The tale of Sundiata not only displayed heroism but also displayed the multiple trials and obstacles conquered to become the man that he was. This tale outlined the various characteristics of this hero born of the powerful lion and Buffalo. Sundiata was very determined, humble and most of all courageous. Sundiata was portrayed as one of the most powerful and determined leaders to exist in the Mali kingdom. As a child his fate was chosen beyond his power, he did whatever it took to accomplish his destiny. As the son of the "lion" "and "buffalo," " he was expected to maintain a high level of strength and power. Throughout his expedition, he did nothing less than that. Sundiata was destined to take his father's place as the king of Mali and him throughout his journey's he did nothing but strive for his main goal in life. Sundiata came to manhood while traveling through kingdoms hundreds of miles away, learning to hunt, fight and exercise proverbs of the wisdom of his ancestors. As a child Sundiata was unable to walk or talk, he did not learn how to do these things until he was appointed the heir of his father's throne, from this point on not only was his will power portrayed but so was his strength. Sundiata was determined to walk but in his own time, when it was his time he said "very well, then I am going to walk today (p.19)". Sundiata was envied by his stepmother because he inherited his father's throne and her son did not. She went to the extremes of putting him, his mother and other siblings out of the kingdom. He and his family were forced to roam through different kingdoms and over the years he became the man and hero that he needed to be.
Throughout all of the trials and obstacles that Sundiata had to conquer no matter what he maintain his level of ambition and he remained humble no matter what. Sundiata was aware that he was destined to inherit his father's throne so he knew of the large responsibility he held.