Oulamba and Oulani kill the Buffalo of Do with a combination of exceptional hunting skills and magic. This combination is later reflected in the way Sundiata must kill Soumaoro, who terrorizes his subjects in much the same way that the buffalo terrorized the people and hunters of Do. The Buffalo of Do, then, stands as an early suggestion that brute strength alone isn't enough to vanquish evil and terror—magic is important, too. Furthermore, it's not enough to simply use magic on its own. The hunter brothers and Sundiata must look outside themselves and consult outside sources (the old woman and soothsayers) in order to determine what type of magic is necessary. Thus, as the slaying of the Buffalo of Do demonstrates, heroes can only emerge victorious once they show humility, accept the terms of their fates, and accept help from those wiser than they are.
The Buffalo of Do Symbol Timeline in Sundiata
