ELA Comp

Destin Jack

Ms. Klein

9th Grade Literature and Composition

April 21, 2023

The Most Heroic Step of Sundiata’s Journey

A hero has many characteristics like caring for others which is kindness, withstanding difficulty that is courageousness, and enduring danger which is bravery. With a fearless spirit Sundiatia established the empire of Mali and became a heroic king by defeating the sorcerer king. Sundiata became a legend by establishing the empire of Mali, creating a constitution, and protecting the feeble. 

To start, in the legend Step of his heroic journey, Sundiata establishes the empire of mali. An example from the text is, “He was the father of Mali and gave the world peace.” Sundiatia built an empire that was peaceful and prosperous. This proves that he created an empire with kindness and bravery that united people.

During the Legend Step of his heroic journey, Sundiata creates a constitution. According to the constitution, “Everybody has a right to life and to the preservation of physical integrity. Accordingly, any attempt to deprive one's fellow being of life is punished with death.” Sundiata created a law that states everyone's life has value. This shows that he is just and kind by saying that if you threaten someone's life or kill them you will die.

In the Legend part of his heroic journey, Sundiata protects the feeble and blameless with his strength. According to the text Sundiata says, “I defend the weak, I defend the innocent, Fakoli.” Sundiata helps Fakoli, the sorcerer's nephew when he asks for help. He listens to Fakoli instead of showing resentment. This means he protected people who can't protect themselves or did not do anything wrong. 

While some people may claim Sundiata is not actually a hero, the truth is he is a heroic legend. Sundiata created an empire that lasted from 1226 to 1670 even though he died in 1255. Sudiatia built a thriving nation that had a strong resilient structure. Not only was Sundiatia a hero and legend but a real person with historic evidence.

Having bravery, courageousness, and kindness are all attributes of a hero. Sundiata represented these features by protecting the innocent, constructing a constitution, and building an empire. More people should read Sundiata to learn aspects of being a hero and the benefits of governing with kindness.