African Gods.docx

African mythology ›

Introduction African mythology covers a vast area. The African continent includes so many countries, regions, languages, tribes, cultures and crossovers that the sheer diversity of prevailing Gods would seem overwhelming if there weren't a few handy shortcuts. Traditional African belief is overwhelmingly monotheistic. There may be spirits and ancestors floating around, but there's only one God. Early missionaries made a complete pig's ear of their research in this respect and seem to have delighted in cataloging as many 'heathen' Gods as they could possibly get away with. African Creator Gods seem to follow a distinctive pattern — they are all extremely dissatisfied with their creations. There is much shaking of heads, turning away in sorrow and avoidance of contact. The humans are left to fend for themselves. Attempts to regain contact with their God by building a heavenly ladder are the subject of many an unhappy legend. On the whole, African Gods don't like to be pestered, and humans have to learn to be content with their lot. But while God sits in Heaven wringing his hands in despair, the ancestral spirits are very willing to take an active part in Earthly life. These are mostly into hunting and other practical subjects with food, sex and booze as popular as always. There is a remarkable innocence about the Gods of Africa. They seem naive and unworldly, believing the best of everyone and optimistically giving the benefit of the doubt to all and sundry. No wonder they are rudely disappointed when it turns out their badly-chosen favorites are up to no good. Even communicating with their creation is full of problems. Vital messages of life and death are entrusted to whichever farmyard animal happens to be passing, and the resulting garble is likely to have profoundly unforeseen — and usually disastrous — consequences...

REGIONS COVERED: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Savannah, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Transvaal, Tunisia, Uganda, Upper Nile, Upper Zambesi, West Africa, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Many Gods are spread across different regions, cultures and tribes. We've tried to pin them down to a particular area if possible. But amendments and corrections are always welcome, especially from people with first-hand knowledge. So if you live in the region and would like to comment, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here. TRIBES, CULTURES AND PEOPLES COVERED: Abalyia, Agni, Akamba, Alur, Ankore, Asante (Ashanti), Baga, Baila, Bambara, Bantu, Banyarwanda, Banyoro, Barotse, Basuto, Baule, Baventa, Benin, Botswana Bushmen, Bushoong, Dagamba, Damara, Dinka, Djaga, Dogon, Efik, Fon, Hausa, Ibo, Ijaw, Isoko, Kalahari Bushmen, Kalyl, Kaonde, Kavango, Koko, Lele, Lotuko, Lugbara, Lumba, Luo, Luveda, Makeni, Masai, Mbunda, Mende, Nama,

Ngombe, Nbandi, Nuer, Nupe, Pygmy, Shilluk, Shona, Shongon, Songhai, Tonga, Tunbuka, Upoto, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zambesi, Zulu. (If you think there's as many tribes as there are gods, you could be right!)

The Gods told us to do it. G

SHANGO

African Storm God Also known as CHANGO, XANGO

Nicely syncopated Spirit of Thunder, Drums and Dance He was long ago elevated to the ORISHAS after a glorious career as fourth King and warrior hero of the Yoruba. Now he bangs the drum for his people and plays rolling rhythms on his storm clouds. When thunder is heard, you should salute him by crying ‘Cabio Sile Shango’, or words to that effect.

SHANGO leads a full red-blooded life and likes to party. He is in great demand as a drummer and his dancing talents cause severe outbreaks of funkiness wherever perpetrated. His special Feast Day is 4th of December and during this time he has a piper employed to play all the latest hits. His special number is six, and his favorite colors are red and white. He likes animals, particularly dogs. He also favors roosters and turtles, although we think these are more for eating than companionship. If you invite him to a feast you will need to stock up on bananas, apples, cornmeal, okra, red wine and rum. Very much the ladies man, SHANGO does have a relationship with OYA which can at times get pretty tempestuous. He does not get on well with his brother OGUN and is not averse to a good punch-up. But on the whole he’s a great God to have on your side as he is loyal, protective and — as far as we’re concerned — extremely groovy.

