Creation Myth i.e. Oshun
Oshun (also spelled Òsun) is a Yoruba goddess (Orisha) associated with water, fertility, love, and beauty. She is one of the most revered deities in the Yoruba religion, which originated in West Africa, particularly among the Yoruba people of present-day Nigeria. Oshun is often depicted as a beautiful, nurturing, and powerful figure who embodies femininity, grace, and sensuality.
In the Yoruba religion, Orishas are powerful deities or spirits that govern various aspects of the world, nature, and human life. They are often seen as intermediaries between humans and the supreme god, Olodumare. The Orishas have distinct personalities, domains, and stories, and they play a central role in Yoruba spirituality, as well as in related religions such as Santería, Candomblé, and Vodou.
Here are some of the most important Orishas:
1. Obatala
Domain: Purity, wisdom, and peace.
Role: Obatala is one of the oldest Orishas and is considered the father of all Orishas and humanity. He is responsible for the creation of human bodies and is associated with wisdom, fairness, and peace. Obatala is seen as the Orisha of purity and calm, often depicted wearing white to symbolize his purity.
Symbols: White cloth, doves, and silver.
Temperament: Calm, patient, and nurturing.
2. Shango (also spelled Chango)
Domain: Thunder, lightning, fire, drumming, and dance.
Role: Shango is the Orisha of thunder, fire, and masculine power. He is known for his fiery temper, charisma, and warrior spirit. As a god of dance and music, Shango is often associated with celebration and joy, but also with justice and balance. He is one of the most popular Orishas due to his vibrant and forceful nature.
Symbols: Double-headed axe, drums, fire.
Temperament: Bold, impulsive, and energetic.
3. Yemoja (also spelled Yemaya)
Domain: The ocean, motherhood, fertility, and protection.
Role: Yemoja is the mother of all Orishas and is deeply connected to the ocean and rivers. She is the protector of women and children, especially during childbirth, and is often invoked for issues related to fertility and motherhood. Yemoja is known as a nurturing, caring figure, but also one who can be as unpredictable as the sea.
Symbols: Seashells, fish, and water vessels.
Temperament: Maternal, nurturing, but powerful.
4. Ogun
Domain: Iron, war, labor, and technology.
Role: Ogun is the god of iron, warfare, and labor. He represents strength, persistence, and the power of the forge. He is the patron of blacksmiths, soldiers, and all those who work with tools or weapons. Ogun’s energy is relentless and industrious, driving human advancement through hard work and innovation.
Symbols: Iron tools, machetes, and the forest.
Temperament: Fierce, disciplined, and hardworking.
5. Oya
Domain: Storms, winds, death, and change.
Role: Oya is the goddess of storms, winds, and transformation. She is also closely associated with death and the afterlife, particularly as the gatekeeper of cemeteries. Oya’s energy is transformative and unpredictable, often bringing about sudden and drastic changes in life. She is powerful, independent, and fierce in her protection of the vulnerable.
Symbols: Whirlwinds, lightning, buffalo horns.
Temperament: Powerful, transformative, and commanding.
6. Elegua (also spelled Eleggua or Esu)
Domain: Crossroads, doors, and communication.
Role: Elegua is the messenger between the human and divine worlds and the guardian of crossroads and doorways. He is often called upon to open paths and remove obstacles. Elegua is also a trickster figure, known for his cleverness and mischief, but he is also deeply wise. His presence is essential for any ritual or spiritual practice, as he is the one who opens the way to communication with the other Orishas.
Symbols: Keys, roads, and stones.
Temperament: Playful, mischievous, but wise.
7. Orunmila
Domain: Wisdom, divination, and fate.
Role: Orunmila is the Orisha of wisdom and knowledge, particularly the knowledge of the future. He is associated with divination, especially through the Ifá oracle, a system of communication with the divine. Orunmila is considered the most knowledgeable of all the Orishas and is invoked for guidance, understanding of life’s path, and insight into destiny.
Symbols: Cowrie shells, the Ifá divination tray, and palm nuts.
Temperament: Wise, calm, and philosophical.
8. Oshosi
Domain: Hunting, justice, and tracking.
Role: Oshosi is the Orisha of hunting, justice, and the wilderness. He is the protector of hunters and those who seek justice. As a master tracker, Oshosi is often associated with precision and focus. He is also seen as a protector of the oppressed and is invoked in cases where justice and fairness are needed.
Symbols: Bow and arrow, hunting tools.
Temperament: Focused, just, and decisive.
