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Creation Stories from Around the World 
Afro-Carribean Yoruba, unknown origins-1989 CE 
Mythology of the Yoruba Religion 
A recounting and explanation of Yoruba creation stories by Oba Ecun, the Yoruba name of Cuban-born Cecilio 
Perez, Yoruba practitioner and scholar. Text and notes taken from Ita: Mythology of the Yoruba Religion, 
by Oba Ecun, Obaecun Books, Miami 1989. 
 
 
FORMATION OF THE EARTH 
 
Oloddumare1 was looking for a place to rest and 
where he could create his kingdom, when he caught sight 
of a heavenly gaseous mass. As he came closer to it he 
noted it had the desirable conditions he was looking for in 
order to create his ALAFI (house of god). This place 
would have the perfect climate and beautiful vegetation 
thus ensuring favorable conditions for his children 
(orishas2) during the winter months. 
This story takes place specifically on the African 
continent in what today is known as the Federal Republic 
of Nigeria in the cities of Oyo, Ife and Ibadan, places that 
even today have great natural riches and where nothing is 
lacking for the development and conservation of the 
human race. 
In the city of Ife (place where according to the 
Yoruba the world was created) Oloddumare decided to 
begin populating the planet. He created the first man 
represented in his material form by his name Oddua, 
which means beginning of the human race. 
Oloddumare decided his kingdom needed inhabitants 
capable of multiplying, it was then that he determined he 
would form the earth in that mass he had chosen and he 
would call it Oddua (beginning and end, in Lucumi it 
means longitude). Oddua would have inside his body the 
spirit of Oloddumare and would physically act as 
Oloddumare. He would be in charge of governing the 
planet being the highest authority and all future 
generations would have to give him tribute. 
Oddua has to do with everything that happens on earth 
beginning at birth and ending at death (when I say all, its all 
that concerns the planet). He is the father of all the Orishas as 
they were borne of him. He is the first inhabitant of earth, it 
would be through him the earth would mold to what is today 
its round shape. Oddua is the earth and at the beginning it 
was composed of nothing more than gasses and fog. From 
these gasses and fog what we know today as the earth was 
formed. From the highest mountains on earth the spirit of 
 
1 Oloddumare: In the lucumi tongue: oloddumare means the 
beginning and the end, and the foundation where this planet is 
based. 
2 Orishas: The Orishas are the deities of the Yoruba Pantheon. 
They are generally personified forces of nature and patrons of 
activities and occupations. The Yoruba religion is characterized 
by the existence of a great multipliicity of deities, thereby 
creating a diversity of cults. Due to the evolutionary process, the 
number of deities in the Americas were notably reduced from 
the 100’s and maybe 1000’s of deities known to the Yoruba. 
Oddua was born and took the material shape of man (as man 
was born or formed of the earth). 
Once man was created his name was Oddua, he 
analyzes the situation and felt it was a lonely and dry 
place. As he started to walk he saw this place needed 
much in order to be hospitable and would not be able to 
complete his tasks alone. So walking and thinking he 
comes to a place of such great depth he could not see the 
bottom. That is when he decided to fill this deep hole with 
some of the gasses left from the formation of the planet. 
As he filled the hole the gas turned into a transparent 
liquid which is known as water. Once the vast hole was 
filled with this liquid there was the creation of another 
Orisha with the same faculties as Oddua, at the same time 
with opposite representation and facets – they would be 
only one identity. 
Once water was created so was Yembo, Oddua’s 
wife. Yembo in Lucumi means MOTHER OF THE 
WATER, THE PLANET AND THE HUMAN RACE. 
She would have one of the most important roles in the 
evolution of the kingdom together with Oddua. As she 
was created so were formed the great oceans, rivers, 
waterfalls, lakes, as well as the rain. Her birth also brings 
love and marriage and the creation of the human race. 
 
ODDUA - EARTH, SOIL, FATHER 
YEMBO - WATER AND MOTHER 
OMI OLORURE - RAIN WATER, WATER FROM 
HEAVEN 
 
When Yembo is created the earth acquired a 
magnificent splendor as she brought with her a sense of 
what beauty is. She is a brunette of inexplicable beauty 
which hypnotized the earth with her femininity and when 
she united with the earth it was the beginning of Oddua 
and Yembo’s marriage (marriage of the earth and the sea) 
and the love of these two Orishas, destined to be the 
parents of the Yoruba Pantheon. 
Yembo has under her domain everything related to 
water; she is the mother of the world. When the sun rises 
and we see that beautiful blue sky in the horizon that is 
when she breathes and rules us all. She was the most 
beautiful woman in the kingdom of Olodumare. Her 
sensuality was such that no one could resist her. They all 
wanted her; she represents life in all of its splendor. 
During the night she becomes Nana Burucu (moon) which 
is one of her facets or identity. During this facet she 
becomes mysterious and mystic, her body is elevated to 
the heavens and lights the planet with her majestic light. 
 
