1. Sundiata An Epic of Old Mali

2. Summary Epic: A long narrative poem telling of a hero’s deeds A hunter comes to the king and prophesizes that Sundiata will be born from an ugly woman Sundiata is said to become the great leader The ugly woman marries the king and has a son Sundiata The king’s first wife Sassouma Berete becomes angry that her son will not be king Sundiata walks Sundiata and his family are exiled for 7 years Sassouma Berete’s son rules Mali badly Sundiata goes back to Mali to rule Sundiata rules justly and wisely for many years

3. Setting This Epic takes place in Mali Sundiata ruled from 1230 to 1255

4. Griot A griot is a storyteller in West Africa who perpetuates oral traditions of a family or village Griots are very important to the people of Mali Griots play a very big role in the story of Sundiata

5. Sundiata He is strong Heroic Responsible He overcomes what others do not believe he is capable of He is wise

6. Lessons Keeping stories alive is important to learning the history of your people/ culture Griots play a big role in this story