Part III Summary: Sundiata in Exile

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Sundiata and his family spent seven years in exile. They were sometimes welcomed, but more often, Sassouma sent messages to other kingdoms, urging them to turn the wanderers away. For instance, at the court of Djedeba, King Mansa Konkon challenged Sundiata to a life-or-death game called "won." Sundiata won by exposing that the king had taken a bribe to kill him. After Sundiata's victory, the king spared his life but expelled him and his family from the court.

The family then traveled to Tabon, where Sundiata's childhood friend, Fran Kamara, was the crown prince. Their reunion was joyful, but Fran Kamara's father feared Sassouma and insisted that Sundiata and his family move on. They journeyed to Ghana, to the palace of the esteemed Cisse clan. King Soumaba Cisse warmly welcomed them, treating Sundiata and his siblings as if they were royalty. However, when Sogolon fell ill, the family had to relocate to a more suitable climate. In Mema, at the court of King Soumaba Cisse's cousin, Tounkara, the family prospered. The young Sundiata became a key advisor to King Tounkara and even governed during the king's absence.

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Part II Summary: Sundiata's Childhood

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Part IV Summary: Soumaoro Kante, the Sorcerer King

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