Sundiata is a story of the Lion King. It is part of the oral tradition of storytelling in West African culture. This story originates specifically from the Mali Empire or Manding Empire, which dominated West Africa from approximately 1230 to 1600 AD. The North African scholar Ibn Battuta visited it in 1352. He described it as "a place where injustice was not tolerated and where the people could be absolutely safe, having nothing to fear 'from thieves or violent men'".[1] The story of Sundiata shares similarities with the Epic of Gilgamesh. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Within the story, Sundiata is a young boy whose mother was part beast. She married the king of Mali, Naré Maghann Konaté, as part of a prophecy received from the king. Maghann wanted Sundiata to take command, but his other wife was jealous and wanted her son to be king. After the king's death, his other wife ignored Maghann's wishes. Sundiata, who spent much of her life weak and unable even to walk, was driven by her resentment and stood up for the first time. An evil sorcerer soon took over, and Sundiata and his mother went into exile. Sundiata returned with the intention of killing the sorcerer. He was successful thanks to his strategic plan which led him to become “known for his strong will, which allowed him to overcome the physical limitations he faced as a child; for his courage, which allowed him to defeat his enemies; for the wisdom he showed in understanding how to defeat his enemy; and for the tolerance and justice with which he administered his empire. In many ways, he is the model of the just ruler, of what a man and a king should be.”[2]This story is similar to Gilgamesh in that they are both epic poems about kings who go on a journey. There is also magic and animals involved, both traveled with companions who died, and Enkidu was part beast like Sundiata's mother who was a buffalo woman. However, it contrasts with Gilgamesh: the protagonists are the main difference. Sundiata did not become king until after his heroic return while Gilgamesh was always king. Gilgamesh was never weak. He was actually quite vain. The purpose of his journey was not the good of the kingdom but glory. Furthermore, he traveled with Enkidu, his double, "his second self, a man to match his strength and courage, a man to match his stormy heart",[3] while Sundiata traveled with his mother. Gilgamesh's journey showed his maturation in a different light. He went from being arrogant to sobering up and becoming a great king, while Sundiata was always a good person who made friends wherever he went "for it is said that a man's wealth and worth are measured by the friends he has, and he who has friends have a hidden treasure for difficult times."[4] He had to deal with the jealousy and doubts of others. Sundiata's journey to maturity allowed him to test himself and, in turn, become great king Gilgamesh made enemies after killing Humbaba. Keep in mind: This is just an example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Eventually, both Gilgamesh and Sundiata became great kings from the heroic journey to the heroic return that can convey a message to the audience. They carry themes of courage and humility. The insight that these tales give into the cultures from which they derive are as invaluable as the messages that have transcended from their time period to the present and. for generations to come..