Sunjata’s Free-Will
In “Sunjata”, by Anonymous, the story describes, “...a strange animal began to ravage
the crops that grew in Niani” (576). Sunjata, the lead protagonist, defeats this beast by freely
making choices that affect future actions. Sunjata’s independent decisions of being kind and
brave guide him into becoming king.
As a result of his kindness, Sunjata gets closer to defeating the beast. First, he gives the
two white kola nuts to the blind old man. The old man says, “...your kindness to me will bring you
good fortune. You will do what the most powerful and skilled hunters in your kingdom have been
unable to do. You will conquer the beast, and it will spare your life” (577). In exchange for the two
white kola nuts, the old man then gives helpful information to Sunjata. Another example of
Sunjata’s kindness is when he gives the gold coin to the old woman. Sunjata says, “Here, old
woman, take this coin, and may it make your life a little easier” (578). As a result, the old woman
lets Sunjata stay with her in her hut that is supposedly near the beast. Altogether, Sunjata’s
decisions of being kind grant him a better chance of killing the beast.
In spite of the difficult situations Sunjata faces, he still chooses to be brave, and is thus
rewarded. The old woman gives him instructions on how to kill the beast. The old woman
explains, “You must be prepared for my attack, and you must resist the urge to run” (579).
Sunjata follows these instructions to help eliminate the beast. Also, Sunjata shows his courage
when he finally kills the beast. The narrator describes, “Each event came to pass just as the old
woman had said it would” (580). In this quotation, it proves that Sunjata carries out his deed of
killing the beast by being brave. Therefore, by bravely completing all challenges, Sunjata
eventually defeats the beast.
In “Sunjata”, by Anonymous, a beast is destroying...