The Names of the Heroes Summary

All the childhood friends of Sundiata are now kings or great men. The griot uses this chapter to provide an update on the lives of all these characters.

Siara Kouman Konaty, Sundiata's cousin, lives in Toron and sent troops to help Sundiata. The king of Do, land of Sogolon, also sends troops. Mansa Traory, who has eyes in the back of his head, comes to help. Anyone descended from Mali arrives to help Sundiata reclaim the land. They shout Sundiata's name and chant the song Fassyky wrote the day Sundiata began to walk. Sundiata promises to return Mali to splendor.

The Names of the Heroes Analysis

This chapter is written in the style of the genealogy chapters of the Bible. There are lists of names and relationships, all to emphasize the importance of remembering ancestors...