SHANGO FACTS AND FIGURES Name : SHANGO Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : CHANGO, XANGO Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Storms God of : Storms Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 233601

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ORISHAS African Multi-talented Spirits Also known as ORISAS, ORIXAS, ORISA, ORIXA, ORISHA

Famous Yoruba spirits of almost everything These are highly important beings of an esteemed nature. ORISHAS are not quite gods — think of them as a spirit cocktail with a slice of saint and a tiny dash of divinity for flavor.

At the last count there seem to be at least 1,700, from the highly obscure to the extremely infamous. Some ORISHAS are worshipped as gods in their own right and they include top names such as BABALUAYE, ELEGUA, OBATALA, OCHOSI , OGUN, OYA, SHANGO and YEM AYA. There was a time when they conducted a power struggle against OLORUN and tried to persuade him to abdicate for sixteen years. Unwilling to give up control of the Universe to lesser deities, he offered them a trial period of sixteen days. Within eight days the whole Universe had ground to a halt. They consulted the oracle ORUNMILA who could give no answer. So they had to eat humble pie, confess they didn’t have a clue about running Universes and ask for pardon. Being a really great sort of God, OLORUN was nice as pie about it, and soon returned the world to order. The ORISHAS became his humble but devoted servants for evermore. If there is a moral to this story we suppose it is: ‘Sometimes it is more cruel to be kind.’ The ORISHAS are now highly thought of and are worshipped in places as far away as the West Indies. See our entry on ORICHAS for the Caribbean slant.

ORISHAS FACTS AND FIGURES Name : ORISHAS Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : ORISAS, ORIXAS, ORISA, ORIXA, ORISHA Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin Location : Africa Gender : Both male and female Type : spiritual being In charge of : Many Things God of : Many Things Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 137512 soon. Permissions page

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BUMBA African Creator God Also known as MBOMBO, MBONGO

Mighty Creator God of Vomit From the Bushongo in the Congo comes BUMBA , the African Creator God of Vomit. Yes, vomit. In the beginning, all was dark. Then out of the darkness came BUMBA , a giant pale-skinned figure. He was not feeling well. In fact he had not been feeling well for millions of years. He was lonely, and the unbearable solitude was making him ill. Troubled by a ballooning bellyache, he staggered, moaned and vomited up the Sun. Light burst forth into the Universe — and he choked out the Moon. The stars came next and then, with a tremendous effort, he threw up the planet Earth. We do live in a very sick world. This nauseating display was brought to a triumphant conclusion when, as an encore, he vomited forth nine animals, an assortment of humans, and a pile of diced carrots. Exhausted from his labors, he sat and watched as the nine creatures multiplied. After a while, they had evolved into every living thing on Earth. Which just shows that Creationism and Evolution are both right. Apart from a pesky critter named TSETSE-BUMBA , all his creatures were friendly and respectful. His loneliness abated and finally he was content.

Then BUMBA ’s three sons appeared. NYONYENGANA, CHONGANDA and CHEDI-BUMBA added the finishing touches and thus the world was made. BUMBA spoke kindly to his human creations before ascending to Heaven, never to be seen again. So far as we know, his stomach has never troubled him since.

BUMBA FACTS AND FIGURES Name : BUMBA Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : MBOMBO, MBONGO Area or people : Bushongo people of the Congo Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Creating God of : Creation Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GREAT, really beneficial Popularity index : 126211

Link here Cite this Article last updated on 25 March 2013 by the Godchecker Team. Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Permissions page

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OBATALA

African Purity God Also known as OBÀTÁLÁ, OBATALÁ, OLUFON, ORISALA, ORISHALA, ORISHA-NLA, ORISHA-POPO, ORISANLA, OSHANLA

