Sundiata Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Lion Child Summary

The Lion Child Summary

Sogolon is the second wife of the king. Maghan Kon Fatta's first wife, Sassouma, is concerned that the child of this ugly woman might disinherit her own son. She plots to kill Sogolon to prevent her son from taking the throne of Mali. Sassouma hires sorcerers to see how she might kill Sogolon, but the men agree that Sogolon cannot be killed. Sassouma decides to see what will happen when the child is born.

When Sogolon goes into labor, the king is very nervous, more so than he was during the birth of his other children. A great thunderstorm gives way to sunshine as a baby boy is born to Sogolon. The griots and advisors prepare a royal song for the boy, calling him the Lion Child and Buffalo Child. The king is so pleased he gives many grain rations to his subjects.

At the naming ceremony, it is decided...
(read more)