When the pilgrims who traveled to this land entered in conflict with the native beasts that lived on it, the Originators, the heroes that rose among the humans were ascended to gods on faith. She is a very interesting Orisha because she metaphorically defied the rules of patriarchy. The Orishas: Aganyu, Babalu-Aye, Chango, and Eleggua, The God of Wealth and Other Deities of Prosperity and Money, What Is Mysticism? His element is wind. He lived inside a forest and he would have sexual relations with any woman who entered the woods. The next step was the creation of all life. This changing nature made Oshumare a versatile one. He could see the entire empire from there. the door between the worlds and opens our roads in life. She proposed a deal: she would retrieve Obatalas white clothes and, in exchange, he would eventually teach her how to use Bzios for divination. As a Yoruba myth explains, back when the world was completely covered with water, Olodumare assigned Obatala with the task of giving shape to the land. She is the youngest of Ochossi and Ogun are brothers. She tells her son to avoid going to the forest, but he doesnt listen to her. Article written by Simon E. Davies, Contributor to Ancient Code. So if you find here something different from what you were taught as a practitioner, simply write me, so I can add a note stating this difference. The idea was to create a space where all of them could go not only to play but also to walk and do other things. Be sure to check my YouTube Channel and follow me on Twitter too! Yoruba is no different. As such, these stories give multiple origin stories for the orishas. She never ate lamb after these occasions. Historically, If (aka Ile-Ife) showed advanced urbanism and is one of the most urbanized centers of ancient Africa. He is married to Obba but has relations and female paths. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. This was a necessity when slave-owners refused to allow slaves to practice African religion. So, today were talking about African Pantheons. She seduced Eshu, slept with him, and took Obatalas clothes back. Also observe how the observe the orishas at work in the world and in your own lives you will There are several stories about Yemaya and some of them have some conflicting pieces of information. https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed March 5, 2023). As the wife of the god of the underworld, Isis was also one of the main deities concerned with rites for the dead. During the night, Shango took the mysterious red powder and climbed to the top of a mountain. Omulu was considered to be the ugly one, while his brother Oxumare was the beautiful one. The oldest known depiction of Osiris dates to about 2300 bce, but representations of him are rare before the New Kingdom (15391075 bce), when he was shown in an archaizing form as a mummy with his arms crossed on his breast, one hand holding a crook, the other a flail. One thing that is common among all religions derived from the Yoruba one is the presence of spells, divination methods, and rituals. Hes related to death and also to magic. Learn Religions. He wore metal armor and he had weapons in his hands. (Sincerely, I would have done the same!). In this If you wish to support me,please use the button below and buy me a ko-fi! So we can say West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Benin, and Togo form the place where Yoruba is located. This identification with Osiris, however, did not imply resurrection, for even Osiris did not rise from the dead. gold and her number is five. Immediately, Ogun, even though he was tired, initiates a fight against all the invaders and defeats them all! Orisha Ossain is the Orisha who rules over the forests. From her death, many Orisha children were born (now comes the conflicting information): I said there is conflicting information because there are several stories that suggest Yemaya, Oshun, and Oya are sisters too. To perform it, Obatala was given a shell full of earth, a five-fingered hen, and a pigeon. the femme fatale of the orishas and once saved the world by luring You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Omulu is considered to be ugly and Oshumare is the most beautiful being in the world. Beyer, Catherine. Olokun presides over this watery abyss, an aquatic realm populated by sea spirits. His element is water. No life existed in this water, though. This way, Eshu not only became knowledgeable but also rich and prosperous. This empire has mythical origins related to the last prince of the If kingdom. Orisha Oshumare is calm and tranquil. He wears light green and blue clothes. She is a fierce warrior who rides to war with Warriors, and is received along with Elegba, Ogn and Osun in At Memphis the holy bull, Apis, was linked with Osiris, becoming Osiris-Apis, which eventually became the name of the Hellenistic god Serapis. Omissions? Egyptian God. In Africa, however, there was no such familiarity between orishas, in part because their followers were not strongly connected. The patakis, or stories of the orishas, are not standardized and are frequently contradictory. Obatala observed how hard Eshu was working and decided to compensate him. Ogun is revered as a mighty god, called upon by warriors for strength in battle. Oshun is also considered a Mother Goddess and its very common for her worshipers to be known as children of Oshun. Amon was a god of the air, and the name probably means the Hidden One. He was usually represented as a man wearing a crown with two vertical plumes. She hid among rams. Shes usually considered Yemayas sister, but some tales also describe her as Yemayas daughter. From this argument, a fight started. Even if a priest of one orisha died, there would be others in the community trained to work with that same orisha. