The hero is often accompanied on the journey by a helper who assists in the series of tests and generally serves as a loyal companion. Alternately, the hero may encounter a supernatural helper in the world of adventure who fulfills this function.

• Sunjata now assembles a large army from among the rebellious kings of the land. He enters the land of the Niger River and all the allies assemble in the great plain of Sibi where Sunjata surveys the troops. Sunjata makes preparations for a large-scale invasion of Mali and is offering sacrifices to the gods when he is informed that his sister Nana Triban and the old griot Balla Fasseke have escaped from Sosso and have arrived at his camp. Nana tells Sunjata how she had been forced to marry Sumanguru by her brother Dankaran. She became the chosen wife and deceived him for a long while by pretending to hate Sunjata so that she might learn the secret of his magic power. One night she asked him directly whether he was a man or a supernatural being, and in his pride, Sumanguru boasted to her and revealed that his magic totem is cock's spur. She then escaped Sosso with the help of Balla Fasseke. Sunjata rejoices at having recovered his griot so that the memory of his great deeds will be preserved. 

• This time Yamato Takeru is given a companion, Prince Sumitomo-mimitake, and a spear made of holly wood. This sword is a symbol of imperial authority and is a magical tool. Even though the emperor does not embrace his heroic son, it becomes clear that Yamato Takeru has become a vital and awesome agent of the central imperial authority. In addition to these and other scared amulets, as the story progresses, the narrative describes Yamato Takeru with language that is usually reserved for emperors.

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