Sogolon, the hunchback princess, and Maghan, known as "the handsome", Sundiata grew up to fulfill the prophesies of the soothsayers that he would unite the twelve kingdoms of Mali into one of the most powerful empires ever known in Africa, which at its peak stretched right across the savanna belt from the shores of the Atlantic to the dusty walls of Timbuktu.

A griot is an artist from West Africa (other areas of Africa have different types of oral artists) who preserves culture, history, music and genealogy, among other things through the performance of oral art, or what Ong would call "verbal art." This art often involves three aspects: the telling of the story (narration), recitation of genealogies and moral proverbs, and singing of lyrics, usually to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument

King of Mali named Maghan Kon Fatta. He was a loved king, adored by all of his people. A hunter from out of town came to Maghan, asking the king to marry a woman. The hunter replied that it was a woman, Sogolon, who would bear him a son named Sundiata. Although Sogolon had a hideous appearance, the king listened to the hunter with interest, for the Malians believed in fate and destiny. "This boy," stated the hunter, "will have the wonderful fate of being the greatest king ever to rule Mali!" The king pondered the idea, and then accepted. "I will marry this woman who will bear me the great king Sundiata!" The marriage was held between Maghan Kon Fatta and the woman Sogolon. Sogolon was very ugly indeed yet the king knew the hunter's words were important. Soon after, a son was born to the happy couple. He was promised a great son that would grow up one day to be a great ruler. The king agreed to this and married Sogolon and had a son named Sundiata.

In exile, Sundiata, his family and friends found many allies. Unfortunately Dankaran Touman had stolen Balla Fasseke for himself, and Sundiata missed his griot terribly. Yet, the young boy now grew into a man and became well known for his strength and grace, and had many admirers. Sundiata and his family soon became aware that Sassouma and Dankaran had lost power in Mali and that an evil wizard, Soumaoro, had taken control. One day, Sundiata was pondering an attack on Soumaoro when his old griot, Balla Fasseke appeared!

The evil wife remained a threat to Sogolon and her child until one day when Sundiata was sitting in the yard where Sassouma had banished him and his mother, and heard his mother weeping. "Mother, why are you crying?" he inquired. "Sundiata,

As the years went by, Maghan and Sogolon grew very proud of their little Sundiata, except there was one problem-- the boy could not walk! His parents became worried because surely a boy who cannot walk cannot be destined for greatness! As more years passed by and Sundiata grew to the age of seven, his father grew to be very sick. Maghan knew that his time would soon end, and so he sent for his favorite son Sundiata. Maghan was getting ill and gave his son Sundiata his kingdom to rule. As soon as Maghan died, his first wife stepped in. Her name was Sassouma, and she was a very evil woman with a devious plan." My son Dankaran Touman deserves the throne, because he is the eldest!" Sassouma did not care for her late husband's wishes of Sundiata becoming king, and she expressed this regularly, always tearing the poor child about his unworthy legs. Because of her jealousy, she banished

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1786
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)