Sundiata threatens the King of Meme primarily because the king initially refused to grant Sundiata's mother, Sogolon, a proper burial after her death. This profound act of disrespect directly provoked Sundiata's decisive intervention.
The Disrespectful Refusal of Burial Rites
In the epic account, following the passing of Sogolon, Sundiata's revered mother, Sundiata sought to ensure she received a dignified and proper burial. This act was not merely a personal wish but a deeply rooted cultural expectation and a crucial rite for honoring the deceased.
However, the King of Meme chose to deny this fundamental request. This refusal was far more than a simple administrative decision; it was perceived as a grave insult to Sundiata, his family, and the memory of his mother. In the context of the epic's cultural norms, denying proper funerary rites was an immense dishonor, often viewed as a direct challenge to a person's authority and lineage.
Key Triggers for Sundiata's Threat:
- Sogolon's Demise: The death of Sundiata's mother, Sogolon, set the events in motion.
- Demand for Proper Burial: Sundiata's request for a respectful funeral was a rightful claim, essential for upholding the dignity of his mother and his own standing.
- King's Denial: The King of Meme's initial refusal to allow this burial was the direct catalyst, symbolizing a lack of respect and a challenge to Sundiata's moral and filial duties.
Sundiata's threat was thus a direct and powerful response to the King of Meme's disrespectful stance concerning his mother's final rites. It underscores Sundiata's deep devotion to his family and his readiness to assert his power and command respect when faced with such significant affronts.