Analysis Of Sundiat An Epic Of Old Mali

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Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali is truly an incredible piece of work. One fact I find interesting is that this story has been translated twice. Above all it is clear that the purpose of the work is not just to remember Sundiata the man but to celebrate the Empire of Mali as a whole. However, in this reflection I would like to focus in on the very first chapter section of the work, The Words of the Griot Mamadou Kouyayté. Though the chapter is less than 2 pages I think it plays a major role in introducing the story and introducing a theme. The griot's introduction clearly displays a theme of the importance of memories. The quote reads as, "I teach kings the history of their ancestors so that the lives of the ancients might serve them as an example,

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