1. Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali
as told by…
D.T. Niane

2. I. Background About a 1000 years ago…
Africa was unstable – rival kings fought to control land and trade
the people were being oppressed by outsiders
Sundiata rose up as a leader and united the people of Mali
He ushered in a period of peace and prosperity

3. II. Literary Analysis Epic conflict Through the struggles, the hero
A situation in which the hero struggles against an obstacle or enemy and emerges triumphant.
Through the struggles, the hero
passes from childhood to adulthood
Gains new understanding
Gains wisdom and bravery

4. Relationships between characters
We learn about the hero by seeing how other characters relate to him or her.
Relationships between characters
Part of the conflict
Underscore the obstacles that the hero must overcome

5. II. Reading Strategy Author’s purpose
Reasons storyteller is telling the story
Usually one or more of the following:
Inform
Entertain
Persuade
Educate

6. III. As you read… What was the epic conflict in the story?
What relationship helped us to learn about Sundiata’s character?
What was the storyteller’s purpose in telling us this story?

7. 5. Identify characters that fit the archetypes.
6. Identify the stages of the hero’s journey.

8. Open your textbook to p. 1064. Look at the picture and respond to the following question:
What message is this picture giving us about the hero?
The person in the picture is a hero; what heroic qualities do you believe he possesses?