Soumaoro Kante is the king of Sosso, but he is also a sorcerer King. Nobody knows how he got all his power, but he was a powerful king with a powerful army. For he thought high of himself that he even,”He had an immense seven-storey tower built for himself and he lived on the seventh floor in the midst of his fetishes. This is why he was called “The Untouchable King” (pp.38). Soumaoro kept Balla Fasseke, Sundiata’s griot. “In this way war between Sundiata and Soumaro became inevitable”, because Soumaro took Sundiata’s griot and caused harm in Mali. As Soumaoro was considered, “…was the king of kings, the most powerful king in all the lands of the setting sun.”, for he has conquered many lands through calamities and horror.
Sundiata found out that Soumaoro invaded Mali. Sogolon got old and stayed at home. “Son of Sogolon, your hour has come, the words of the old Gnankouman Doua are about to come to pass, for you are the giant who will crush the giant Soumaoro” (pp.45), Sundiata heard this prophecy about how he will end Soumaoro and bring peace to Mali. After hearing this Sundiata decided to go back to Mali. Sogolon got very sick, “She had a fever and was trembling under the blankets” (pp.46), the next morning Sogolon died. Sundiata told the king of Mema he will return to Mali to claim the kingdom that Soumaoro took.
“If it is foretold that your destiny should be fulfilled in such and such a land, men can do nothing against it” (pp.47), Sundiata’s destiny sooner or later was going to place him in the right track no matter what men do to prevent it. Now that he was a man, “…he had the stateliness of the lion and the strength of the buffalo” (pp.47), he was strong enough to defeat his enemies. As Soumaoro was busy fighting his newphew, he trusted what the soothsayers told him to forestall this calamity by attacking Sundiata…” (pp.48), but this made him to get distracted. Sundiata knew exactly what he wanted to do, “…had already decided on his plan of campaign-to beat Soumaoro, destroy Sosso and return triumphantly to Niani.” (pp50), he wanted to beat Soumaoro and take back Mali. The fight began but, “In the life of every man there comes a moment when doubt settles in and the man questions himself on his own destiny” (pp.53), Sundiata was trying to figure how to kill Soumaoro since he possessed powers beyond understanding.
Soumaoro was injured now. All the villages around favor Sundiata, he recruit soldiers to fight with him against Soumaoro. Sundiata exclaimed, “We will live free because our ancestors lived free. I am going to avenge the indignity that Mali has undergone” (pp.56), Sundiata proclaimed that he was going to fight to bring freedom to Mali.
Sundiata’s sister, Nana Triban, and that his griot, Balla Fasseke were able to escape from Soumaoro. Nana Triban told Sundiata the mystery of Soumaoro’s powers. Everybody there pledged loyalty to Sundiata.
The fight continued in Krina, there Sousama said to Sundiata, “Stop, young man. Henceforth I am the king of Mali…”, but Sundiata replied, “I am coming back, Soumaoro, to recapture my kingdom. If you want peace you will make amends to my allies and return to Sosso where you are the king.” (pp.60). The nephew of Soumaoro came to offer alliance to fight his uncle, for he had stolen his nephew’s wife. “But listen to what your ancestors did, so that you will know what you have to do.” (pp.63), that was the reason that a griot served. Sundiata destroyed Soumaoro’s power and defeated him as Sundiata threw an arrow, “The arrow flew and grazed Soumaoro on the shoulder. The cock’s spur no more than scratched him, but the effect was immediate and Soumaoro felt his powers leave him.” (pp.65). Soumaoro was an ordinary man, powerless.
In a mountain at Kita, there was a, “In the middle of the mountain was a little pool of magic water” (pp.70), where Sundiata submitted himself, thanked the jinn and drank from it. Sundiata became the chosen one of the jinn. Sundiata reigned “all the countries of the savanna. From Ghana in the north to Mali in the south and from Mema in the east to the Fouta in the west…” (pp.72), all the countries respected and recognized Sundiata’s authority.
In Kouroukan Fougan Sundiata was honored and addressed as the peace bringer, “But we owe this peace to one man who, by his courage and valiance, was able to lead our troops to victory.” (pp.74). Sundiata was recognized for his bravery and his courage. Kingdoms acknowledged Sundiata. And since then his word its respected and followed.
In Niani Sundiata, “It was thus that Sundiata thanked God on returning to Mali.” (pp.79). Where he was welcomed. And every year, Sundiata gathered all the kings, “so justice prevailed everywhere” (pp.81), he carried justice and fairness throughout the land. “Sundiata belonged to this group. He was feared, but loved as well. He was the father of Mali and gave the world peace.” (pp.82). Niani became the center of everything.
Meghan Sundiata was a unique king. “He left his mark on Mali for all time and his taboos still guide men in their conduct.” (pp.83). Up to this day men admire Sundiata and guides them to be good people. As for the griots advised, “But never try, wretch, to pierce the mystery which Mali hides from you.” (pp.84). For they exclusively served as, “I took an oath to teach only what is to be taught and to conceal what is to be kept concealed.” (pp.84), people who educate others of the legacy of their ancestors.
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