All epics, a type of literary composition that shows similarity in a narrative poem, can have different story lines, but the one thing most epics have in common is the hero. A hero is a figure of great importance that possesses many qualities; for example, bravery, strength, and determination. The hero is also known as a legendary person who travels a long and vigorous journey. During the journey, the hero proves his heroic qualities by fighting off evil, saving others from danger, and pushes himself through challenges that he encounters along the way. In the epics Sundiata as well as the Illiad, the three similar characteristics are the creation of a hero, battles of good versus evil, and finally genealogy.
             In the Sundaita there is a person who displays all of the necessary characteristics to be labeled a "epic hero." Generally, epic heroes are born with the abilities to perfrorm tasks impossible to others. Every epic hero repeatedly thwarts death usually by visiting and returning from the underworld, which mere mortals cannot do usually from help of other god's. An example of this are prayers which calms evil spirits with music. From the Mali society in Africa, Sogolan Djata, the epic hero of the Sundiata exhibits the heroic traits of obedience, determination, and leadership. When Sogolan's mother ordered him to walk he knew this was very important to her and his obedience showed when he did what was told of him. Sogolan's determination showed when he was learning how to walk. Sogolan struggled while he lifted one limb after the other and with a violent jerk; Sogolan was up and on his feet walking like a true soldier. As the hero, Sogolan, had reached his manhood his leadership abilities showed when he defeated Soumaoro and took over the kingdom of Mali. Many soldiers were glad to join Sogolan's rank once he took over the kingdom. The epic hero of Sundiata has showed what a hero should be like by bein...