Empire of Mali best known for its famous ruler, Mansa Musa, gest regarded as richest person in history

(MENAFN) The Empire of Mali, one of the wealthiest and most influential in African history, is best known for its famous ruler, Mansa Musa, often regarded as the richest person in history. However, for the people of Mali, the most significant figure is Sunjata Keita, the founder of the empire, often referred to as the "Lion King." Malians hold their pre-colonial history in high regard, especially the legacy of the medieval Mali Empire. The empire, which reached its height in the 14th century, spanned territories now covering modern-day Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Ivory Coast. Its history is best known through the Sunjata epic, a tale passed down orally by griots—traditional West African storytellers who served as historians and advisors to rulers.

Griots have played an essential role in preserving the memory of great figures, as described by Mamadou Kouyaté of Guinea: “We are bags of words, we are bags in which lie centuries-old secrets.” These stories, often accompanied by traditional music, were vital for passing down the history and legacies of kings. Sunjata's story, which is central to Malian culture, is one of perseverance and triumph. Despite being frail and unable to walk in his early years, Sunjata was destined for greatness, a prophecy foretold by a renowned hunter. When his father passed away, the question of succession arose, and Sunjata faced opposition from his father's first wife, who wanted her own son to rule. After enduring hardship and abuse, Sunjata underwent a miraculous healing, crafting a staff that turned into a bow, which symbolized his transformation from a weak child into a powerful leader.

The "Lion King" moniker stems from Sunjata’s family lineage, with the lion being the spirit animal of his father’s side. His name, Sunjata, derives from his mother Sogolon’s name and the lion, reflecting his destined role as the future king. His story mirrors the narrative of a hero who, despite great challenges, fulfills his destiny and leads his people to greatness. While there are similarities to the plot of Disney’s The Lion King, the company denies that their inspiration came from African history, citing Shakespeare's Hamlet as their primary influence. Nevertheless, Sunjata's tale remains a cornerstone of Malian pride and cultural heritage.

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