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. makes short work of a tree or a fire rage through an area, one has Ill start with the male ones, the Orisha Gods as we can call them. Humans themselves dont have the power or knowledge to play alone. As an immortal, he was unable to die, so he chose instead to descend into the earths surface, in a place named Ire-Ekiti. Id like to remind you that there are more than 400 Orishas out there and different places may highlight others as the main ones. On his head was the atef-crown, composed of the white crown of Upper Egypt and two ostrich feathers. One day she asked a Babalawo for some advice and she was told she would have children if he made an eb (food offering) with lamb. He is also the creator of rainbows and a rainbow can also be the personification of Oshumare. drumming, women, song and eating. Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa. Other times they are birthed as higher beings. People would wait for him to heal them. When humans die, they must return to her dwelling and become mud again. Orisha Yemaya, also known as Yemanja or Janaina, is one of the most popular Orisha of all. Along with her sister Nephthys, Isis acted as a divine mourner, and her maternal care was often depicted as extending to the dead in the underworld. the root of all the paths or manifestations, Olokun is the source of Orunmila is wisdom and babbling brook and the flash flood reflect her changeable moods. By symbolically placing these two double axes on the chest, one can summon Shango for protection. According to the form of the myth reported by the Greek author Plutarch, Osiris was slain or drowned by Seth, who tore the corpse into 14 pieces and flung them over Egypt. The intention of this site is not to indoctrinate anyone. Obatala felt reluctant but eventually agreed with her. Others suggest that Omulu is a son of Nan, who rejected him for his ugliness and disposed of him. she is the queen of witches carrying within her deep and dark secrets. Lambs are sacred to her. Catherine Beyer is a practicing Wiccan who has taught religion in at Lakeland College in Wisconsin as well as humanities and Western culture at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. One day, Orung waited for his father to be absent and raped Yemaya. She always holds a mirror to admire her own beauty and to teach her children to love themselves above all. He didnt need them. So, whenever you make a purchase through an Amazon link on this website, I may earn some commissions. One day, Orunmila ordered Ossain to prepare a huge portion of land because he wanted to start planting and cultivating the soil. He is also the owner of all heads and the mind. As the god of wisdom, Thoth was said to possess knowledge of magic and secrets unavailable to the other gods. The truth is that macumba is a collection of rites and spells that may be performed to attract, banish, bind or release energies, spirits, material goods, and whatever the practitioner desires. In isolation he learned humility, becoming Babal-Ay. Obatala became aware of the situation and decided to punish Omulu for spreading the disease among the Orishas. The best source of ashe is in sacrificial blood, which is why animal sacrifice plays such a prominent role in Santeria. After a long travel, he went back to the forests, where he lives until today. So he teaches Ochossi how to use a bow and arrows. Oy on Earth for a time. He is most often represented by a double headed they rule over. He took his clothes off and hang them on a tree. Other stories tell that Ogum was married to Oya. "The Orishas." The battle started and Shango emerged victorious, against all odds. Res cult was centered in Heliopolis, now a suburb of Cairo. Obatala was enraged at his brother for usurping his position, but he eventually conceded to his Oduduwas divine authority. He talked to Obatala and assigned him the task of creating land. She made it. Firstly because of the eb she prepared to become a mother. Shes a crone who knows all the secret spells and hidden knowledge out there. The shell contained a magical soil and a divine cloth. witness to our destinies in the making as well. People who were watching suggested Eshu could make use of his magical power to beat Obatala. It is said that Ogun had many lovers. Ptah was the head of a triad of gods worshipped at Memphis. Creation stories are found throughout the world. Elegba is always from draught by flying up to heaven (turning into a vulture in the Talisman. Simply water. But they cant figure out what animal hes supposed to be. Each orisha has its own distinct personality and has a wide variety of strengths, weaknesses, and interests. But not a river or an ocean. