Book Review for African Civilization
Sundiata an Epic of Old Mali: Book Review.
Summary
The story of Sundiata is considered classic because of its historical and legendary value. The setting of this story took place in 13th century A.D. He was the son of Sogolon Kedjou of Do and King Maghan Kon Fatta of Mali and is known for uniting twelve kingdoms of Mali. Sundiata was considered as a disappointment because it was predicted before his birth, he would have made Mali famous but when he was born he was aesthetically displeasing and a cripple. When he was seven, his father passed leaving behind three wives and six children. Subsequently the king’s death, his first wife Saussoma Berete pushed to have her son take his father’s place as King. A jealous Saussoma mistreated both Sundiata and his mother. Terrified for her and her children’s life, Sogolon moved away and hid until Sundiata was eighteen. During this time, Mali was under tyrannous leadership. Sundiata fought and dethroned the new king and liberated the people of Mali.
Summary of Chapters 1-4
In chapter 1, the narrator, Djeli Mamoudou Kouyate explains what his role of a griot entails. He explains that the Kouyates were always the ones responsible for reciting all the history for all the Keita kings of Mali. The griots learned all the history from their fathers and Royal griots were advisors and peacemakers of the throne. Mamoudou also explained that the history is important for the future because history has a way of repeating itself. Kouyate, is going to reveal the story of Sundiata and how his quests exceed those of Alexander the Great. He began the story by telling the listener about the origins of Sundiata’s ancestors. Sundiata’s ancestors migrated to Mali from the East conceivably Arabia, they were known as the Keitas in Mali but were later referred to as Mandingos.
Chapter 2 shifts to the third person as the griot reveals the various names which Sundiata was referred to. Two of these numerous names include: the father of the Bright
Summary
The story of Sundiata is considered classic because of its historical and legendary value. The setting of this story took place in 13th century A.D. He was the son of Sogolon Kedjou of Do and King Maghan Kon Fatta of Mali and is known for uniting twelve kingdoms of Mali. Sundiata was considered as a disappointment because it was predicted before his birth, he would have made Mali famous but when he was born he was aesthetically displeasing and a cripple. When he was seven, his father passed leaving behind three wives and six children. Subsequently the king’s death, his first wife Saussoma Berete pushed to have her son take his father’s place as King. A jealous Saussoma mistreated both Sundiata and his mother. Terrified for her and her children’s life, Sogolon moved away and hid until Sundiata was eighteen. During this time, Mali was under tyrannous leadership. Sundiata fought and dethroned the new king and liberated the people of Mali.
Summary of Chapters 1-4
In chapter 1, the narrator, Djeli Mamoudou Kouyate explains what his role of a griot entails. He explains that the Kouyates were always the ones responsible for reciting all the history for all the Keita kings of Mali. The griots learned all the history from their fathers and Royal griots were advisors and peacemakers of the throne. Mamoudou also explained that the history is important for the future because history has a way of repeating itself. Kouyate, is going to reveal the story of Sundiata and how his quests exceed those of Alexander the Great. He began the story by telling the listener about the origins of Sundiata’s ancestors. Sundiata’s ancestors migrated to Mali from the East conceivably Arabia, they were known as the Keitas in Mali but were later referred to as Mandingos.
Chapter 2 shifts to the third person as the griot reveals the various names which Sundiata was referred to. Two of these numerous names include: the father of the Bright