In D. T. Niane's version of Sundiata, the narrator, griot Djeli Mamoudou Kouyate, highlights the significance of the oral historian's role as a central theme. A key figure in the narrative is Sundiata's griot, Balla Fasseke. The story begins with griot Kouyate asserting his authority to recount this epic tale. Just before the main battle, the griot pauses again to emphasize the vital role of oral historians in maintaining the culture and history of his society. The significance of tradition and the griot's duty in safeguarding memory stands out as a principal focus in Sundiata.

Sogolon, the mother of Sundiata, is regarded as the least attractive woman in her village. When hunters select her as their bride, the villagers mock them. Despite her appearance, Sogolon is destined to give birth to Mali's greatest ruler. Her lack of beauty makes her an unexpected choice for the king, but the prophecies about her child outweigh societal opinions. Sogolon becomes the king's most significant wife. She also demonstrates intelligence, insight, and excellent parenting skills.

The initial segment of this epic explores Sundiata's journey, both physical and spiritual, as he matures from a boy into a man. Although Sundiata possesses the inherent strength of a ruler, as foretold before his birth, he must undergo several transformations to seize that authority. Initially, he must learn to walk and lead his peers in traditional pursuits like hunting. Born with a disability, he discovers the inner strength to rise and walk to defend his mother's honor. Forced to flee his homeland by his half-brother's mother, Sundiata must acquire the skills of a warrior and master the etiquette of foreign courts. He excels in hunting, and his prowess in battle earns him the admiration of a foreign king who treats the exiled prince as his own. When summoned to lead his people during a crisis, Sundiata must leave his comfortable life behind and take on the mantle of leadership. Ultimately, Sundiata learns when to take a decisive stand, as demonstrated on the battlefields of Krina. Through this journey, he emerges as a strong and wise warrior-king, admired by all. This king will lay the foundation for the administrative and justice systems of the vast Mali Empire.

Born with a disability that hinders his ability to walk, Sundiata appears far from the great leader that soothsayers have predicted. His father is skeptical about whether a boy who cannot walk could be the prophesied savior of the Malinke people. Sundiata must overcome not only his physical limitations but also the belief that these make him unfit to rule.

Although Sundiata earns immediate recognition and ascends to the throne of Mali after defeating the tyrant Soumaoro, his enduring legacy lies in establishing a system of governance and justice for his expansive kingdom. Sundiata's greatest strength is rooted in his inner resolve.

Sassouma Berete, the first wife of Mali's King Maghan Kon Fatta, constantly schemes against Sundiata, casting a shadow over his early years. Due to the threat posed by Sassouma, Sundiata and his family are forced to flee their home. However, even from afar, Sassouma continues to endanger him by offering bribes to those around him to eliminate Sundiata. Despite her relentless efforts to ruin him, her own son's lack of courage eventually leaves the throne of Mali open for Sundiata to claim following his triumph over Soumaoro.

Magic and supernatural elements surround Sundiata even before his birth. Prophets foresee the details of his lineage and birth, predicting that he will eventually become the ruler of Mali. Sundiata's parents are united through the hunters of a mystical buffalo, and his mother...