Sundiata Essay, Research Paper

Sundiata?s character shows great strength with a sense of determination, courage, leadership and justice. He lives as an upright man would caring for his family, those around him, his country, and the way he carries his actions.

Sundiata demonstrates his determination the day he tells his mother he is going to walk. He sends his mother to his father?s smiths with a message to make him the heaviest iron rod possible. And when it was brought to him he did rise to his feet and walk. His determination was confirmed when it was told that as he was rising to his feet using the iron rod he did in fact bend it.

The most significant display of love and respect that Sundiata shows to his mother is when he delivers unto her the entire baobab tree. The care that he holds for his mother is manifested when he asks her if she would be satisfied with the baobab leaves or the entire tree. Letting us know that he cares for her so much that he puts himself at her disposal. The bringing of the tree illustrated that not only did he care to satisfy his mother but that he also concerned about all the humiliation she has had to suffer because of him.

Sundiata proves to us that he is a just man full of courage and leadership when he leads the fight against Soumaoro. He is a man of fair play and that is made certain when he wages war against Soumaoro and declares his grievances. It is evident that Sundiata is a leader when he says to Soumaoro, ?Prepare yourself, Soumaoro, for it will be long before the calamity that is going to crash down upon you and yours comes to an end.? Another example that presents itself as an act of courage and leadership is the fact that Sundiata pursues Soumaoro when he flees and does not rest until he is sought out and eliminated.

Sundiata?s characteristics: great strength with a sense of determination, courage, leadership and justice are what make him fit the profile for a hero in a legendary epic.