Move over Odin, Ra, and Zeus, there's a new really old pantheon in town. He is said to live in the forest with his Orisha brothers part of the time. 9. Discuss the four parts of the Yoruba worldview. We may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites. The rest is spent in the farm with Oko (a farming god). The gods, much like the Greek goddesses of history, have very exaggerated personalities and they are plagued with personal flaws and negative emotions despite they immortality and superhero-like powers. He represents the power of fortune. Using these sacred materials, he created fields, forests, hills, and valleys. The Orisha And The 12 Gods Of Yoruba Mythology. (missing: Elegba and Oshosi), Elegba, Yemayá (Yemọja), Osún, Shangó (Sangó), Obatalá, Oya, and Oshoshi. Oduduwa joined with the humans and begat a new bloodline of kings (the Yoruba called him Ooni of Ife, the progenitor of the Yoruba people). Modjaji. Aganju by Robert Love In some traditions, Aganju is seen as the father or brother of Shango, god of thunder and lightning. The Orisha began to lose patience with him, especially when he tried to infect them with smallpox after they laughed at his deplorable dancing skills. The following is a list of Yoruba orisha (òrìṣà), or deities. Sango -The god of thunder. Difference between Yoruba òrìṣà worship and what is practiced among Afro-Hispanics, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Yoruba_deities&oldid=1000120857, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Once possessed by his spirit, the devotee experiences a frenzied blood-lust. Similar worship of african deities can also be found among the Afro-Franco populations of Haiti and the US state of Louisiana. He takes an active role in the affairs of both heaven and earth. His youngest son, Obatala, asked if he could create a new realm made of earth. Oduduwa by Jianing Hu Belief in spirit: Spirits are regarded as powers, which are not easily understood. Olorun eventually forgave his son and gave Obatala the responsibility of creating the human race (which he brought into being via his breath of life). The Yoruba people are based in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Olorun(Olorun, Olodumaré, Olofin)- God, the creator. Eshu by Akili Mansa Richards. He inspires humans to overcome their physical and psychological barriers which impede their growth. 2021 All Rights Reserved. Aganju was the next Orisha to manifest on earth. The Orisha are said to be manifestations of an all-powerful God, (a belief known as Pantheism). The Supreme God has three manifestations: These are the major orisha worshipped in Santería / Regla de Ocha / Lucumí religion: As one can see, Babalú-Ayé (whom "Ricky Ricardo" sings to in his famous song) is a very lesser deity in Afro-Hispanic worship. Yoruba gods | Supreme deities: Olodumare – the Supreme Creator; Ọlọ́run – the ruler of the Heavens; Olofi – the conduit between Orún (Heaven) and Ayé (Earth); Nana Buluku – androgynous Supreme Creator. Eshu/Elegbara Chaos Manipulation Death Embodiment Death Inducement Death Sense Door … Difference between Yoruba òrìṣà worship and what is practiced among Afro-Hispanics Their religion dates back to the Stone Age but was influenced by the spread of agriculture from the Middle East around 600 BCE. Oshun, also spelled Osun, an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. The Yorubas do not worship him directly: He is called on if the other Orishas do not hear their worshippers’ calls. Kokou by Assasin Monkey The Yoruba associate spirits with objects and other creatures. *. Shango – God of storms, when he creates storms, he throws thunderstones which have special powers to the Yoruba f. Eshu – Trickster 8. Without the goddess, there would be no living things on the earth. During his lifetime, he was married to three wives (Oshun, Oba, and Oya). In Yoruba Land, each god represents a particular element of nature such as rivers, forests, sky, storms, etc. The shell contained a magical soil and a divine cloth. Define the following terms a. Animism – The idea that spirits exist in people and nature, does not have to be alive b. Oba (Orisha), in Yoruba mythology, Oba is the wife of Shango, the third Lord of the Oyo Empire. Assunção opines that “we must learn to speak of … There are also several types of Orishas. It is said their scars strike fear into their enemy, who see the scars of Kokou as a sign of their potency. The narratives of Orishas, spirits and other deities and all other