Sunjata Paper

Sunjata Paper



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...

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