9. Oba
Domain: Marriage, fidelity, and loyalty.
Role: Oba is the Orisha of marriage and fidelity. She is a figure of loyalty and devotion, often associated with the hardships of marriage. Though her stories often depict her as suffering due to her dedication and love, she represents the strength and endurance required in long-term relationships.
Symbols: Water, veils, and clay pots.
Temperament: Loyal, patient, and dedicated.
10. Olokun
Domain: The depths of the ocean, wealth, and the unknown.
Role: Olokun is the Orisha of the deep ocean and is associated with both great wealth and the mysteries that lie beneath the water. He represents the hidden, unseen forces that influence life. Olokun’s power is vast and encompasses the mysteries of the sea, dreams, and the subconscious.
Symbols: Deep waters, treasures from the sea.
Temperament: Mysterious, powerful, and unpredictable.
At the beginning of time, there was only the sky, which was home to Olodumare, the supreme deity, and the Orishas. Below the sky, there was only primordial water and chaos. Olodumare, who is considered the ultimate creator and the source of all energy, decided to create the Earth and living beings. To do this, Olodumare gave the task of creating the Earth to the Orisha Obatala, who was a wise and pure Orisha associated with light, creation, and wisdom.
Obatala was eager to fulfill his divine mission, but he needed specific tools to shape the Earth. Olodumare provided Obatala with a sacred bag of creation, which contained several important items:
A chain long enough to reach from the sky to the waters below.
A snail shell filled with sand.
A white hen.
A black cat (sometimes included in certain versions).
A palm nut.
These items would help Obatala create solid land from the waters below. Obatala descended from the sky to the edge of the watery abyss, using the chain to lower himself toward the formless world below.
Before beginning his work, Obatala decided to rest. During this time, he drank palm wine, which caused him to become intoxicated. As a result of his intoxication, Obatala became distracted and fell asleep, abandoning his mission temporarily. This led to imperfect aspects of creation, such as physical deformities in humans, which is why Obatala is considered the protector of people born with physical disabilities.
While Obatala was incapacitated, his sibling and rival, Oduduwa, seized the opportunity to complete the creation of the Earth. Oduduwa took the sacred bag of creation and descended to the watery chaos. Following the instructions given by Olodumare, Oduduwa spread the sand from the snail shell across the waters. Then, he released the white hen, which scratched at the sand, spreading it further and creating dry land.
This first piece of land became the sacred city of Ile-Ife, which is considered the spiritual center of the Yoruba people. Oduduwa planted the palm nut, which grew into the first tree, symbolizing the birth of nature and life on Earth.
Orunmila, the Orisha of wisdom and divination, played a crucial role in guiding the Orishas during the creation. Known for his deep knowledge of the universe, Orunmila used his wisdom and the Ifá divination system to ensure that the creation unfolded according to Olodumare’s divine plan. Without his insight, chaos could have consumed the efforts of the Orishas.
After creating the land, Obatala, having sobered up, felt remorse for his actions and resumed his role in the creation. He was then tasked with the creation of human beings. Obatala shaped the first humans out of clay, molding their bodies by hand. However, due to his previous mistake of becoming intoxicated, some of the humans he created were born with physical imperfections. As a result, Obatala became the patron of people with disabilities, and he watches over them with particular care.
Once Obatala finished molding human figures from clay, Olodumare breathed life into them, giving them consciousness and free will. Thus, humanity was created, imbued with the essence of both the divine and the earthly elements.
After the creation of the land and humanity, other Orishas were assigned specific tasks to maintain balance in the world:
Oshun, the Orisha of rivers and fertility, was given control over the freshwater rivers, essential for sustaining life on Earth.
Yemoja, the mother of all Orishas, became the Orisha of the ocean, symbolizing motherhood and fertility.
Ogun, the Orisha of iron and war, was tasked with forging tools and weapons, which helped humanity progress through technology and labor.
Shango, the Orisha of thunder and lightning, was given the power to control storms, bringing both destruction and renewal.
Each Orisha governs a specific aspect of the natural world, working together to maintain the delicate balance between humanity, nature, and the divine.
Oshun tells of her role in the creation of humanity. According to Yoruba mythology, the supreme god Olodumare created the world and sent 17 Orishas (including Oshun) to populate and rule the Earth. However, the male Orishas—led by Obatala—initially ignored Oshun because she was a woman, believing they could create the world without her help.
