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Names and Meanings of Characters
Main Heroes
In "Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali," the names of the heroes hold significance.
Sundiata
Sundiata, the main character, means "hungering lion" in Mandinka, reflecting his strength and leadership qualities. Other significant characters include:
Mamoudou Kouyate: Sundiata's griot (storyteller), whose name means "the praise of the lion" or "the praise of the king."
2. Ball Souleymane: Sundiata's half-brother, whose name means "one who was born in the dry season."
3. Dankaran Tuman: Sundiata's father, whose name means "the handsome prince" or "the handsome buffalo."
4. Sosso Balla: The antagonist, whose name likely signifies his association with the Sosso people.
These names not only serve as identifiers but also carry cultural and symbolic meanings within the context of the epic.
Other Main Characters
Sogolon Kedjou: Sundiata's mother, whose name means "the buffalo woman" or "the buffalo elder." This name might symbolize strength, fertility, or connection to the land.
Tologuor: Sundiata's uncle, whose name means "the master of the spear" or "the great hunter." This reflects his prowess in warfare and hunting.
Soumaoro Kante: Another antagonist in the epic, whose name likely signifies his association with the Kante lineage, a rival family.
Fakoli: Sundiata's griot in exile, whose name possibly means "one who is feared" or "one who inspires fear." This name hints at Fakoli's importance and influence during Sundiata's struggles.
Other Characters
1. Koumbi: The capital of the Ghana Empire, where much of the epic takes place. Its name may derive from the Mandinka word for "camp" or "encampment."
2. Niani: The capital of the Mali Empire, established by Sundiata. Its name may mean "the land of the crocodile" or "crocodile city."
3. Tiramaghan: The name of Sundiata's horse, possibly derived from Mandinka words meaning "swift" or "speedy journey."
4. Mandjan Berete: A warrior who supports Sundiata, possibly derived from Mandinka words meaning "strength" or "fortitude."
5. Fran Kamara: Another warrior who supports Sundiata, possibly derived from Mandinka words meaning "courageous" or "brave."
6. Balla Fasséké: Sundiata's griot and advisor, whose name may mean "one who possesses knowledge" or "the wise one."
7. Bakari Janfa: A warrior and ally of Sundiata, possibly derived from Mandinka words meaning "brave" or "fearless."
8. Nana Triban: Sundiata's wife, whose name may mean "queen of queens" or "royal consort."
9. Kouyaté: The griot lineage to which Mamoudou Kouyaté belongs, possibly meaning "praise singer" or "storyteller."
10. Fadama: A village where Sundiata is exiled, possibly derived from Mandinka words meaning "sorrow" or "hardship."
These names continue to reflect the cultural richness and symbolism present throughout the epic narrative.
THE NAMES OF THE HEROS
The sons of Mali gathered at Sibi were a group of twelve kings and rulers who came together for the legendary gathering known as the "Kouroukan Fouga" or the Division of the World. These sons of Mali, representing various regions and peoples within the empire, convened at Sibi under the leadership of Sundiata Keita. The purpose of this historic assembly was to establish a new social and political order for the Mali Empire, setting forth principles of governance, justice, and cooperation among the diverse peoples under Sundiata's rule.
The twelve kings of Mali, also known as the "heroes" of this gathering, played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of the empire and its people. They were revered for their wisdom, leadership, and commitment to the well-being of Mali and its inhabitants. The names of these heroes are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but they were likely prominent figures from various regions and ethnic groups within the Mali Empire, each representing their respective communities' interests and aspirations.
NANA TRIBAN AND BALLA FASS
Nana Triban and Balla Fasséké play significant roles in the narrative of Sundiata's struggle against Soumaoro Kanté and the Sosso kingdom. Here are the answers to the questions:
The soothsayers advised Sundiata to gather his forces and prepare for battle against Soumaoro Kanté. They recognized the urgency of the situation and urged Sundiata to take decisive action to confront the oppressive ruler.
Sundiata interpreted the escape of Nana Triban and Balla Fasséké as a sign of hope and eventual victory against Soumaoro Kanté. He believed that their escape demonstrated cracks in Soumaoro's grip on power and indicated that his tyrannical reign was beginning to falter.
The secret "Tana" that Nana Triban learned from Soumaoro Kanté was likely a piece of crucial information or insight into Soumaoro's vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Unfortunately, the exact nature of this secret is not specified in the provided text.
It is not explicitly mentioned who had the key to the gate through which Nana and Balla escaped. However, the possession of this key was crucial for their successful escape, as it allowed them to flee from Soumaoro's captivity and rejoin Sundiata's cause. The reunion with Sundiata's griot, Balla Fasséké, was of utmost importance for Sundiata, as Balla was not only his trusted advisor and confidant but also a source of inspiration and wisdom. Sundiata valued Balla's counsel and relied on his guidance throughout his journey to reclaim his rightful place as the ruler of Mali.
The heroes, inspired by Balla Fasséké's bravery and determination, demonstrated their strength by rallying behind Sundiata's cause and joining him in the fight against Soumaoro Kanté. They showcased their courage, loyalty, and martial prowess on the battlefield, contributing to Sundiata's army and bolstering his chances of victory against the oppressive forces of Sosso.
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