Custom «Epic of Son Jara» Essay Paper

In the son Jara culture found in Mali, women did not accorded the same rights as men, in that they were considered inferior as compared to men. They had to get what they wanted by using their mental capabilities and sexual strengths to survive. The power that women posses are unusual, in that Son Jara helps the brother to conquer the kingdom. Although they play a crucial role, it is not emphasized. The greatest two themes in the poems are fate, and the paranormal themes displayed in the poem (Conrad & David 21). The vital aspect in the theme fate and destiny is to portray the birth and fate in the future. The prophecy comes out in the poem, and is exposed by some two hunters, instrumental in bringing So Golon Kunde, all the way to Jara to meet Fara Mangan, who happens to be the king in that area known as Manden. The king is the father of Son Jara. Son Jara handicap is seen as a challenge, but later he is able to overcome his condition, and portray his extraordinary power by showing a strong personality. Possibly the significance of predestination, is best explained in the expected battle among Son Jara together with Sumamuru. Son-Jara should overcome the king who happened to be a sorcerer in order to accomplish his fate. Son Jara victory, is symbolic in that the victory is apparent, not as an accomplishment but as a finishing point of the work, he is bound to undertake. Magic and superstition is also displayed, in relation to the story about Son Jara maternal together with paternal inheritance. He inherits some unique occult power, from the loving mother Sogolon, who is known as the Buffalo woman. Knowledge and grace is passed on from the father to the mother, who happens to be a Muslim migrant and an ancestor of Bilal. Owing to his heredity Son Jara, this shows his immense strength, those he posses both physically and psychologically. The society happens to have values that were emphasized by Son Jara, during the establishment the empire. This was made possible by Son Jara Keita, whose way of life happens to be the foundation of the Manding community. Their societal values remain an essential aspect, in the culture of the Manding people, and are expressed in legends, poems and folktale. This makes it be possible, to differentiate between the normal and the ordinary speech. The main custodians of the cultures and traditions, of the Manding were the professional bards called the dye. In western countries, there are known as griot by the French people (William & Jackson 36). This name resulted as a heritage of colonialism. They recited the poems, as well as putting it into figurative language and improvising the recitations. There were many poems that addressed different issues. The poems included praise poems meant for Son Jara, detailing his life and his life achievements. The first aspect of narrative structure consisted of genealogies, as well as structural episodes. The second aspect dealt with praise songs together with poems. The major work of the griot is to dramatize the narrative structures. The society believed in the Islam religion, which was there during the seventh centaury. The religion brought about the increase of literacy, resulting in an educated population. The significance of The Epic of Son Jara is concerned with the cultural values, and traditions and history of the Manding people. It showcases the Manding people respect for their traditions and values. The Epic was given out to be handed down to generations, and this is portrayed in the aspect that it is still in use in the modern era (Hogan 247).