Individuation in African Oral Epic: A Study of Sundiata

Abstract

This study explores individuation in African epic literature, focusing on Sundiata Epic. Individuation, a concept developed by Carl Jung, refers to the integration of the unconscious and conscious aspects of the self, leading to the realization of one's true identity. The application of Carl Jung’s theory of individuation is much studied in literature and psychology of the West, but it is barely touched on in relation to African narratives. Through a critical analysis of Sundiata Epic, this study explore how the concept of individuation is portrayed in African epics with focus on the hero's journey of self-discovery , personal development, and integration within the community. The study is guided by the objectives of: analysing the depiction of individuation in the Sundiata Epic, analysing African concepts of individuation in relation to Western archetypal frameworks; and investigating the influence of oral tradition on the construction of African identity.  This study aims to bridge a gap by analysing how African epics, Sundiata, reflect unique perspectives on individuation that emphasize the importance of communal support, ancestral guidance, and cultural heritage in shaping individual identity. The study findings indicate that African epics integrate psychological changes deepened by cultural, historical, and spiritual dimensions, thus expanding the concept of Jungian individuation.