supporting topics in chapters 3-4 examine Òrìṣà, Vodun, and spirit beliefs in cultures in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, as well as, the Angola-Congo Nkisi deities, thus creating a cross-cultural foundation for spiritual learning and gaining of wisdom and knowledge. Xipe-Totec - God of force, patron of war, agriculture, vegetation, He is the “supreme God.” He is the omnipotent and is the God the creator, the one who breathes life into the creations of Obatala. Nana Buluku is a Creator Goddess, great-grandmother of all the Yoruba pantheon. Yemaya As The Queen of the Sea. ARTWORK: In isolation he learned humility, becoming Babalú-Ayé. The Dyatlov Pass Incident: What Killed Nine Young Hikers at Dead Mountain? Originally their gods represented the raw elements of nature, such as rivers, storms, and forests, but with the advent of farming, metallurgy and city building, the Yoruban gods took on … Jan 23, 2021 - Explore Kate McCredie's board "Goddesses & Gods", followed by 100238 people on Pinterest. Shango was the third king of the Oyo Kingdom. anting him with a profound wisdom. Rituals invoking his spirit require the rapid beating of drums, which often cause his followers to fall into a deep trance. In the Yoruba myth, Olocum gave her daughter a bottle containing a magic potion, telling her to break it in a dangerous situation. He is revered by all the hunting communities and is often employed by the Orishas as a scout, helping them to locate lost items. An Orisha(also spelled Orisa or Orixa) is a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system. Acknowledging that the Yorùbá are one of the largest and most important groups of people in West Africa, apart from its value as a cultural treasure, African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities will also delight the readers with its wealth of information on Yorùbá/Vodun religious beliefs which are told in a spirited form with humor and poetry. Olòrún - the supreme creator deity; Orishas. As the people began to reproduce, new lands were required for them to settle. She is selective about where she grants prosperity; those who make offerings to her in the form of prayers and good works are often her beneficiaries. Have the tools used to build ancient monuments been staring us in the face all along? Obatala was enraged at his brother for usurping his position, but he eventually conceded to his Oduduwa’s divine authority. Scientists confirm legends, revealing the face of Viking warrior woman with battle wound. Using photo-manipulation, artist James C. Lewis makes us wonder why the Orishas don't have their own comic book series. In this way, he is certainly a difficult teacher, but in the end, is usually found to be a good one. Cuban orisa worship, sometimes referred to as Santería, is still widely practiced in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Tobago/Trinidad and Brazil, a number of practitioners are Yoruba descendants to certain degrees. As a spirit of Chaos and Trickery, he frequently tempts mortals from their moral path. Aje (Yoruba) In the Yoruba religion, Aje is a traditional goddess of abundance and wealth, often associated with the businesses of the marketplace. Yoruba gods predates even the stone age. *. His most notable role is that of the psychopomp (guardian of the dead). Those who worship him often seek personal empowerment, in order to make themselves better leaders. At the beginning of Yoruba mythology, the universe was composed of two elements, the ethereal sky above and a watery chaos below. Modjaji is a South African goddess of rain whose spirits live in the body of a young … As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Eshu(Eleggua, Exú, Eṣu, Elegba, Ellegua, Legbara, Papa Legba)- Eshu is the messenger between the human and divine worlds, Orisha of … Two gods rule over both these primordial realms. Olódùmarè is considered the divine creator and source of all energy/power (ashe) and is believed to have given specific ashe to certain orishas. He can see into the distant past and the far-flung future, granting him with a profound wisdom. She used these magical tools to create the cosmos, including the human race. It’s important to note that I’ve not given any astrological conterpart for the Yoruba supreme deity Olódùmarè (oh-loh-doo-MAH-ray) [also known as Olòrún (oh-loh-ROON)]. He embodies the power of the sun, essential for the growth. Their religion dates back to the Stone Age, but was influenced by the spread