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. He is often viewed as a solitary figure who lives in the wilderness, practicing the ancient craft of shamanism. As the people began to reproduce, new lands were required for them to settle. has an extremely close relationship. evolve through the form of a fish before becoming a human baby. Orisha Oshun, also known as Osun, is the Orisha of Rivers and Love. Some say Shango had 3 wives. After playtime, they would simply return to the sky. Ogn that clears the roads with his machete. One day, in the depths of the forest, he eventually meets Ossain who gives him a potion to drink. roads. Nana didnt like the idea of having the permission of Ogun for her works or for being praised. Hes deeply related to magic, macumba, miraculous happenings, and divination. Copyright Ancient Code. The Orishas already existed and they lived in the sky, above this watery space. Olodumare is the source of ashe, which all living things must have in order to survive and succeed, including the orishas. One day, Ogun arrives from a battle and finds Ochossi scared and isolated. They may not participate in all the customs, but they do know and praise these Gods too. Even if he needs to fight Ossain in his realm, he wants his brother back. He stayed at Obatalas for 16 years! Osiris and Horus were thus father and son. Kokou by Assasin Monkey observing that though she always heads toward her sister Yemay It says that he initially had nothing. In the end, all those who wish to offer something to Nana must use wooden tools. children have an innate ability for divination. His element is the earth. Nut, in Egyptian religion she is a Goddess of the sky, frequently portrayed alongside the African God of the earth, Geb. Osiris festivals symbolically reenacting the gods fate were celebrated annually in various towns throughout ancient Egypt. above them. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. It is said that Omulu and Osumare are brothers. Some examples of his manifestations are Air, Agodo, Afonja, Obomin, and Lub. Some of the most important skills were obtained like this: She even enhanced the magical power she learned from Eshu and became able to transform herself into a water buffalo. Oya hid below the dead rams and managed to escape Shangos wrath. He is known as the omnipotent ruler of the Yoruba pantheon, whose light brings life and vitality to all living things. He takes an active role in the affairs of both heaven and earth. Orisha Ochosi, also known as Oxossi or Od, is the hunter. Although she is mostly related to the sea and the salty waters, she is also worshiped by people who live far from the oceans. Now, its said that albino people are highly protected by Obatala. Everyone got surprised because he was looking handsome. Orunmila's relationship with Osayn (the secrets of the plant Essentially, Orishas represent the powers of nature, as well as time, life, death, and rebirth. As a spirit of Chaos and Trickery, he frequently tempts mortals from their moral path. These supernatural entities usually referred to as deities are actually emanations or avatars of the supreme being Olodumare. One day, Obatala decided to bathe in a river. He never asked a single question. While some really wanted to be with him, others were only victims of his desires. ALA baniase: He who gives fourth and takes This name given for his great powers. uncountable. She uses this transformation to attack those who threaten her children and the ones she protects. though through which he enforces justice in the world. Shango called Eshu, then. It is said she couldnt have any child of her own. Apart from this story, Oshumares stories are usually less dramatic as he is usually more associated with beauty and riches. Over time, Re came to be syncretized with other sun deities, especially Amon. Ogun by Eran Fowler She also rules His color is He reigned for seven years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Oyo Empire. As I mentioned above, Orishas are worshiped not only in their cradle but also in many other countries around the world. The 4th-dynasty architect Imhotep was deified after his death as a son of Ptah. He decides to enter the forest and look for his brother. This was not enough, he continued to be teased and provoked. However, hes known for being vengeful and aggressive, mainly against women. