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The heroic epic that has been saved today represents stories that interested people many years ago. Sundiata and The Odyssey are epic poems from different cultures and eras 13th century West Africa and 8th century Greece respectively. They have few historical events, but in a significant way, they are artistic fiction. Despite remoteness in culture and time and many differences, the pieces also contain similar characteristics.
The main characters, some cultural values, and plot features are common characteristics. Protagonists Sundiata Keita and Odysseus are both legitimate rulers of their lands. According to the plot, they strive for specific goals, and various obstacles arise in their ways, but the heroes overcome them. Moreover, the two men are bold, purposeful, and intelligent, which helps them along their journey. In both poems, the main characters are tied to their fate this idea is influential for plots. At the same time, realism is intertwined with the supernatural the gods constantly intervene in Odysseuss life, and Sundiata receives miraculous healing and meets with witches. Another similar feature is that hospitality is valued in both cultures. For example, the king of Mema takes Sundiata with his family when they are in exile (Niane, 2006). Phaiakians, in turn, are hospitable to Odysseus and help him get home (Homer, 1999). The stories have surprisingly many similarities, but the differences are present.
Different cultures influenced the poem and gave them distinctive characteristics. For example, in Sundiata, the narrator, griot, presents himself, and in The Odyssey, the narrator does not interfere with the narrative. A distinctive feature of Sundiata, which presents it as an artifact of its time and culture, is the influence of two religions. In particular, the characters participate in rituals typical of Muslim tradition. Jinns are also often mentioned in the poem, which is closer to Arab culture. However, traditional African religions are more represented; for example, Sundiata makes an animal sacrifice, and other characters use magic. Cultural traditions and rituals, therefore, distinguish Sundiata and The Odyssey.
Thus, Sundiata and The Odyssey belong to the genre of heroic epic, which contributes to the manifestation of many common characteristics in the stories. At the same time, the poems acquired many differences under the influence of cultures. An important feature of Sundiata is the impact of two religious traditions Muslim and African religions. The pieces reveal the features of the societies in which they were created.
References
Homer. (1999). The Odyssey. (R. Fagles, Trans.). The Penguin Classic.
Niane, D. T. (2006). Sundiata: An epic of old Mali. (G. D. Pickett, Trans.). Pearson Education.
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