She is the one who lights the dark of night making the 
earth less somber. We owe her for the cool nights; she is 
the one that gives respite from the hot rays of the sun, 
balancing the course of nature, alleviating with her dew 
everything on the planet, not permitting the day or night 
from being too long. She rules the marine currents and 
gives life to earth as she is the blood running through 
earth’s veins since from her run the rivers, brooks and 
lakes. 
She is also known as Olokun. In this facet she is 
more human and compassionate and is the one that rules 
the seven seas to this day but is all one entity. 
ODDUA AND YEMBO ARE THE PARENTS OF 
THE YORUBA PANTHEON 
Once these two Orishas were born and ruling their 
corresponding elements they decided to unite and form a 
marriage in order to populate the planet, thereby starting 
the process and evolution of the Orishas. 
 
 
ODDUA AND YEMBO’S LOVE 
 
The love they professed for each other is the greatest 
love story ever to be written in the history of the planet. 
The union of these two Orishas is so beautiful and lasting 
that it is still alive today. Under this union they had all 
sorts of problems. There were many who tried to split 
them apart but they were unsuccessful. No one was able 
to separate them as they were destined to be together till 
the end of time. From their love all other Orishas were 
born (the vital elements for surviving). The day their love 
stops and the earth and the water are separated will be the 
day of Armaggedon in this kingdom of Olodumare called 
Earth. 
 
First Child - Argayu (Sun) 
 
Oddua and Yembo once united on this planet, which 
was still in darkness during the day, needed someone to 
illuminate it and give it the light necessary during the day 
since Nana Buruku (moon) shed some light at night time. 
It was then that their first son was born. When he came 
into this world he did so with two very important 
identities. At once he went into the core of the earth while 
at the same time elevating himself to the Ile Olodumare 
(heaven) where he shines in all his splendor and gives the 
earth the necessary light during the day. When he is in the 
heavens he is known as Olorun (sun); when inside the 
earth he is known as Argayu (volcano). We owe him for 
not freezing to death. He is in charge of keeping the earth 
warm with his solar rays. He has a very strong and 
masculine character and is one of the most important and 
oldest Orishas in the Yuruba Pantheon. 
ARGAYU WAS ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED 
ORISHAS BY THE YORUBAS BEFORE 
THETREATY OF SLAVES 
With his birth would come very important events to 
the planet since he brought with him the calendar 
separating night from day, divided the continents during 
one of his furious attacks (that is when erruptions occur) 
and there in the volcano is where the Orisha Oggun would 
be born. 
 
Second Child - Oggun (Metals) 
 
After Argayu was brightly shining on the kingdom, 
Oddua and Yembo decided to have a second child, 
Oggun. He would give them the most trouble ever known 
on the kingdom. While he was coming into this world the 
volcano was erupting. Yembo decided that would be 
where she should have her Omo (child). Amid the 
volcano eruption he was born and baptized with the name 
Oggun1. That is when all the metals were formed. 
That is the reason he was born in the volcano. Oddua 
and Yembo resolved to also make him responsible for the 
distribution of food in the kingdom. 
He had a strong and blood thirsty character. He was 
to obtain a position in the hierarchy of the daily life in the 
kingdom of the Orishas. He was tall, dark and handsome 
with features that attracted the attention of the kingdom’s 
inhabitants; his fury and blood thirsty instincts were 
reason enough for everyone to respect him. 
With his birth also came a series of qualities, some 
good and some bad. With him vice entered the world. It 
was the first time the kingdom knew of it in a general 
sense; also wars became known with him, as he lived in it 
throughout time. 
With the birth of Oggun, the planet was moving 
toward development and was progressing rapidly, 
becoming very beneficial for all. Oddua and Yembo 
continued to procreate; as they were expecting their third 
child. 
 