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Osiris-Egyptian-god, Ancient Origins - The Outstanding Story of Osiris: His Myth, Symbols, and Significance in Ancient Egypt. Interestingly, most of them share things in common in one way or another. Everything consists of songs, stories, and practices. Were going to focus on a dozen or so. In his early days, he was very hostile, inflicting disease upon those who transgressed him. Olorun was responsible for having the idea of creating firm land. over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. ARTWORK: She is also known for the colors of maroon, flowery patterns and nine He also demanded that these seven backed yams should be planted in front of everyone. Oshosi is the third member of the group known as the Guerreros or We are also blessed from time to time in the religion with the In some traditions, Aganju is seen as the father or brother of Shango, god of thunder and lightning. Regarding his trickster nature, Eshu is known for playing tricks, deceiving, and even helping those who ask him for help in doing some inappropriate things. The Sky god finished building the city of Ife and made himself the king of the Yoruba. When one sees the quickness with which lightning He is the most feared of the Orisha. In ancient Greek religion, she was known . From Ogun, she learned how to wield the sword; From Oxaguia, she learned how to wield the shield; From Eshu, she learned how to use the magical power of fire; From Shango, she learned the power of make justice and how to use thunderbols; From Omulu, however, she wasnt able to learn anything as she couldnt seduce him. Their union gives birth to Aganju (earth, in a way we can walk upon it) and Yemaya (water). People asked him to calm down and forgive Oya. One powerful talisman of Polish Catholicism. What is very important to know now is that these people shared common beliefs and customs. 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. A central feature was the construction of the Osiris garden.. He was hiding because invaders had conquered most of the village he lived in and killed lots of people. Horus was raised to avenge his fathers murder. For example, one of the most famous ones tells how the seas and oceans were created. From about 2000 bce onward it was believed that every man, not just the deceased kings, became associated with Osiris at death. His formidable power and has empowered humans to build civilizations and thrive from his wealth and abundance. In the Middle Kingdom (1938c. Olodumare However, everyone would visit him, stay a few days, and go back home. We also have lots of syncretism involved which contributed to the spread of their worship inside Christian beliefs too. them often to represent her. Before Orung could find her, she died and her body created mountains, valleys, and all the ways water could flow to flood the vast land. He saw plants capable of healing different kinds of pain, hemorrhages, fever, and much more. The gods of the land keep the peace and the people in check. Shang (sharing lightning and fire with him) and was once the It says she wanted to become powerful and stronger than men. axe. 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). There are different stories to explain how Omulu got his clothes that cover all his body and face, but one of the most common is that Nana felt so sorry for him that she decided to cover it all to avoid him suffering. Learn Religions, Mar. Through the Table of If Because the festivals took place in the open, public participation was permitted, and by the early 2nd millennium bce it had become fashionable to be buried along the processional road at Abydos or to erect a cenotaph there as a representative of the dead. Olorun who created the universe, it is Obatal who is the New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. . It is believed that depictions of Isis with the infant Horus influenced Christian imagery of Mary with the infant Jesus. Orisha Obatala always wears white clothes. Youd be right. Instead were going to focus on Yoruba religion from west Africa, and the Orishas that populate Yoruba stories. He embodies the power of the sun, essential for the growth. Omulu is one of Nan Burukes sons. The number of orishas varies among believers. She also had an important funerary aspect, being known as the lady of the west. (Tombs were generally built on the west bank of the Nile.) Never metal ones! Ogun always wears dark blue clothes and may also wear pieces of armor. In her path of Okutti Erinle is a wilderness god, associated with hunting, herbalism and animal husbandry. An Orisha is a God or a Goddess from the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. Today, we refer to these areas as Yorubaland. He is the owner of all Madonna. According to the form of the myth reported by the Greek author Plutarch, Osiris was slain or drowned by Seth, who tore the corpse into 14 pieces and flung them over Egypt. predynastic and dynastic periods in ancient Egypt. The In the New World, Africans from many city-states were thrown together into common slavery. He can be represented as an old man or as a young one. He is the repository of ash. These Are The 10 Avatars Of Vishnu, One Of The Main Ancient Hindu Deities, 14 Massive Monoliths Of The Ancient World. He got uncontrollable as usual and when he noticed, the entire empire was burning. One day, Obatala and Eshu argued about who was the oldest Orisha of all. He threatened to kill people there until his mother intervened and offered him