Leadership is an important theme in both the Ramayana and Sundiata An Epic of Old Mali. A leader possesses numerous qualities, be they developed skills or traits that distinguish him from others. While and even before facing extreme situations, it is clear that both Rama and Sundiata possess the important qualities needed in a leader: honor, selflessness, and the ability to form lasting alliances. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayRama behaves honorably by fulfilling his family duties and fighting loyally. King Dasaratha is renowned for remaining true to his word and Rama is "blessed... to carry out his father's command and live in the forests" (Narayan, 46). Although Rama's exile is unreasonable, he still expresses gratitude to King Dasaratha and Kaiyeki because he believes it is his duty as a son to carry out his family's wishes. By carrying out this command, Rama fulfills this duty and ensures that his father does not break his promise to Kaiyeki. This is an act of honor because Rama puts his family's needs before his own and protects his father's reputation. Furthermore, Rama conducts himself honorably on the battlefield in his fight against Ravana. Ravana has fainted in the middle of the battle and Rama says to Matali, "'It is not a just war to attack a man who has fainted'" and waits for Ravana to recover (Narayan, 146). Rama had the opportunity to kill Ravana, in this moment of weakness, and end the war once and for all However, he chooses to let Ravana recover because killing an unconscious man is neither an honorable nor moral path to victory, despite risking his own life. continuing the war. Likewise, Sundiata demonstrates an act of honor by also fulfilling his family duties. Due to Sundiata's helpless legs, he is ridiculed by the people of Mali as being weak and unable to carry his father's throne his mother expresses her shame at giving birth to such a child, Sundiata promises her that he will walk and does so successfully by effortlessly lifting an iron bar. As a result, Sogolon “was now surrounded by much respect” and her son became “as popular as it is despised” (Niane, 22). By demonstrating that he can walk normally and displaying immense strength, Sundiata not only proves that he is capable of being the heir to the throne of Maghan, but also enhances his family's reputation. This is an honorable act because, as the son of a king, Sundiata is expected to carry on his father's legacy and ensure that his family maintains a respectable reputation in the kingdom and succeeds in fulfilling this duty. As king, Sundiata effectively maintains his father's legacy. He restores his father's city "to the ancient style of his father's old enclosure where he had grown up" and destroys its walls to expand the empire (Niane, 81). Sundiata honors his family again by rebuilding his city according to his father's preferences and this ensures that Maghan Fatta's legacy will live on in Mali. Rama's altruism towards potential enemies sets him apart from others. Rama believes that “those seeking asylum should receive protection” even if they betray him (Narayan, 132). In one instance, after Vibishana is banished from Ravana's kingdom, he goes to Rama's camp seeking "asylum" and "protection" and Rama accepts him despite Vibishana's potential as a spy (Narayan, 130). Rama, once again, prioritizes the needs of others before his own. He thinks it is his duty to protect people and in turn takes a risk by assimilating Vibishana into his camp. In doing so, Rama also accepts the possibility of defeat, regardless of what the outcome may be.Furthermore, instead of personally conquering and ruling Lanka, Rama bestows the crown of Ravana's empire on Vibishana, who had no intention of being the ruler (Narayan,155). Although the appropriation of other empires would have presented Rama as an even greater leader, his decision to grant Vibishana the rule of Lanka instead demonstrates that he is selfless. Sundiata's altruism towards potential enemies also sets him apart from others. Like Rama, Sundiata puts the needs of others before his own. In an attempt to prove that Sundiata deserves death, Sassouma orders nine witches to go to his garden and collect some. Sassouma believes this will provoke Sundiata and force him to beat them. Sassouma's plan fails when Sundiata discovers the witches gathering from his garden and as they run away, he shouts at them: “'what has happened to you if you run away like this? This garden belongs to everyone'" (Niane, 25). Sundiata defied the witches' expectations by approaching them and speaking cordially to them. She offers them to pick from the garden whenever there is a shortage of seasonings and her “heart full of kindness” forces the witches to ask for forgiveness (Niane, 26). Despite their unpleasant encounter, Sundiata forgives them and even offers each of the witches an elephant. These acts reveal Sundiata's consideration for his people because his garden is not only the livelihood of his family, but also of everyone else. Rama is naturally skilled at forming lasting alliances. Both his true identity and his morals play a role in strengthening them. Following Sita's abduction, Rama and Lakshmana form an alliance with a monkey king named Sugreeva. Rama makes a deal with him to help kill his brother, Vali, if he helps him find Sita. After Vali is struck by Rama, he tells him that "Sugreeva and he will be [his] precious allies" and the former will always have the honor of serving Rama because he is the reincarnation of Vishnu (104). Like Vishnu, Rama believes that it is his duty to protect people and restore order to the world. As a result, Rama's true identity is easily identifiable and immediately earns the respect and loyalty of those he encounters. Furthermore, Rama's intentions play a role in creating alliances as he believes it is his "primary duty to help the weak and destroy evil wherever [he sees it]... [He helps] those who seek [his] help" (Narayan , 103). Regardless of the circumstances, Rama would still help Sugreeva defeat his brother out of the kindness of his heart. This shows that a leader doesn't always have to build relationships that need to be mutually beneficial. As a mark of respect and support for Rama, Sugreeva and his other advisors are seen by his side during his return to Ayodhya. Sundiata possesses a similar ability to form lasting alliances. After being exiled, Sundiata and his family travel to different kingdoms and establish ties with kings and their subjects. All these kings recognize Sundiata's destiny and help him fulfill it. During his stay in Mema, Sundiata forms an alliance with the king, Moussa Tounkara, and leaves such a profound impact on him and the kingdom. He is considered a son of Moussa Tounkara and therefore an “heir to the throne of Mema” (46). Sundiata's presence also contributes to the brief period of peace in Mema. This leads to the bitter feelings Moussa Tounkara has towards Sundiata's departure. Despite this, Moussa Tounkara grants him half of his army, which will be crucial to Sundiata's predestined victory. It is Sundiata's development into a man that attracts Moussa Tounkara's support and loyalty. Following the events of Sundiata's victory against Soumaoro, all the allies he had made during his exile gather to celebrate. “…one after another, the twelve kings…stood up and proclaimed to them.