As a result of their arrogance, everything they tried to build failed. The rivers dried up, crops wouldn’t grow, and the people suffered. Realizing their mistake, the Orishas sought Olodumare’s counsel, and he revealed that the world would not thrive without Oshun’s powers. Oshun, representing the feminine principle, brought balance, life, and harmony back to the Earth by unleashing the power of the waters and fertility.
Oshun is also known as a healer who possesses great compassion for humanity. In some stories, she uses her powers to heal people and bring them back to physical and emotional health. Her connection to rivers, which are sources of life and sustenance, gives her the ability to nurture and restore balance where there is disharmony.
One notable story tells of a great drought that plagued the land. The people and crops were suffering from a lack of water, and no Orisha could stop the drought. Oshun, in her compassion, intervened by transforming into a beautiful peacock and ascending to the heavens to plead with Olodumare to restore the rain. Moved by her actions, Olodumare agreed, and the rains fell once again, saving the people.
However, as Oshun returned from her heavenly journey, she was burned by the sun, and her once bright feathers turned brown. In this story, Oshun’s selflessness and willingness to sacrifice reflect her deep care for the world and its people.
Oshun is often involved in passionate love stories with other Orishas. One of her most famous relationships is with Shango, the Orisha of thunder and fire, who is known for his fiery temper and warrior spirit. Oshun’s love for Shango is depicted as intense, and the two share a complicated, passionate relationship that embodies the balance between feminine beauty and masculine strength.
Though Shango has other wives, including Oya and Oba, Oshun is often depicted as the one who holds his heart. Their love story is symbolic of the relationship between fire and water, where Oshun’s calm and fluid nature contrasts with Shango’s explosive and tempestuous energy. Their union represents the balance of opposing forces, and their story is celebrated in rituals and dances that honor both Orishas.
Despite her nurturing qualities, Oshun also exhibits a trickster side. In some stories, she uses her charm and wit to achieve her goals. For example, one tale recounts how Oshun’s beauty and flirtatious nature were able to influence and manipulate situations in her favor. She uses her intelligence and sensuality to outsmart male Orishas, often turning their assumptions about her into weaknesses they didn’t foresee.
This duality in her character—nurturing yet shrewd—gives Oshun her distinct place in Yoruba mythology as both a healer and a strategic force who doesn’t hesitate to use her power to defend her dignity.
Oshun is strongly associated with honey, which represents sweetness and love. In one story, Oshun becomes angry with the Orishas for disrespecting her and decides to withdraw her powers, leaving the Earth without her nurturing influence. Without Oshun, everything starts to wither—plants die, rivers dry up, and the people suffer once again. The Orishas beg her to return, but Oshun remains unmoved.
It is only when Obatala, the Orisha of wisdom, brings her honey as an offering that she decides to return and restore balance. This story underscores her strength and self-respect, as well as her connection to love, sweetness, and the feminine power that is essential to the world’s well-being.
Oshun’s influence is still deeply felt today, particularly in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nigeria where Oshun is worshipped. The annual Osun-Osogbo festival draws devotees who pray for her blessings of fertility, protection, and prosperity. Oshun’s legacy extends beyond the Yoruba people through practices like Santería, Candomblé, and Vodou, where she is revered as a powerful force of love and healing.
Her stories continue to remind people of the balance of power between masculine and feminine, the necessity of compassion and love, and the importance of respecting the forces of nature.
Here’s a more complete lineup of Orishas in the Yoruba religion, including both the more well-known figures and some lesser-known ones, along with brief descriptions of each. This list goes beyond the top 10 to give you a broader sense of the diversity of roles and domains these powerful deities govern.
Full Lineup of Orishas:
Olodumare – The Supreme God, source of all energy, creator of the universe. Olodumare is the ultimate divine force in the Yoruba cosmology, above all other Orishas.
Obatala – Orisha of wisdom, purity, and peace. He is the father of all Orishas and creator of humanity, known for his calm and patient demeanor.
Oduduwa – Orisha of creation and the first ruler of Ile-Ife. He is closely linked to Obatala and is often seen as the founder of the Yoruba people.
Ogun – Orisha of iron, war, labor, and technology. Patron of blacksmiths, soldiers, and anyone working with metal and tools. He represents strength and persistence.
Shango – Orisha of thunder, lightning, fire, drumming, and masculinity. A powerful and charismatic warrior, known for his fiery nature and strength.
Oya – Orisha of storms, winds, death, and transformation. She is the ruler of the cemetery gates and embodies change and the ability to transition between life and death.
Yemoja (Yemaya) – Orisha of the ocean, motherhood, and fertility. She is the mother of all Orishas and protector of women and children.