the crown as a way to make him stop. The Orisha are spirits/deities that reflect one aspect of god. themselves and are recognised through their different numbers and He taught his followers the secrets of civilization (fire, smithing, hunting, politics, and war). This fight was mainly a physical fight, no magic was involved. Besides this, hes also associated with prosperity and abundance, mainly in the food aspect. Oya is her main name. creator of the world and humanity. He usually has a long snout and long ears that are squared at the tips. His wife, Isis, reassembled his body and resurrected him, allowing them to conceive a son, the god Horus. He is recognised in She became Oya Ibale, the queen of the dead. Osiris, also called Usir, one of the most important gods of ancient Egypt. Wherever he would go, his fame was already there. In many ways, therefore, understanding an orisha is like understanding another human being. Catholic. He just observed how Obatala used to work, how he used to create humans from clay. Greco-Roman authors connected Osiris with the god Dionysus. He is a warrior orisha When she offered mud, he was finally able to create perfect human beings. His colors are green and yellow which reflect When she started to speak, fire came out of her mouth. So happy that he decided to share the realm of the dead with her. Obatala knocked Eshu down three times and Eshu got back on his feet after all of them. As you already know, Ogun is a violent warrior. Eshu is intrusive and sometimes aggressive. The characteristics of individual gods could be hard to pin down. The festivals took place in the open, so public participation was permitted. He recognises For Her number is nine which recalls her title of Yansa or In the Ptolemaic period she came to be associated with the Greek goddess Artemis, the divine hunter and goddess of the moon. This dual role was in turn combined with the Egyptian concept of divine kingship: the king at death became Osiris, god of the underworld; and the dead kings son, the living king, was identified with Horus, a god of the sky. An Orisha is a God or a Goddess from the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. technology and because this technology shares in his nature, it is The origin of Osiris is obscure; he was a local god of Busiris, in Lower Egypt, and may have been a personification of chthonic (underworld) fertility. the human and the divine, as he is child-like messenger between the two The Orisha And The 12 Gods Of Yoruba Mythology. As a prize, he took Eshus gourd for him. He represents the power of fortune. Living humans were the third category, and the most Just like a storm. It is said their scars strike fear into their enemy, who see the scars of Kokou as a sign of their potency. There is no expectation that each community would function exactly alike or understand the orishas in exactly the same way. The creator of mankind, and god of purity and redemption, Obatala is a great example of how the orishas can sometimes show proof of a fallible, human-like character. Oya is married to Shango, a warrior Orisha who also has fire as an element. He was the only orisha White is most appropriate for The goddess Hathor was usually depicted as a cow, as a woman with the head of a cow, or as a woman with cows ears. the cemetery. Eshu did it differently. Ancient Code is a website founded in 2012 that covers articles and scientific discoveries that help understand humanitys past, present, and future. If means something like the large abode and it was the first land created by Obatala, the Creator Orisha. The mold was moistened with the water of the Nile and sown with grain. He made some oxen appear on the roofs of cattle sheds. She recognises herself in the colors yellow and In the Osiris myth, he is the murderer of Osiris (in some versions of the myth, he tricks Osiris into laying down in a coffin and then seals it shut.). Back to Oyo, Oya delivered Shango the red powder. his title of Eleri Ipin or "Witness to Destiny in its Even though he has this nice aspect, Ogun is mainly regarded as an impulsive man who uses violence to get what he wants thats why hes also associated with war! Orisha Nana Buruku, also known as Nana Buruque or simply as Nan, is the most respected Orisha of all. I hope you could get a clearer picture of them and now youre able to familiarise yourself with these forces. One day, Obatala was so busy that he asked Eshu to guard his house and prevent people from entering to offer him gifts. Shango, the impulsive, only had a stone. Table of If to Orunmila in exchange for the gift of dance, his They rule It's just spreading historical, mythological and magical information. Orisha Omulu is quiet and vengeful. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. In this The challenge, however, WAS a lie itself. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. over maternity in our lives as she is the Mother of All. witnessed the temper of Shang in action. relationship. Oya married Shango and lived with him in his palace in Oyo. Elegba (also referred to Eleggua or Eleggu) is the owner of the