The Epic of Son-
Jara
Late 13th-Early 14th Centuries
Background
Epic of the Manding people.
Empires rose when Muslims invaded, bringing
literacy/trade.
Wealthy tradein gold and salt.
Funded armies, cities, universities.
Empires--
Ghana (700-1000) [Soninke culture].
Mali (1000-1450) [Malinke culture].
Songhai (1450-1590).
Even More Background
This epic still performed all over Sudan.
Part of Africa’s oral tradition of folk tales, legends,
myths, and poetry.
Probably began with “praise songs” addressed to
Son-Jara
Considered record of great, historical events that led to
formation of Mali Empire under Son-Jara Keita.
Considered expression of Manding societal values.
So operates on a par with Iliad, Ramayana, or Aeneid.
The Prologue in Paradise
Note the constant interchange between the
Messenger and the rest of the people.
Prologue establishes worthy heritage of Son-
Jara.
By tracing lineage to Bilal, Muhammed’s friend.
By tracing Africa’s heritage from creation of Adam
and the world to the present.
By addressing him with 8 praise names.
Episoides 2 & 3
Episodes 2 and 3 primarily serve as
preservation of the genealogy of most of
the people involved in this story [religious
& magical].
Episode 3 shows two brothers – the
younger is the greater.
Destructionof the Bull
Claiming Konde to beget a son who
will rule
Episode 4
Episode 4 develops common theme of man with 2 wives, one
loved and one not loved (or one beautiful and one ugly).
Saman Berete, “the pure.”
Sugulun Konde, “the ugly.”
Female rivalry [power and prestige of children]
Curses vs religious praying
Sorcery & djinns
Fate of a cripple and mother
Sacrificial dogs
Banishment
Good Rulers vs. Bad
Contrast Sumamuru to Son-Jara’s
willingness to sacrifice himself for others
The four times Son-Jara gives Sumamuru
extra time to get ready for battle.
Son-Jara’s willingness to believe the
information his sister gives him, whereas
Sumamuru cuts off his own mother’s breast.
Sumamuru’s desire for follower’s wife
Themes
Son-Jara wins because he is GOOD.
Son-Jara wins because the gods (African and
Islamic) want him to.
Son-Jara wins because he is both strong and
merciful [best combination of traits in a ruler]
Bad things usually work themselves out if
given enough time.
Travel may be the answer