Oshun – Orisha of rivers, fertility, love, beauty, and prosperity. She represents feminine power, sensuality, and the ability to heal emotional wounds.
Elegua (Esu, Eleggua) – Orisha of the crossroads, communication, and opportunities. Elegua is the gatekeeper who opens and closes paths, a trickster with both wisdom and mischief.
Orunmila – Orisha of wisdom, divination, and fate. He is the master of the Ifá oracle and is called upon for guidance on matters of destiny and understanding.
Oshosi – Orisha of hunting, justice, and focus. Known as a master tracker and protector, Oshosi is invoked in matters of fairness and the pursuit of goals.
Oba – Orisha of marriage, fidelity, and loyalty. She represents the strength and endurance of long-term relationships, often associated with patience and sacrifice.
Olokun – Orisha of the depths of the ocean, wealth, and the mysteries of the sea. He governs the unknown and the subconscious, representing hidden power and wealth.
Babalu-Aye (Omolu) – Orisha of healing, disease, and suffering. He is revered for his ability to both cause and cure illness, especially in matters related to infectious diseases.
Aje – Orisha of wealth and economic prosperity. Aje represents the marketplace and the ability to accumulate wealth and material success.
Aganju – Orisha of volcanoes, wilderness, and untamed nature. He is often associated with physical strength, endurance, and unyielding force.
Dada – Orisha of children, particularly those born with their hair already formed (known as "dada" children). Dada is a protector of young children and their development.
Logun Ede – Orisha of both the river and the hunt. He is seen as a combination of his parents, Oshun and Oshosi, embodying beauty, grace, and the ability to thrive in both water and land environments.
Ibeji – Twin Orishas associated with fertility, joy, and children. They are revered as powerful protectors of twins and bringers of happiness and balance.
Ala – Orisha of the earth, fertility, and the underworld. She is associated with agriculture and death, and she ensures the continuity of life and nature.
Aje Shaluga – Orisha of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Known for generosity, Aje Shaluga governs the distribution of riches and material blessings.
Osanyin – Orisha of herbalism, healing, and medicine. He possesses deep knowledge of plants and their properties, making him central in healing practices.
Orisha Oko – Orisha of agriculture and fertility of the land. He is the protector of farmers and crops, ensuring the success of agricultural practices.
Erinle – Orisha of the forest and healer. He is closely associated with hunting, medicine, and the preservation of nature, ensuring balance between humans and their environment.
Sopona – Orisha of smallpox and contagious diseases. Though feared because of his ability to bring illness, Sopona is also revered as a powerful healer.
Yewa – Orisha of death and the cemetery. Yewa oversees the final resting place of souls and is associated with purity, humility, and the afterlife.
Aye – Orisha of wealth and earthly abundance. Aye represents material prosperity and the potential for success and fortune in life.
Iku – Orisha of death. Iku is the force that brings the end of life, an inevitable but necessary part of the cycle of existence.
Egungun – The collective spirits of ancestors. While not an individual Orisha, Egungun represents the reverence of ancestors and the importance of lineage and heritage in Yoruba culture.
Ajaka – An Orisha of peace and diplomacy, he is often invoked in matters of negotiation and the resolution of conflicts.
Oluweri – Orisha of the river. She is often associated with the mystical nature of rivers and water, providing clarity and emotional healing.
Ayao – Orisha of the air and wind. She is linked to the ability to bring swift change and is often associated with both positive and destructive forces in nature.
Aroni – Orisha of herbal wisdom and sacred knowledge. He is said to work with Osanyin in the preservation of plant life and healing.
Eshu (Esu) – A form of Elegua, Eshu is the trickster Orisha, known for causing both confusion and enlightenment. He is a keeper of balance between chaos and order, often testing human wisdom and character.
Oko – Orisha of agriculture and fertility. He helps in ensuring the growth of crops and sustenance for people.
Each Orisha governs different aspects of life, nature, and the human experience, and they all work together to maintain balance in the universe. Offerings, rituals, and prayers are made to the Orishas for guidance, protection, and blessings, and they are believed to influence everything from personal fortune to natural events.
In diaspora traditions like Santería, Candomblé, and Vodou, Orishas are worshipped with similar reverence, although the names, practices, and stories may vary slightly across cultures. Each Orisha has a distinct personality, temperament, and domain, making them essential figures in everyday spiritual life for practitioners.
Their stories, symbols, and lessons offer insights into how Yoruba culture views the world and the relationship between humanity, nature, and the divine.
