Sundiata: Child of Mali

Listen, child, to the stories of the griots, the Mali teachers of old. We tell you these stories from our fathers so that you may tell them to your children too. In this way, we will honor their lives and grow from their struggles.

Listen and I will tell you the story of Sundiata, the great Lion King, who learned to stand with strength and with courage.

There was once a powerful king in Africa. He was called Maghan Kon Fatta. King Maghan was wise and powerful and knew well to listen to the stories of old. So it was that when one day a maiden was brought to him, humble and bent by her hunchbacked form, he listened.

It had been foretold to him that this maiden would bear him an heir that would shine in greatness and bring peace to the African savannah over which he ruled. King Maghad, in his wisdom, married this woman, whose name was Sogolon Kegjou, and learned to love her well, for he could see that in her dwelled the spirit of the buffalo, strong and courageous.

In a year’s time, Sogolon bore a son, and while Maghad rejoiced, his first wife, the cruel Sassouma Berete, did not. "What need has Maghad of another son," she thought, "When my boy should be his only heir?"

But Sassouma was delighted when it was discovered that Sogolon’s child, though born of the spirit of the lion and the buffalo, could neither walk nor talk. Sogolon tried every cure she found, but nothing had any effect. The boy grew but without saying a word or walking a step. Still, Maghad loved the boy and when the time came he offered him the gift of the great griot Balla Fasseke. In this way, King Maghad let all know that he had chosen the son of Sogolon to be his heir.

"Sundiata," King Maghad said, "You will grow strong in time and when you do, rule wisely. Learn all that you can from Balla Fasseke, for he was my teacher and my father’s before him. Learn well and you shall rule as the lion rules the savannah, with power and grace."

Sassouma was outraged when she heard these words, and she whispered ill thoughts to the elders. So it was that when King Maghad died, Sassouma’s son took the throne and she mocked and taunted Sogolon. "It seems the world has no need for your cripple of a boy. Son of the buffalo and lion, indeed. He is no use to our kingdom, and neither are you!"

With that, Sundiata grew angry and spoke. He called for an iron rod and, with one mighty heave, pulled himself up. He threw the rod away and stood before the court. "Behold!" called Balla Fasseke, "Here stands the Lion King!" Sassouma cried in outrage and called the great witches of Mali to her. "Kill him," she commanded.

But, no matter how they tried, their powers were of no use against Sundiata.

"Our magic fails against his kind heart. Do what we will, he will not succumb to anger and, instead, treats us with kindness and courtesy. Enough. You are on your own."

So Sassouma conspired to have the great teacher Balla Fasseke sent away to the land of Sumanguru, who was an evil sorcerer. There Sumanguru kept the great one, for he had much use for his wisdom.

Sundiata was in despair at the loss of his griot, and it was not long before he and his mother were cast out of the kingdom to live a life in exile.

They traveled for many years and Sundiata grew tall as his heart grew wise. They met many people on their journey and helped all they knew. Finally, they found favor at the court of the King of Mema. He was amazed by the courage and wisdom that Sundiata showed and took him on as his closest advisor and heir to his throne. One day men came to the court of Mema.

"Sundiata," they cried "Sumanguru, the evil one, makes war upon Mali. Your half-brother has fallen. We have need of you!" Sogolon turned to her son and said, "Go, my son, it is time for you to fulfill your destiny."

At that, Balla Fasseke came out from behind the men. He had escaped from the court of Sumanguru and brought forth an arrow.

"Sundiata," he said, "Sumanguru cannot be defeated in any way known to most. It is only with this arrow that has been tipped with the spur of a certain white rooster. The mere touch of this charmed arrow will defeat Sumanguru. It is all that he dreads."

Sundiata thanked his lost griot and rushed into Mali, with a great host of men behind him. When the two armies met, on the Plain of Karina, Sundiata searched desperately for Sumanguru. When at last he saw him, he let the arrow fly.

It pierced the shoulder of Sumanguru who cried out in fury. At once, his strength failed him and his army knelt down in defeat.

So it came to pass that the great Lion King Sundiata stood before the people of Mali and vowed to rule with dignity, strength, and with kindness.