I find Sundiata: Lion King of Mali refreshingly positive. Like all stories, it has the necessary villain and “good” versus “bad” conflict but it is not twisted or gruesomely dark like “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” or the folk tales of 19thcentury Western Europe. Rather than be dedicated entirely to Sundiata’s struggle with Sassouma Bérété, her son, or Sumanguru, the story is more so about Sundiata’s growth and character.
An oral tradition from the 13th century, the story of Sundiata is an empowering account of overcoming challenges born from disability, a complicated family dynamic, and the loss of a close friendship. Despite the lack of a love interest for Sundiata, his story is very much one of love. Love from his mother Sogolon and his griot Balla Fasséké foster his own compassion and care for others. There is something beautiful in the fact that the witches would not harm or kill him because he had a “heart full of kindness.” Unlike, say, Snow White, who is also known for her benevolence like many of the princesses in folk tales, Sundiata’s kindness truly saves him. It sends the uplifting message that having compassion can defeat the bad in others.
Holistically, little time in the story is spent on Sundiata’s conflicts with Sassouma Bérété and Sumanguru. In comparison, the focus is on him and his relationship with first his mother and then Balla Fasséké as well as his ability to become a man worthy of ruling Mali. To me, the story is about self-growth instead of fighting an evil sorcerer or stepmom (is that what you would call your dad’s first wife if it was a polygamous situation?). Sundiata becoming king in the end is a reward for his character and integrity, not because he spent the whole story desperately trying to secure the position.
Perhaps my only two issues with it is the representation of gender and disability, but even then, when taking the year into account, I have no complaints. Very much a story of overcoming disability, at least at first, it is disappointing that Sundiata and others treat his inability to talk and walk as something he must overcome to be a good king. While talking may make communication significantly easier, such abilities do not give him the virtues required of a just and virtuous ruler. As we see, Sundiata is a compassionate, patient, and dedicated to Mali. These qualities make him a great king, not the physical ability to walk and talk.
On the issue of gender, the story doesn’t do a great job of portraying women. Although Sassouma Bérété and her son are the initial villains of the story, they are just that: Sassouma Bérété and her son. The king who steals Sundiata’s throne is never named, only his partner-in-crime mother. As such all scheming and injustice against Sundiata is attributed to Sassouma Bérété despite the fact that it very much benefits the son. Also, the whole idea that Sogolon, who is apparently ugly, is only valuable to the king because she offers him the chance of a great heir is gross, but what’s new?
All in all, however, I like this story the best of all the original folk tales we’ve read so far – rightly excluding the novel Mary Poppins.
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