From Sundiata An Epic of Old Mali

Epic A long narrative poem. A long narrative poem. Epic tales of vanished heroes—partly human, partly superhuman, who embody the highest values of a society—do more than entertain. They also carry a culture’s history, values, and traditions forward to future generations. Epic tales of vanished heroes—partly human, partly superhuman, who embody the highest values of a society—do more than entertain. They also carry a culture’s history, values, and traditions forward to future generations.

The Oral Epic Also known as primary epics. Also known as primary epics. An oral epic contains much more than words. Traditional repetitions, gestures, sound effects, songs, and proverbs play an important role in the “live” performance of epics. An oral epic contains much more than words. Traditional repetitions, gestures, sound effects, songs, and proverbs play an important role in the “live” performance of epics. An oral epic: a blend of narrative, poetry, and drama. An oral epic: a blend of narrative, poetry, and drama.

The Oral Epic It is not until its form is more or less fixed that an epic is written down. It is not until its form is more or less fixed that an epic is written down. Elements of oral epics: Elements of oral epics: –Repetition –Original poetic elements difficult to translate (meter & rhyme) –The narrative does carry over into writing well and translates easily

Best Known Epic: Sundiata from the Mandingo people western Arica. Sundiata from the Mandingo people western Arica. It exists in several versions. It exists in several versions.

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

Sundiata: Fact and Legend The epic hero in Sundiata really existed. The epic hero in Sundiata really existed. He was a powerful leader who, in 1235, defeated the osso nation of western Africa and reestablished the Mandingo Empire of Old Mali. He was a powerful leader who, in 1235, defeated the osso nation of western Africa and reestablished the Mandingo Empire of Old Mali.

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

Sundiata The empire finally fell to the Songhai in The empire finally fell to the Songhai in The story of Sundiata became transformed into a legend. The story of Sundiata became transformed into a legend. So, it is based on fact that has become embellished over time. So, it is based on fact that has become embellished over time.

Sundiata Supernatural powers are attributed to Sundiata, and he is involved in a mighty conflict between good and evil. Supernatural powers are attributed to Sundiata, and he is involved in a mighty conflict between good and evil. Since this translation came from the original Mandingo which had been translated into French, it has lost many of its poetic qualities. Since this translation came from the original Mandingo which had been translated into French, it has lost many of its poetic qualities.

Clues: Pay attention to these clues What is Sundiata’s age when he begins to walk? What is Sundiata’s age when he begins to walk? How do the villagers treat Sundiata after he begins walking? How do the villagers treat Sundiata after he begins walking?

Clues: Pay attention to these clues Who is Soumaoro? Who is Soumaoro? What happens in Krina in the valley of the Niger What happens in Krina in the valley of the Niger What does Sundiata do to the city of Sosso? What does Sundiata do to the city of Sosso?