The epitome of oral history, this "speaking document", that is part history and part legend, is an epic tale about Sundiata and his prophesized uniting of the twelve kingdoms of Mali into a single powerful empire. Retold by generations of griots - the guardians of African Culture - this oral tradition has been handed down from the thirteenth century and captures all the mystery and majesty of medieval African kingship. The son of Sogolon, the …showed first 75 words of 1680 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1680 total…ever to rule Mali!" He became what his father hoped he would be and what his mother guided him to be. Sundiata treated his people fairly and was a smart and strong ruler. Sundiata overcame many obstacles in his life to achieve his goals and surprised many doubters. He believed in himself and so did his parents they gave him the strength to overcome all his problems and defeat soarumo and become King of Mali.