of agriculture from the Middle East around 600 BCE. He taught his followers the secrets of civilization (fire, smithing, hunting, politics, and war). The gods of the Yoruba (called “orishas”) live in Orundu-nla, the sky. Article written by Simon E. Davies, Contributor to Ancient Code. Babalú-Ayé (originally Shopona) is a healing god. 22. This picture is further complicated when one realizes that most Yoruba people today embrace various forms of Islam and Christianity, and that the religion of Yoruba origin is also practiced in areas outside of Africa by people who are not Yoruba. In the often larger-than-life narrative surrounding royalty in Yoruba land, these Obas didn’t rule their domain as mere mortals, but like gods and custodians of art and culture. As a group, the Seven African Powers provided the Earth with all their protection and blessings. Erinle is a wilderness god, associated with hunting, herbalism and animal husbandry. There is a great article on this very phenomenon on NPR . Erinle by Mod Nomad Like the volcano, Aganju is noted for his legendary strength and his ability to bring about drastic change. Kokou is a warrior god, renowned for his violence and ferocity. The seven orixás were Exu, Ogum, Xangô and Oxalá, Oxum, Iansã and Iemanjá, while the corresponding Greek gods were Hermes, Ares, Zeus and Apolo; Aphrodite, Athena, Ivy and Poseidon. CIA Declassifies Thousands of UFO Documents Ahead of UAP Report, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9PAxAK6fBk, Fox News Host Tucker Carlson doesn’t believe Trump’s answers about UFOs, Researchers discover new 91-million-year-old giant shark species in Kansas. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. She is associated with several powers, including abilities to heal with cool water, induction of fertility and the control of the feminine essence. Today, many people of African descent are returning to their roots via exploration with the Yoruba spirituality. His reign ended when he inadvertently destroyed his palace with lightning. Olokun presides over this watery abyss, an aquatic realm populated by sea spirits. She is a patron of herbs and spell-craft. Oya Fierce Warrior Goddess of the Wind, Christopher Pompey Orishas are intercessors between the world of humanity and divine. An Aje is a woman with biological, spiritual and cosmic powers. Women appeal to her for child-bearing and for the alleviation of female disorders. Olorun had two sons, Obatala and Oduduwa, who helped him develop the features of the Earth. He takes an active role in the affairs of both heaven and earth. 1) Male Yoruba gods. Remnants of the Yoruba language is still used ceremoniously as a ritual language, and is referred to as Lukumí. 1 Capabilities 2 Deities/Orisha 3 Associations 4 Known Users 5 Gallery The user can have access to the traits and abilities of the deities of the Yoruba spiritual/religious system. Yoruba has never been a generalized religion as opposed to a collection of communities and practices committed to particular deities. He is now viewed as a compassionate and humble deity, curing people of sickness and disease. Elegua, Yemayá (Yemọja), Oshún (Ọ̀ṣun), Shangó (Sangó), Obatalá, Oya, and Ogún etc. Goddesses Of Yoruba Mythology. Obatala then began to build a city, but after discovering alcohol (brewed from palm leaves) he became distracted from duties. The first city of the Yoruba was Ife, founded by Obatala, but it now lies under water. Supreme being. The heaven realm is the domain of Olorun, a sun god. As master of the deep, he has a great insight into the mysteries of nature. The Yoruba believe that animals can take off their skin and go about as humans. Variation of Transcendent Physiology. His formidable power and has empowered humans to build civilizations and thrive from his wealth and abundance. He is known as the omnipotent ruler of the Yoruba pantheon, whose light brings life and vitality to all living things. The power to have the traits and abilities of Yoruba deities. (missing: Elegua and Ogún), This page was last edited on 13 January 2021, at 17:55. The Yoruba traditions describe her as being fond of babies and her intervention is sought if a baby becomes ill. Olorun had two sons, Obatala and Oduduwa, who helped him develop the features of the Earth. She is the Yoruba Goddess of a lightning storm. © These devotees often commit violent acts of self-harm to demonstrate their tolerance to pain. Are billionaires buying up land away from the coasts based on prophecies or inside information? Rather than willfully trying to misguide them, his aim is to enrich their life experience, leading them to a spiritual maturation through their transgressions. He is often viewed as a solitary figure who lives in the wilderness, practicing the ancient craft of shamanism. 