Third Child - Oshosi (Hunter and Judge) 
 
Oshosi, that is how the parents of the Yoruba 
Pantheon would name their third son. He would come to 
implement rules to be followed by everyone in the 
kingdom. He would be the provider of all the protagonists 
in the kingdom; he would also be the one who would 
explain and apply the laws by which they would have to 
conduct themselves upon their entrance into the world. 
Oddua and Yembo gave the beautiful Oshosi the task of 
hunting in order to feed the people. 
With him some good and bad was also brought into 
the world as he was a sorcerer. The birth of Oshosi 
brought the Yoruban refrain, IN ORDER FOR THE 
WORLD TO BE A WORLD THERE MUST BE A 
LITTLE OF EVERYTHING. Olodumare would permit 
Oshosi to use his powers of witchcraft only for the good 
of mankind. 
He was very good looking and enchanted many in the 
kingdom; he had a look in his eyes that attracted everyone 
he came in contact with. He was respected by all as he 
was the judge of the kingdom of Olodumare. 
 
1 Oggun: “Oggun” means all the metals in the world 
 
WITH HIS BIRTH JUSTICE AND WITCHCRAFT 
BECAME KNOWN IN THE KINGDOM 
 
Fourth Child - Osun (Good Standing, Communicator) 
 
Shortly after Oshosi was born Yembo was already 
expecting her fourth child. Oddua needed someone 
responsible who would be able to help him with his tasks 
in the kingdom and it was Osun in whom Oddua placed 
his confidence. He gave Osun responsibilities none of his 
elder brothers had. Osun, at birth, would be the head that 
would always reason. His mission would be to let Oddua 
know what happened in the household during his absence. 
Osun had great virtues; he was wise, very responsible but 
he also had a bad quality and that was to be a glutton; he 
would let food rule his life and would forget his 
obligations (Oggun would take advantage of this defect). 
He paid very dearly for his fault as he lost his position as 
his parents’ favorite because of it. 
His mission was to keep everyone in good standing. 
Oddua trusted him so much he would have Osun take his 
place in the household when he went away, since Osun 
was very responsible and just. All the world’s trust Oddua 
had placed in Osun1. 
With the birth of Osun, Oddua had help at home 
since Osun was always willing to help and Oddua had 
plenty to do in the kingdom with its evolution. This gave 
Oddua and Yembo more time to spend together. Shortly 
after Osun’s birth Yembo became pregnant again with her 
fifth child, who would come to change the lives of all in 
the kingdom. Yembo gave birth to another beautiful boy 
and named him Eleggua. 
 
Fifth Child - Eleggua (Ruler of all paths and 
opportunities in life) 
 
With Eleggua’s birth came all paths and opportunities 
this world had to offer to future human beings who would 
populate the world in time. Truth and honesty were also 
his virtues. He was a beautiful child and somewhat 
playful. He always liked to do good and helped those in 
need. He also had a great love for his parents. 
Oddua and Yembo saw in him a great prince with 
very special talents. Of all the virtues he possessed there 
was one that shined above the rest and that was he would 
always tell the truth and be just with everyone. 
When he was born it was plain to see that he had 
some airs of grandeur that gave him the title of a great 
prince (as would later become one). No matter how hard 
the truth he would always say it regardless of the 
consequences. He would become the most respected 
Orisha in the kingdom of Oloddumare and all the other 
Orishas would have to come to him to ask something of 
their parents. 
Oggun, since Eleggua’s birth, had become jealous 
and mistreated Eleggua. Oggun would come to pay dearly 
 
1 Osun: “Osun” signifies to be in good standing in the world. 
Osun never sleeps. When he does, someone dies. 
for his deeds as Eleggua was destined to occupy a very 
special place in the kingdom which all the other Orishas 
would have liked to occupy and would come to need his 
help. 
Oddua saw in Eleggua virtues none of his other sons 
had. This gave way to jealousy and mistreatment against 
Eleggua by his brothers. Eleggua was always in trouble 
with his older brothers by always defending their parents. 
They were all mortified by Oddua and Yembo’s 
preference with Eleggua. 
Once Eleggua was older and becoming a handsome 
young man did Yembo become pregnant again thus 
awaiting together with Oddua their sixth child. 
 
