The Epic of Son-Jara
(Fall 2004)
I. Introduction
1. History:
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First king/hero of the Mande people, West Africa (akin to David or Abraham in the
Israelite history)
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founded Manding empire around 1235
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An important historical figure: No written records from the period.
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Earliest reference: 15th century account of an Arab historian.
2. Epic: A National narrative
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long narrative poem in elevated style
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characters of high position
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Central heroic figure of national regard
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a collection of stories to create a national hero and national identities.
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Vast setting. (international).
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deeds of valor
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poet is "objective"
3. An epic of the Manding Peoples
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Celebration of person and exploits of Son-Jara
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Factual Recollection of the beginning of the Manding people
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Source of societal values
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Even today, bards still honor Son-Jara for his heroic deeds and for his
wisdom in governing.
4. Oral Tradition
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griot (French) : Mande bards storytellers and historians.
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Incorporates three genre
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Narrative framework. Establish tradition of Son-Jara's life.
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Praise poetry
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Songs.
- Call and response
5. Theme
1449-50
1582-8
II. Characters
a) Son-Jara (or Sundiata or Sun-jata): The hero of the epic.
Also called Magan Konate, king or lord of the Konate tribe.
b) Fata Magan the Handsome: father of Son-Jara, settles Kamalen
(the center of the future Manding Kingdom created by Son-Jara).
c) Ishmael: Father of the Arabic peoples.
d) Bilal:
- Said to be a companion
of Mohammed.
- Said to be Mohammed's second convert.
- Father of the Manding People.
- Son-Jara is a descendant of Bilal.
e) Sugulun Konde (called "the Konde woman" and Sugulun-of-the-Warts):
the
ugly maid, mother of Son-Jara.
f) Saman Berete ("the Berete woman"): gives birth to Dankaran
Tuman just before Sugulun Konde births Son-Jara. However,
announces the birth to the father AFTER Son-Jara's birth is announced.
g) Dankaran Tuman: Older than Son-Jara. Cheated out of the family
birthright.
III. Summary: The origin and rise to power
of the national hero Son-Jara.
Episode 1
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Invocation states the purpose of the poem: Sing the praises of "Adam Ben
Adam". For the Mande people, this was Son-Jara.
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Account of creation using Genesis. (Remember, this came from Islamic influences.)
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Origins of Manding Peoples are tied to Genesis.
Episode 2
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Introduction to Fata Magan, Son-Jara's father. A descendant of Bilal.
Episode 3
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Origins of Son-Jara's mother
Episode 4
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Son-Jara's father marries his mother: Fata Magan marries Sugulun Kòndè.
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Son-Jara born with a hairy body. Named "lion thief" or "Lion-Born-of-the-Cat".
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Although not the firstborn, his mother is first to deliver the news to
his father. Son-Jara is declared the firstborn and heir.
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Berete (mother of rightful heir) Tries to Get Power for Her Son:
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Son-Jara crawls for his first nine years because his is cursed by
holy man of Berete.
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Two rams battle. Black one representing Son-Jara and white one representing
Dankaran Tuman. Black one wins. Rams killed to hide the omen.
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Holy man says that a Toothless dog must be sacrificed so "Son-Jara should
not rise" (1216).
- Son-Jara's dog rips Danakran Tuman's dog to pieces.
- Sugulun Konde threatens Son-Jara with death
Episode 5
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Son-Jara and his family are exiled.
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Not accepted anywhere.
- Finally, Son-Jara joins the 9 Queens of Darkness
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Son-Jara's half brother (Dankaran Tuman) loses the kingdom.
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Son-Jara's mother dies.
Episode 6
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Son-Jara comes out of exile.
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Son-Jara recaptures his father's kingdom.
- Son-Jara is repulsed three times and founds three cities.
- Son-Jara's sisters learns of the secret sacrifices.
Episode 7
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Son-Jara establishes his rule.
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Son-Jara begins to expand his empire.