Late 13th-Early 14th Centuries

Background Epic of the Manding people. Empires rose when Muslims invaded, bringing literacy/trade.  Wealthy trade in gold and salt.  Funded armies, cities, universities. Empires--  Ghana ( ) [Soninke culture].  Mali ( ) [Malinke culture].  Songhai ( ).

Even More Background This epic still performed all over Sudan.  Part of Africa’s oral tradition of folk tales, legends, myths, and poetry.  Probably began with “praise songs” addressed to Son-Jara Considered record of great, historical events that led to formation of Mali Empire under Son-Jara Keita. Considered expression of Manding societal values. So operates on a par with Iliad, Ramayana, or Aeneid.

The Prologue in Paradise  Note the constant interchange between the Messenger and the rest of the people.  Prologue establishes worthy heritage of Son- Jara. By tracing lineage to Bilal, Muhammed’s friend. By tracing Africa’s heritage from creation of Adam and the world to the present. By addressing him with 8 praise names.

Episoides 2 & 3 Episodes 2 and 3 primarily serve as preservation of the genealogy of most of the people involved in this story [religious & magical]. Episode 3 shows two brothers – the younger is the greater.  Destruction of the Bull  Claiming Konde to beget a son who will rule

Episode 4 Episode 4 develops common theme of man with 2 wives, one loved and one not loved (or one beautiful and one ugly).  Saman Berete, “the pure.”  Sugulun Konde, “the ugly.”  Female rivalry [power and prestige of children]  Curses vs religious praying  Sorcery & djinns  Fate of a cripple and mother  Sacrificial dogs  Banishment

Good Rulers vs. Bad Contrast Sumamuru to Son-Jara’s willingness to sacrifice himself for others  The four times Son-Jara gives Sumamuru extra time to get ready for battle.  Son-Jara’s willingness to believe the information his sister gives him, whereas Sumamuru cuts off his own mother’s breast.  Sumamuru’s desire for follower’s wife

Themes  Son-Jara wins because he is GOOD.  Son-Jara wins because the gods (African and Islamic) want him to.  Son-Jara wins because he is both strong and merciful [best combination of traits in a ruler]  Bad things usually work themselves out if given enough time.  Travel may be the answer