White Cloth God and drunken creator of the human race He is a high-ranking spirit among the ORISHAS , but in the old days he did like a drink or two. Not a good thing when you have a holy mission to perform. His father, the supreme sky god OLORUN , gave him the mighty task of building the Earth. Unfortunately, on his way to perform this important job, OBATALA ‘accidentally’ gatecrashed a Godparty and spent the rest of the evening roaring drunk on palm wine. Meanwhile, little sibling ODUDUWA spotted an opportunity. Why should big brother get all the fame and glory? So he stole the holy building materials and did a little planet-constructing behind his back. As you can see if you look around you, he did a pretty good job. Chief architect and supreme deity OLORUN was so pleased with ODUDUWA ’s efforts that he promoted him to God of the Earth. The drunken sop OBATALA was ridiculed, chastised and punished with a tedious punishment — he was put to work making men and women. If you ever wondered why humans aren’t quite as perfect as they should be, here’s the answer: our Holy Maker was drunk at the time. Since that day, every deformity or disability to afflict mankind has been blamed on his fumbling alcoholic fingers.

OBATALA eventually learned the error of his ways and went very firmly on the wagon. OLORUN accepted his apologies and gave him dominion over the mortals he’d created. But only the heads. (You may think your head belongs to you, but it doesn’t. It is only on loan. In reality it belongs to an immortal ex-alcoholic demi-deity from Africa.) With an amazing transformation he reinvented himself as the Great White God, a shining figure in resplendent white cloth. Far from encouraging alcoholic excess and bleary-eyed drunken confusion, he now promotes purity, clean living and clarity of thought. We just hope those impressive gleaming robes do not conceal a hip flask. As top spiritual entity of the ORISHAS with roles covering fertility, childbirth and fortune, he is now enthusiastically venerated all over the world, from Africa to Brazil. He has even been remixed by Catholicism, which is always keen to borrow other people’s gods — especially ones so shiny and white as him.

OBATALA’s wife is YEMAYA. What a roller-coaster marriage she’s had.

OBATALA FACTS AND FIGURES Name : OBATALA Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : OBÀTÁLÁ, OBATALÁ, OLUFON, ORISALA, ORISHALA, ORISHA-NLA, ORISHA-POPO, ORISANLA, OSHANLA Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Purification God of : Purity Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 116273

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ESHU

African Trickster God Also known as ESU

Trickster God of Opportunity, Communication and Instant Messaging The tremendously popular ESHU directs traffic along the Road of Life from his abode at the Crossroads of Fortune. If you’re faced with an important choice or a powerful opportunity, ESHU can offer advice to help swing things your way. A super-speedy gobetween, he can carry complaints to the Gods, questions to the spirit world, and messages to any living thing. With his connections, ESHU can be a powerful ally. But he’s also a Trickster God with a sense of humor and will often throw a spanner in the works to keep life interesting. This could explain why we don’t always get what we want. Be careful — this master of crossroads is also a master of cross-purposes. The perfect deity for the internet age. See also FA and LEGBA .

ESHU FACTS AND FIGURES Name : ESHU Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : ESU Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Mayhem God of : Trickster, Mischief, Mayhem Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 94937 Article last updated on 09 January 2014 by Rowan Allen. Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Permissions page

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OLORUN African Supreme God Also known as OLÒRÚN, OLURUN, OLODUMARE, OLOFI

Top Sky God of Peace, Justice and the Yoruba way He’s the great king of the Universe and the glorious pinnacle of Yoruba mythology. Like the Christian JEHOVAH he is also a three-in-one trinity god — comprising OLORUN the Lord of Heaven, OLODUMARE, the Ultimate Creator and OLOFI the Messenger. Excellent value. In OLODUMARE mode he’s surprisingly good at passing the buck. His wonderful blueprints for planet Earth were amazingly ambitious. But he prudently decided to delegate the job to someone else. It wouldn’t do for the Master of All to get his hands dirty. So he summoned his son OBATALA , greatest of the ORISHAS , handed over the Chicken of Creation and told him to get on with it. This led to all kinds of embarrassing complications before life as we know it was achieved. See OBATALA ’s entry for the whole story. As supreme deity, OLORUN ’s fame has spread as far afield as the Caribbean. But rumors persist that he’s secretly leading a secret double life as windy YANSAN . You can’t trust everything you hear. Perhaps we should ask his trusty messenger ELEGUA .

