Yes, Virginia, there is an epic in Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Yes, Virginia, there is an epic in Africa
Author:	Johnson, J.W.
Year:	1980
Periodical:	Research in African Literatures
Volume:	11
Issue:	3
Pages:	308-326
Language:	English
Geographic term:	West Africa
Subjects:	Manding legends
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/3818278
Abstract:	Ruth Finnegan, in her pioneering work 'Oral literature in Africa' (London, Clarendon Press, 1970), presents four arguments for doubting the occurrence of epic in Africa. In this article the author first refutes these arguments, and then suggests a model for defining African epic (the confusion on this subject is due to lack of a model). The model consists of two categories with four characteristics: 1) primary characteristics (poetic, narrative, heroic and legendary) and 2) secondary characteristics (length, multifunctionality, cultural and traditional transmission, multigeneric qualities). The author deals with each of the traits in detail, borrowing examples from the Mandekan epic tradition. Notes.