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Sundiata (Sunjata)

Djibril Tamsir Niane (D.T. Niane), Transl. G. D. Pickett

Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali (Sunjata)

Djibril Tamsir Niane (D.T. Niane), Transl. G. D. Pickett

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Sundiata (Sunjata) Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 15 Summary: “The Empire”

Sundiata follows his conquest of Sosso with the efficient conquest of several allied cities, subsuming their forces into his army. At Kita, his propitiations to a mountain jinn that presides over the city make him favored by this deity. On his return journey Sundiata stops at Do, the home of Sogolon, and is well received there.

Chapter 16 Summary: “Kouroukan Fougan or the Division of the World”

Sundiata goes to the small town of Kaba, through which the road to Niani passes. There is a great reception of many tribes, organized by Kamandjan, the king of Sibi. Balla Fasséké delivers a message of peace from Sundiata to all these kingdoms. He presents Sundiata as the savior of these peoples, delivering them from hardship to peace through his rejection of Soumaoro, a feat no one else dared attempt.

All 12 kings of the region swear their fealty to Sundiata by placing their spears in the ground before him, making him the highest king in the land. The warriors hold war dances, followed by a procession of captives and booty, which ends in the procession and ridicule of the bound Sosso Balla. Sundiata rises and rededicates the spears of the kings back to their owners, an official gesture indicating they may control their own lands as vassals of Sundiata.

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