Gassires Lute: A West African Epic

by Jablow

A rousing tale of wars and heroes, Gassire s Lute recounts the fall of the city-state, Wagadu, and tells how Gassire, warrior son of the ruling family, renounces his noble birth to become his people s first bard. As an example of the relatively unknown oral literature of Africa, this poem is rich in historical and cultural interest. But it can be read and enjoyed simply as a beautiful and exciting story that shows clearly the universality of art and of human experience.

Genres: Poetry, Africa, Epic, School, Fiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Paul Trimble · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a short read, at only 41 pages; regardless, it is enticing. Although the story's culture is West African, I believe it has the ability to transcend cultures. It is tragic and confusing, at times, especially because the main character is willing to sacrifice so much in the name of art and remembrance/glory; however, it speaks to a very Western mentality of complete dedication to passion in the face of tremendous adversity.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children’s book in poetic form (part of the epic of Dausi), telling of Gassire who gives up his noble lineage & life as a warrior to become a bard/griot.

[Kristyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating English translation of a German transcription of an epic poem in an oral tradition of West Africa. Since this only has an excerpt of the poem and was published in the 1970s, I hope to track down more recent translations of longer stretches of this lay.

[Stacey May · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at what vanity can do to individuals, families, and communities.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four times Wagadu rose.

A great city, gleaming in the light of day.

Four times Wagadu fell.

And disappeared from human sight.

It is my deep regret that this is but a fragment of a much larger work, now thought to be lost, the first part of the Dausi: an oral history of the rise and fall of the city of Wagadu, the city of the Soninke, a tribe of roughly a half-million in West Africa. It quite beautifully describes the influencing and inherent power of narrative as well as those who wield it; how it both shapes and is shaped by culture, how someone cannot become a true storyteller until they have, themselves, truly lived, through joy and laughter, as well as hardship, suffering and pain. After such, once they "wear" these experiences in their very being, the "lute" of one's storytelling prowess can finally "sing."

It is very short; translated from a German transcription, itself the 20th century recording of a spoken oral tradition; rendered in English poetically and succinctly here by Alta Jablow, accompanied by excellent notes and evocative illustrations.

An excellent read which is, as a fragment, can only allude to the power of the completed tale.

"The Dausi could be sung only by those of the second rank, the Diaru.

The Diaru fought not so much as warriors, to win the battle of the day, but as drinkers, to relish the fame of the evening.

But you, Gassire, now that you will no longer be the second of the first, now shall you be the first of the second.

And Wagadu will be lost because of it."

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting epic poem from West Africa telling of how one man's vanity led to the fall of his kingdom and the creation of the bardic arts. I would have liked more of an introduction to the tale and further background on the culture, but the intro clearly isn't designed to be comprehensive.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread: April 2021
Teaching this again!

Read: Feb. 2020
A lovely and ambiguous epic poem.