3) Supreme deities. Olorun sent them Ogun, god of crafts, to find a suitable habitat. Ogun by Eran Fowler They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as vodun s). Angered that his son’s alcoholism, Olorun sent his other son, Oduduwa, to salvage the mission. Olodumare is a distant God, and when it comes to everyday prayers, things are often handled by protectors called Orishas. Olorun by Sanjana Baijnath Due to 200 years of separation from the motherland, Lukumí became a lexicon of words and is not a spoken language. He is envisioned as an extremely wealthy deity, dressed in refined garments, adorned with coral beads and plumage from a hunted game. These deities have separate functions. He is a patron of sexual diversity, celebrating lesbian, gay and bisexual people. He is the most feared of the Orisha. 2) Female gods. Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality. The following is a list of Yoruba deities. The patakis describe Yemaya as the most nurturing of all the Yoruba deities and it’s believed that she was the beginning of all life. They appear in different forms when they want to be perceived. Monkeys are said to be “wise in many things” and have great powers. The spirituality of Yoruba focuses deeply on self exploration, learning one’s destiny (or fate), interacting with the spirits of nature as well as one’s ancestors, and getting yourself right with … Copyright Ancient Code. The Yoruba people are based in Nigeria, Benin and Togo. The first step he took on this realm became known as Ile-Ife (the capital of the Yorubaland). In his early days, he was very hostile, inflicting disease upon those who transgressed him. In Africa, Olocum is the Yoruba deity of salt water, the queen of the sea, since in Brazil she was occupied by her daughter, Iemanjá. Oshosi is also a hunting god, who is highly regarded for his quick wit and objectivity. Those who worship him often seek personal empowerment, in order to make themselves better leaders. See more ideas about gods and goddesses, mythology, deities. Luckily, Obatala exiled him to the wilderness, where he has lived as an outcast. As an immortal, he was unable to die, so he chose instead to descend into the earth’s surface, in a place named Ire-Ekiti. Yoruba gods are broadly divided into 4 groups : 1) Male gods. An Orisha (spelled òrìṣà in the Yoruba language, orichá or orixá in Latin America) is a deity that r e flects one of the manifestations of the … He reigned for seven years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Oyo Empire. Orisha, also spelled orixa or orisa, any of the deities of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Ogun is revered as a mighty god, called upon by warriors for strength in battle. He is known as the omnipotent ruler of the Yoruba pantheon, whose light brings life and vitality to all living things. Aganju - Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness and rivers; Aja - Orisha of the forest, the animals within it, and herbal healing; Ayao - Orisha of air; Babalu Aye - Orisha of the Earth and strongly associated with infectious disease (particularly smallpox, leprosy and AIDS) and healing He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. After passing on his secrets and guiding humanity for many years, Ogun grew old. The heaven realm is the domain of Olorun, a sun god. Let us remember that in Africa Iemanjá is a deity associated with the Ogum River. Olorun agreed and gave Obatala a shell to help fashion this new world. Finally, there is Eshu, a trickster God, and patron of crossroads. 4) Metaphysical spirits. There have been many Greek gods mentioned across thousands of stories in Greek mythology – from the Olympian gods all the way down to the many minor gods. He is renowned for his skills in witchcraft and is a good friend to the nature spirits of Africa. He is also the creator of the other gods and the creator of the powers in the universe. The Supreme Deity of the Yoruba, Olodumare lives in the sky. She is considered one of the most powerful of all orishas, and, like other gods, she possesses human attributes such as vanity, … The Sky god finished building the city of Ife and made himself the king of the Yoruba.