The Story of Sundiata Kelta Part Four: The Return Read: When the sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante threatened Mal, Sundiata returned to lead his people: "Sundiata stood before his warriors and said, 'Today, we fight not for ourselves but for our children and their children. The land of Mali is ours, and we will not bow to a tyrant."' With clever tactics and the support of allies he made during his exile, Sundiata defeated Soumaoro: "The great lion roared across the batllefield, and the tyrant fell. Peace returned to the land, and the people sang songs of Sundiata, the king who united Mali." What lesson might this passage be trying to teach those who listen to it?

The passage from "The Story of Sundiata Kelta, Part Four: The Return" imparts several valuable lessons: 1. **Selfless Leadership:** Sundiata emphasizes fighting "not for ourselves but for our children and their children," highlighting the importance of leading with the welfare of future generations in mind. This teaches that true leadership prioritizes the long-term well-being of the community over personal gain. 2. **Resistance Against Tyranny:** By standing up to the sorcerer-king Soumaoro Kante, Sundiata exemplifies the courage to oppose oppression and injustice. The passage encourages standing firm against unjust rulers or systems that threaten the freedom and prosperity of the people. 3. **Strategic Thinking and Alliances:** Sundiata's success is attributed to his "clever tactics and the support of allies he made during his exile." This underscores the value of strategic planning and building strong alliances to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. 4. **Unity and Collective Effort:** The unification of Mali under Sundiata's leadership demonstrates the power of bringing people together to achieve a shared objective. It teaches that collective effort and solidarity are essential for overcoming significant obstacles. 5. **Restoration of Peace and Harmony:** The return to peace and the celebratory songs about Sundiata symbolize the restoration of harmony after conflict. This lesson emphasizes the importance of striving for peace and the positive outcomes that follow successful resolution of conflicts. Overall, the passage teaches that effective and selfless leadership, combined with strategic alliances and unity, can overcome tyranny and bring lasting peace and prosperity to a community.