An ancient Soninke epic, the Dausi, explains how Gassire, a prince who is longing to succeed his father as king, became a griot instead. His lute will sing only after it is soaked in the blood of his sons, a metaphorical expression of the idea that great art is born of the artist's pain. The story mentions the four names of Wagadu, the original home of Mande-speaking peoples: Dierra, Agada, Ganna, and Silla.

Gassire's heart was full of longing for the shield of his father, the shield which he could carry only when his father was dead, and also for the sword which he might draw only when he was king. Day by day Gassire's rage and longing grew. Sleep passed him by. Gassire lay, and a jackal gnawed at his heart. Gassire felt the misery climbing into his throat: One night...