OLORUN FACTS AND FIGURES Name : OLORUN Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : OLÒRÚN, OLURUN, OLODUMARE, OLOFI Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Everything God of : Supreme, Everything

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 88005

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ELEGUA African Trickster God

Trickster God of Crossroads, Beginnings and Opportunities He’s the guardian of the Crossroads of Life. Whenever there are decisions to be made, he provides opportunities and second chances. If you’re lucky. As a Trickster God, the childlike ELEGUA can sometimes make things even more complicated. At a whim he can turn a simple choice into a vast conundrum of paradox. He’s also messenger to the higher Gods, particularly OLORUN , and he does like to be noticed. He’s partial to cigars and rum, but he is very good with children. His day is Monday — so you can start the week well under his ministrations. His color coding is red and black.

ELEGUA FACTS AND FIGURES Name : ELEGUA Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : None known Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Mayhem God of : Trickster, Mischief, Mayhem Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad Popularity index : 87140

Article last updated on 09 January 2014 by Rowan Allen. Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Permissions page

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YEMAYA African Childbirth Goddess Also known as YEMANJA, YEMONJA, YEMAYAH, YEMOWO, YEMOJA, YEMOWO, YEMBO, IAMANJIE

The Mother of Water and Childbirth Her stylish blue and crystal skirts billow in wave-like motions. One of the ORISHAS , she is a sensuous, slow-moving figure, just like the water she represents. Very calm and soothing for birthing situations. But she has a curious aversion to salt — so she will float over the ocean but not in it.

YEMAYA is also a Moon Goddess and the number seven has special significance for her. We don’t like to gossip, but her husband OBATALA has a shady past — he created mankind under less than reputable circumstances. Still, that’s all water under the bridge now.

YEMAYA FACTS AND FIGURES Name : YEMAYA Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : YEMANJA, YEMONJA, YEMAYAH, YEMOWO, YEMOJA, YEMOWO, YEMBO, IAMANJIE Area or people : Yoruba, Nigeria Location : Africa

Gender : Female Type : deity In charge of : Birth God of : Childbirth Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 83983

Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Permissions page

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ABASSI African Creator God

Nigerian Creator God and Lord of the Sky On the suggestion of his wife ATAI , ABASSI invented the first humans and somewhat nervously introduced them into the wild. As he feared, the first couple quickly discovered sex, and pretty soon were doing their own creating. This created a terrible over-population problem, and made ABASSI feel rather insecure. So ATAI gave humanity two gifts, Argument and Death, to keep the numbers under control.

ABASSI FACTS AND FIGURES Name : ABASSI Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : None known Area or people : Efik people of Nigeria Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Creating God of : Creation Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable Popularity index : 78047

Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Permissions page

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ANANSI

African Trickster God Also known as ANANSE, AUNT-NANCY

Famous Spider Trickster God As well as being sneaky, tricky, sly and crafty, he’s also a Creator God who made the sun and moon and hit upon the novel idea of day and night. Legends and tales abound.

ANANSI is very popular with the natives. In fact he’s affectionately known as Aunt Nancy. He’s also one of WULBARI ’s cohorts, apparently. ANANSI FACTS AND FIGURES Name : ANANSI Pronunciation : Coming soon Alternative names : ANANSE, AUNT-NANCY Area or people : West Africa Location : Africa Gender : Male Type : deity In charge of : Mayhem God of : Trickster, Mischief, Mayhem Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad Popularity index : 78035

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