Centuries before Pumbaa and Timon taught Simba the meaning of hakuna matata in The Lion King, a real-life lion king founded the Mali Empire in the 13th-century. Sundiata Keita was destined to be a great ruler from birth – a prophecy even promised he’d be the next Alexander the Great. But after his father dies, his scheming stepmother steals his throne for her own son, and banishes Sundiata. So Sundiata heads out on an epic quest to reclaim his kingdom, and prove that his reign truly is written in the stars.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

Centuries before Pumbaa and Timon taught Simba the meaning of hakuna matata in The Lion King, a real-life lion king founded the Mali Empire in the 13th-century. Sundiata Keita was destined to be a great ruler from birth – a prophecy even promised he’d be the next Alexander the Great. But after his father dies, his scheming stepmother steals his throne for her own son, and banishes Sundiata. So Sundiata heads out on an epic quest to reclaim his kingdom, and prove that his reign truly is written in the stars.

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sundiata Keita of Mali Part 1: The Real Lion King | 61