vs. The Odyssey971 Words   |  4 PagesSundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Vs. The Odyssey The definition of an epic hero can be defined as one who is triumphant in some manner that reflects the idea of his/her culture. â€Å"Heroes have always dominated mythology, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, history, and literature. No culture seems to lack tales of human, superhuman, or god-like heroes who save the innocent from the wicked, conquer evil, and deliver the threatened and oppressed† (Shunnaq). Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali and The Odyssey can beRead 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 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 fulfil l his prophecy and become the king of Mali. Besides Sundiata himself, these women have some of the most important roles as comparedRead MoreDisneys the Lion King: Sundiata in Disguise?1691 Words   |  7 Pageswell as highlighted particular historical facts about a specific civilization. One distinct book that has met both of these general objectives is Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. Throughout this story the author discusses the life of a young king, and illustrates unique facts about the ancient Mali society. In the process of reading this epic tale, it became clear that