Supernatural in "The Epic of Sundiata"

Introduction

The Epic of Sundiata is often perceived as a fantastical narrative, replete with witches, superhuman strength, and an unwavering protagonist destined for greatness. Although this epic may not fit the conventional mold of reliable historical evidence, it offers a portal to delve deeper into the tapestry of medieval Malian culture. Much like Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey," The Epic of Sundiata was transmitted orally across generations by Mali's griots (storytellers), permitting artistic liberties and adaptations over time. Yet, beyond its captivating storytelling, this epic serves as a window into the rich historical fabric of Mali, shedding light on aspects of its religion, moral values, and beliefs in destiny.

Religious Syncretism

By tracing Sundiata's journey to power, the epic unveils the religious tapestry of its time, highlighting the coexistence of both paganism and Islam. Throughout the narrative, references to Allah are prominent, underscoring the presence of Islamic influence. For instance, when Sundiata miraculously gains the use of his legs, his mother, Sogolon, exclaims:

“‘Oh day, what a beautiful day, Oh day, day of joy; Allah Almighty, you never created a finer day. So my son is going to walk!’”

This moment makes it evident that Sogolon invokes a singular Islamic god, aligning her belief with that of Muslims. In contrast to the Epic of Sundiata, Ibn Khaldun, a renowned Arab scholar from the 1400s, offers a more straightforward account of medieval Mali, emphasizing the existence of Islam in the region. He states, "Then Mansa Wali, the son of Mari Jata, went on the pilgrimage during the reign of the al-Zahir Baybars [1260-77]." Mansa Wali, the son of Mari Jata (Sundiata), ruled just one generation after the empire's foundation, validating the presence of Islam in medieval Mali, as corroborated by Ibn Khaldun's account.

Supernatural Elements

The epic also reveals a belief in supernatural powers unrelated to Islam during the Mali Empire's ascent. Sundiata's path to power is intertwined with magical and fantastical elements, notably the presence of "soothsayers" who possess the gift of foresight. The text elucidates the significance of soothsayers:

“The hunter disappeared, but neither the king, Nare Maghan, nor his griot, Gnankouman Doua, forgot his prophetic words; soothsayers see far ahead, their words are not always for the immediate present. Man is in a hurry, but time is tardy, and everything has its season.”

To a Western audience, these supernatural elements might raise doubts about the epic's credibility. However, it is imperative to recognize that these elements provide valuable insights into the cultural reliance on figures like soothsayers in medieval Mali.

Moral Values

The Epic of Sundiata serves as a repository of moral lessons, offering a glimpse into the ideals of greatness in Malian culture. Sundiata himself is celebrated as a leader whose character possesses god-like qualities, including superhuman strength and impeccable moral character. While the historical accuracy of this portrayal remains uncertain, it does shed light on Malian standards for individuals considered morally exceptional.

Within Sundiata's grand narrative, other stories embedded within it aim to impart moral guidance. For instance, when the witches attempt to steal from him, Sundiata's reaction is one of kindness:

“There he found the nine witches stealing gnougou leaves. They made a show of running away like thieves caught red-handed. ‘Stop, stop, stop, poor old women,’ said Sundiata, ‘what is the matter with you to run away like this? This garden belongs to all.’”

Sundiata's benevolence towards the witches is ultimately rewarded when they fail to carry out his stepmother's wish to harm him. This episode underscores the importance of generosity, charity, and karma within Malian culture. It signifies that these qualities were significant enough to warrant communication across generations.

Belief in Destiny

The Epic of Sundiata underscores the paramount importance of destiny in medieval Mali. From the prophecies of soothsayers to the epic's denouement, Sundiata and destiny are irrevocably intertwined. From the moment of Sundiata's birth, he is destined for greatness, and this conviction is unwavering, even when he appears incapable of walking. Griot Djeli Mamadou Kouyat? eloquently captures this phenomenon:

"God has his mysteries which none can fathom. You, perhaps, will be a king. You can do nothing about it. You, on the other hand, will be unlucky, but you can do nothing about that either. Each man finds his way already marked out for him, and he can change nothing of it."

Sundiata's destiny proves so unyielding that not even his stepmother, Soumosso, who desired to end his life due to its conflicting nature with her son's destiny, could thwart it. At the tender age of ten, Sundiata already possessed the authoritative aura befitting those destined to lead. As iterated throughout the epic, destiny was a core tenet of medieval Malian culture.

Conclusion

In comparison to Ibn Khaldun's historical account of the Mali Empire, The Epic of Sundiata may appear less credible due to its narrative style and fantastical elements. However, this epic transcends its role as a mere historical chronicle. It acts as a mirror reflecting the thoughts, beliefs, religions, and motivations of a people. While the epic alone cannot definitively unveil the precise historical details of Sundiata's rise to power, when complemented by other accounts, such as those of Ibn Khaldun or the observations of travelers, it becomes an invaluable historical artifact. The Epic of Sundiata is imbued with tradition and dismissing it as a mere "collection of misleading fabrications" is not only shortsighted but also detrimental to the study of medieval West Africa. As we venture into the rich narrative of Sundiata's epic, we unearth the multi-faceted tapestry of Mali's history, culture, and beliefs, providing us with invaluable insights into a bygone era.