Sundiata Essay

Throughout the history of mankind, almost every culture has an epic poem, a poetic narrative about significant event, often featuring a luminary. The epic of Sundiata is a story that was memorized orally and passed by griots for centuries. Mamadou Kouyate the original griot who tells the story explains that Sundiata’s father Maghan Kon Fatta was the king of a city called Niani. A soothsaying hunter tells the king that he produce an heir that would become a significant leader through impregnating an ugly woman. The hunters offer the king a woman named Sogolon to be his wife, the hunters received her by the means of defeating a repulsive buffalo. Sogolon is described as hideous and has a hunchback. The king takes Sogolon as his second wife and

There was a time when gods and demons roamed the earth. A time when humanity lived at the mercy of divine beings, who executed their wills against the humans, following their own selfish desires and placing humans in a position of piety to these dominant beings. This time on earth is one of great men who fought against these demigods, giving them great fame passed on as stories in the oral tradition. Though it is unrealistic to believe that these men truly fought against divine beings, their stories played a role in the ancient world, which was the beginning of the formation of society and civilization. The epics of “Gilgamesh” and “The Ramayana of Valmiki” both served their societies as an outline of a moral code,

Homer’s The Odyssey, is an epic poem of mythology which includes twenty-four books. The ancient writings focused its topics of discussions on the Trojan War, a hero named Odysseus, and the challenges he faced

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu helps act as a catalyst for the transformation of Gilgamesh’s character from an undefeatable god-like brute into a complex thinker. In the eyes of Gilgamesh, he is unstoppable and is willing to challenge death itself so long as he is remembered as a hero by his subjects. With Enkidu’s help, Gilgamesh learns to become a better person as a ruler, not as a better warrior. Although not blood related, Enkidu was like a brother to Gilgamesh and the duo shared an inseparable bond. Throughout the epic, Enkidu teaches Gilgamesh that he is not unstoppable, being stubborn will not stop him from dying, and that there are no easy solutions to life.

The Odyssey, written in 725 BCE. in Greece is a tale of a great warrior Odysseus, trying to return home to his wife after fighting a great war. The Epic of Gilgamesh, written earlier in 2700 B.C. in Mesopotamia, is the tale of a King Gilgamesh who goes on a quest to find immortality. Throughout these two epics’ both Gilgamesh and Odysseus are required to fight for their survival.  In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk has to fight Humbaba, a giant beast who is the guardian of the Cedar Forest. While Odysseus lands in the island of the Cyclopes and is trapped in a cave with a giant.

    Most people think of a hero as a strong, superior, good-looking person that could never make a mistake. However, in a story called The Odyssey, a connection to real life reveals imperfections to be common in heroes. Each person has their low points and highlights, regardless of their “rank”. The author and epic poet, Homer, exemplifies our main character, Odysseus, to take on this idea of a hero throughout his writing. The time period took place in Ancient Greece, allowing Greek culture to relate to the poem. Different aspects of such culture and history may have influenced the works and creativity of Homer as well. A major point includes The Trojan War because it focuses in on Odysseus’ journey to bring Helen back home by devising a plan to destroy warriors in the city. Acknowledge this factor when reading The Odyssey, for not only evidence of heroism, but also other major points of archetypes, in which the device reflects the insights of readers in modern time and what is seen from Ancient Greek culture.

Homer 's Odyssey chronicles the journey of the great Greek hero Odysseus and the setbacks he encountered on his way home from the Trojan war. Odysseus

Odysseus is adventure/fiction written in epic poem by Homer and translated by Robert Fitzgerald whereas; Sundiata An epic of Old Mali is nonfiction oral history that is passed down from generation to generation and it is only written in two languages, French and English. Both stories are journey of two characters and how they are involve. The Odyssey comes from the Greek methodology and the Sundiata An Epic of Old Mali is an African king story.

Enkidu's death left Gilgamesh frightened and confused. The despair in his heart was so great that he could not rest; would he ever be at peace? He became terrified of his own death. Puzzled and searching for answers, Gilgamesh set out on a quest for Utnapishtim. It is on this great journey that Gilgamesh learns of a

Sundiata, West African King of Mali, spent most of his childhood years physically impaired, later gaining powers and capabilities to serve in his given position. Gilgamesh, on the contrary is the King of Uruk and a tyrant beast who has promiscuous characteristics. In both epics, the protagonists venture out on journeys to pursue different goals. In terms of geographic location, Sundiata’s passage occurs in western African amongst the Mande people in the Mali Empire (Miller 354). On the other hand, the Epic of Gilgamesh focuses on Sumerians in Mesopotamia (Modern day Iraq) (Miller 27, 30). The two historical epics have many parallel themes such as origins, superhuman traits, and heroism; amongst these are also many differences, for example the battles fought by both Kings and dependence on technologies in different cultures.

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 epic of Sundiata pertains to the ancient kingdom of Mali in Africa. The king there has two sons and multiple wives. Sundiata was set to have taken the throne being the first born son but suffered from an severely impairing illness that would prevent him to walk yet rule a kingdom. When their father, the king, died his second son took over the kingdom as king. He turned out to be an awful leader and treated his people and Sundiata terribly. Sundiata struggled immensely but was able to eventually beat his illness which was preventing him to walk. When the current king observed this, he felt very threatened and in retaliation stated that Sundiata and his mother were to be banished from the kingdom. Shortly after leaving they were accepted

Sundiata was not a self-absorbed person, when even at an early age, “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, “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 will say about him, he immediately thinks of his mother, “Mother, do you want just the leaves of the baobab or would you rather I brought you the whole tree, (p.19).” When Sassouma tries to set Sundiata up by having the old witches steal from his

The epic of Sundiata is uniquely characterized by the griots and the use of orality in the performance of the story and within the story itself. The epic of Sundiata is meant to be performed by a griot in front of an audience with music. The three griots within the story transcend time as Gnankouman Doua connects Maghan Kon Fatta with the future, Balla

Homer's epic tale The Odyssey is a story of the triumphs and downfalls that are in store for one warrior's long pillage home.  Odysseus, the hero from the Trojan wars, has led his people of Ithaca and other Achaean soldiers to victory and now wishes to return home to his wife and family of Ithaca.  Through his twenty year journey Odysseus is often tested not only of his physical strength, but his wits as well.  The many accomplishments he achieved earned him great status and recognition throughout ancient Greece.  The mistakes he made caused the deaths of many men.  Consequently, we as readers are able to see the many personas that Odysseus carries with him.