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THE BUFFALO WOMAN
"T(caps)he Buffalo Woman" is a pivotal episode in the epic "Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali," where key events unfold that shape the destiny of Sundiata, the legendary founder of the Mali Empire. Let's delve into the details:
1. Location of Maghan Kon Fatta's Palace, Canco:
Maghan Kon Fatta's palace, Canco, is located in the ancient Mali Empire, likely situated in the region of present-day Mali in West Africa. Canco serves as the royal residence of Maghan Kon Fatta, Sundiata's father, and a central setting for the events of the epic.
2. Maghan Kon Fatta's Capital City:
The capital city of Maghan Kon Fatta's kingdom is not explicitly mentioned in the epic. However, it can be inferred that the capital city is located within the Mali Empire, where the king exercises his authority and governs his subjects.
3. The Tree Under Which the King Sits:
Maghan Kon Fatta sits under a silk-cotton tree, a significant symbol of kingship and authority in West African tradition. The silk-cotton tree, with its large canopy and imposing presence, represents the seat of power from which the king administers justice, holds court, and makes important decisions.
4. Favorite Hunter:
The king, Maghan Kon Fatta, seems to consider the hunter one of his favorites. This is evident from the king's decision to entrust the hunter with the task of killing the buffalo, a formidable and dangerous creature. The king's choice reflects his confidence in the hunter's abilities and his esteem for him as a skilled and trusted individual in his service.
5. The Hunter's Homeland:
The hunter hails from the land of Do, which is described as his homeland in the epic. Do is portrayed as a distant and mysterious land, known for its skilled hunters and its unique customs and traditions.
6. Pros and Cons of Being Left-handed:
In the context of the story, being left-handed is considered advantageous for wielding the bow and arrow with precision, as demonstrated by the hunter's skill in archery. However, being left-handed is also associated with superstitions and stigma in some cultures, leading to negative perceptions or challenges in certain situations.
7. Predictions Made by the Hunter:
The hunter makes two predictions:
- He predicts that the king will marry an ugly woman but advises him not to refuse her, as she will bear him a son who will become a great ruler.
- He prophesies that the king's beautiful wife will give birth to a son who will be crippled but will grow up to be a wise and powerful leader.
8. Winning the Ugly Woman:
The king must win the ugly woman by demonstrating his courage and prowess in hunting. Specifically, he must kill the buffalo, a fearsome creature that has been terrorizing the kingdom. By accomplishing this feat, the king proves himself worthy of the ugly woman's hand in marriage.
9. Homeland of the Two Hunters:
The two hunters come from the land of Do, as mentioned earlier. Do is renowned for producing skilled hunters like the protagonist of the story, indicating that hunting is a valued and esteemed profession in that region.
10. Rewarding the Hunter:
The hunter is rewarded with the opportunity to kill the buffalo due to his exceptional skill and bravery demonstrated during the encounter with the buffalo. Additionally, he is entrusted with a special distaff and an egg by the king, which he is instructed to use in a specific manner to aid him in his task.
11. Favorite Part of the Wedding Ceremony:
A favorite part of the wedding ceremony described in the epic is when the king's beautiful wife, Sogolon, arrives at the palace with her entourage. Her beauty and grace captivate everyone present, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the king's life and the union of two powerful families.
12. Purpose of the Wedding Ceremony:
The purpose of the wedding ceremony is to formalize the marriage between the king and Sogolon, cementing their alliance and ensuring the continuity of the royal lineage. It is a significant event that brings together nobles, dignitaries, and commoners to celebrate the union of the king and his new bride.
13. Tricking Sogolon into Becoming a Wife:
Naré Maghan, the king's sister, tricks Sogolon into becoming a wife by presenting her with gifts and persuading her to attend the wedding ceremony under false pretenses. Sogolon, unaware of the king's intentions, is led to believe that she is merely a guest at the ceremony. However, she soon discovers the truth when she is chosen by the king as his bride, fulfilling the prophecy foretold by the hunter.
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