Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali (Sunjata)

Merchants selling baobab leaves arrive in Mema. Sundiata’s sister Kolonkan is pleased to see the product, which is rare in the region, and identifies herself as a native of Mali. The merchants ask to be hosted at her mother’s house. Once they see Sogolon, who is now old and sickly, they reveal themselves as the party searching for Sundiata. They ask Sundiata to return to vanquish Soumaoro, and he agrees. That night Sundiata prays to bury his dying mother in Mema, sparing her the hardship of the coming war. By morning, Sogolon has died. Sundiata goes to the king of Mema, asking to depart but requesting permission to bury Sogolon first. The king sees Sundiata as ungrateful and demands he pay to bury his mother. Sundiata brings him a barrel of pottery shards and plucked feathers as payment. The king’s advisor tells the king this is Sundiata’s message that if he is not shown more respect, he will destroy Mema. The king allows Sogolon to be buried with full honors.

The king of Mema gives Sundiata half his army. With this army, Sundiata marches to Wagadou to collect more troops.