The Most Heroic Step of Sundiata’s Journey Essay!

A hero is a person who is willing to protect and serve themselves and others. Sundiata, the king of Mali, ripped a baobab tree out of the ground to care for his mother, courageously battled the sorcerer king that took over his town, and generously cared for his people by feeding them and rebuilding the town. Sundiata’s most heroic actions were the creation of the constitution to protect his people, the reconstruction of his hometown, and the yearly assembly between the kings.

To begin, after Sundiata defeated the sorcerer king he gathered all the kings to make the Kouroukan Fouga, which is a constitution to protect the weak. According to Sundiata, the Kouroukan Fouga was the constitution of the Mali Empire created after the Battle of Krina. The oral tradition established by the federation of Mandinka clans under one government outlined how it would operate and establish the laws by which people would live and follow. After his recent battles,the townspeople all praised him once he returned. He provided food for satisfaction. He took the time and committed to protect his people. To bring other kings like himself together to make their town a better place. The constitution is promoting a message of love, peace and fraternity which has survived through ages. Given these points, Kouroukan Fouga has been a helpful resource for all villagers. The constitution has made a big impact on their lives.

Another way Sundiata showed heroism was the reconstruction of his town. His compassion for his hometown to be better than it did before. For instance, when he left Mali due to the Queen Mother banning him, creating an army to defeat the Sorcerer, and his battle with the Sorcerer King all lead up to the the moment he wanted to come back and support his people. On page 81, it states,”With Sundiata peace and happiness entered Niani. Lovingly Sogolon’s son had his native city rebuilt. He restored in the ancient style his father’s old enclosure where he had grown up. People came from all the villages of Mali to settle in Niani. The walls had to be destroyed to enlarge the town, and new quarters were built for each kin group in the enormous army. Him rebuilding the town shows his compassion, determination, and willingness to make his town a better place. That shows his true colors in what kind of king he is. He made the town so great that other people from other villages in Mali wanted to settle in Niani.Therefore, rebuilding his town is another way he showed heroism.

Finally, Sundiata showed heroism by having yearly meetings with the kings all over Mali. It reveals on page 81 that, “ Sundiata granted his alliance and they were placed on the same footing as the Kondes of the land of Do. After a year Sundiata held a new assembly at Niani, but this one was the assembly of dignitaries and kings of the empire. The kings and notables of all the tribes came to Niani. The kings spoke of their administration and the dignitaries talked of their kings. Sundiata gathered about all the kings and notables; so justice prevailed everywhere”. Having the responsibility and opportunity to be heard about what can be beneficial to the empire and the villagers. Also, the kings have a say on what goes into the constitution. In that case, the yearly assemblies between kings shows the commitment and responsibility of Sundiata’s character.

On the contrary, some people may argue that Sundiata was not truly a hero because anyone could have had the ability to save the Mali empire and restore its features. Although he was destined to be king and do great things, he still cared for his hometown after all the things he has been through. On page 61, Sundiata said,”I defend the weak, I defend the innocent”. He proclaims that he helps those in need. This shows heroism as he is selfless and works to help others. After all he has been through he still protected his town. From bringing an army to defeat the Sorcerer king to restoring the town and making it a better place.He still protected and served his empire even when he got older. “Djata’s justice spared nobody. He followed the very word of God. He protected the weak against the strong and people would make journeys lasting several days to come and demand justice of him. Under his sun the upright man was rewarded and the wicked punished. In their new found peace the villages knew prosperity again, for with Sundiata happiness had come into everyone's home. Each year long caravans carried the taxes in kind to Niani”. Sundiata was a prime example of what a hero is.

In essence, Sundiata was a person who was willing to serve and protect himself and others. 3 ways Sundiata showed heroism was the reconstruction of his town, the yearly assemblies with kings, and the making of the Kouroukan Fouga(constitution). Something you can learn from Sundiata is to never give up even when things get hard and you think you can’t overcome it.