The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences in the epic qualities as well as the journeys of Sundiata and Yeelen. Aspects of an epic that are seen in both works are length, heroism, adventure, destiny, a great battle and didacticism. While both works include destiny, the nature of each is considerably different. Sundiata's destiny was to overcome Soumaoro, the sorcerer king of Mali, with supernatural powers and reign in prosperity. The soothsayer in the tree tells the destiny of Nianankoro when he says his "death will be luminous." This means it is his duty to die most likely because he broke the law of the Komo.
             While both journeys included the epic adventure and battle, the natures of the two journeys were considerably different. Sundiata finds he must obtain supernatural powers in order to overcome Soumaoro, but Nianankoro has many several supernatural powers at the start. Sundiata has to go into battle numerous times to defeat the king of Mali's army but Nianankoro goes into battle for himself (this doesn't include him hexing intruders of another country with bees) only once at the very end. When Nianankoro obtains to Wing of Kore, he is equally matched for the great battle against his father Soso. When Sundiata obtains the supernatural force needed to beat Soumaoro, the old king loses all power, flees as a regular man disappears and Balla Fasseke announces his death. The ending of Yeelen, as I mentioned before, is the death of both the protagonist and antagonist.
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