Silamaka and Pullori: The Fulani Epic Heroes
The Fulani epic of Silamaka and Pullori recounts the adventures of two bound-by-friendship heroes from the Macina region of Mali. Silamaka, the saber-wielding warrior, is challenged to prove his temerity against the mighty Bambara king Da Monzon Diarra. He consults a geomancer who tells him that to become invulnerable, he must capture alive the sacred serpent Galamani that prowls the forest. With Pullori's help, Silamaka succeeds where many had failed, capturing the serpent and fashioning a protective belt. His fame spreads across Fulani villages. Da Monzon counterattacks with powerful magic,