Sixth Child - Osain 
 
Osain was born and his birth would bring to earth 
inmeasurable benefits as he would be the Orisha to 
populate the earth with animal life and plants. He would 
be the doctor in the kingdom of Oloddumare since 
medicines would be prepared from plants. He would give 
the kingdom a beauty never seen before. With his birth 
the earth would acquire a sublime beauty where life 
would become very pleasant for all of its inhabitants. 
Besides plants he brought with him all animals such as: 
AFRICAN PARROT COIDE 
SNAPPER ELLATUTO 
LEOPARD ECUN 
GOAT AUNCO 
LAMB ABO 
BUZZARD IBU COLE 
Among the plants the most distinguishable was the 
Ceiba-Araba, which along with the above named animals 
would later come to play an important role in the life of 
the planet as you will see in later chapters. Osain 
populated the earth with this much needed landscape 
since up to this time it was composed of land and sea. 
Upon his arrival everything changed as his plants with 
their different shades of green and the multicolors of the 
forests gave the earth an impressive and marvelous 
beauty. He also brought the featherd animals with their 
beautiful plumage and songs giving a peaceful touch to 
the inhabitants of the kingdom. 
WITH THE BIRTH OF OSA1N DID THE EARTH 
KNOW OF MEDICINE, ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE 
His birth also brought the beginning of everything 
sacred in the world. Future generations would have to ask 
his permission in order to use them. He is the Orisha that 
brought the greatest progress. Osain and Yembo were the 
two greatest contributors to the kingdom. Yembo was the 
water and Osain non-human life. The first gave the planet 
what it needed to live and whenOsain is born in his 
second facet (as he came with 2) is when he brings the 
marsh, lagoons, and stale waters. It is at this time he 
acquires another aspect and becomes known in the 
kingdom as Shopwana. 
 
 
Shopwana or Babaluaye 
 
With Osain’s birth, he lets everyone see he had two 
distinct facets or personalities in one body. The first one 
would refer to everything that was beautiful; the second 
everything that was bad such as epidemics and illnesses. 
In this entity he is known as Shopwana or Babaluaye. 
Babaluaye is born in the marsh and putrified waters. 
At first he was a very handsome, masculine man but as 
time went on his body began to decay. His body became 
full of putrified blisters and brought to earth the other side 
of the coin and that was when epidemics became known. 
None of his brothers liked him. They found him revolting 
and repulsive but he never cursed them or complained 
about his misery. He always respected his parents who 
were testing him and would later compensate him by 
giving him the opportunity to be the Orisha of the 
epidemics and health. He would play an important role in 
the kigdom. 
WITH THE BIRTH OF BABALUAYE PLAGUES 
AND PUTRIFICATION OF THE BLOOD AS 
WELL AS HEALTH BECAME KNOWN IN 
THE KINGDOM 
With his birth the kingdom was also complete and 
Oddua and Yembo decided to go on with their mission of 
populating the kingdom. They continued populating the 
kingdom and that is when Yembo has her next child. This 
time it would be a girl, the first one of the Orishas. 
 
Seventh Child and First Female - Dada (Brain) 
 
Yembo had Dada at a time when the planet was fairly 
populated by human and animal life. They were all in the 
kingdom but they really did not know the reason why they 
were there. In the instant Dada was born they were 
enlightened as to their reason for being on earth. 
When Oddua and Yembo had their first daughter it 
became an event, as all in the kingdom rejoiced at the 
sight of such a beautiful and wise child. Even at an early 
age she was able to display her wisdom. When she came 
into the world she brought with her everything that was 
ignored up to that time such as the fundamentals of the 
human and animal bodies – the brain, as this is the 
principal organ of the human body. She is the brain that 
commands the body and all its senses to react. She is the 
Orisha of reason. She gave human beings something they 
were lacking and needed, as a person who cannot reason 
may as well be a dead body. That is why Dada occupies 
such a high position in the kingdom. She is responsible 
for human beings being able to think, smell, see, walk, 
hear and above all else reason. It was something not 
known in the kingdom and it was fascinating being able to 
discover these things existed as up to that time no one had 
noticed. Dada gave them the knowledge of all this. 
WITH DADA THE BRAIN AND ALL ITS SENSES 
WERE BORN WHICH UP TO THAT POINT HAD 
BEEN IGNORED BY THE BEINGS LIVING IN THE 
KINGDOM 
Dada is the Orisha that lives in the head of all 
humans and she is also known as Eleda (brain). She has 
lived with us from the day of her birth through the present 
time and will live with us till the end of time. 
Oddua and Yembo were hypnotized by their 
daughter. Yembo was so fascinated by this little creature 
that while looking at her one day she felt movement in her 
womb and that is how she came to know she was 
expecting again and told her husband. 
Oddua was awaiting the arrival of the next child but 
meanwhile he would contemplate Dada. After a few 
months the birth of the new child arrived. It was a great 
surprise to all it was another female. She would be called 
Jeggua. 
 
Eigth Child - Jeggua (Virginity) 
 
With her birth nature was beginning to mold certain 
laws by which humanity would have to live in order to 
survive. At her birth virginity was born in the full sense of 
the word (for women as well as men). She brought to the 
world everything that was pure and virgin. She was also 
marked with the mystery of life and death (it was through 
her that the world first knew of death). She was one of the 
most beautiful Orishas Oddua and Yembo had. In time 
she would be the guardian of the He Ocu (house of the 
dead). 
Jeggua would be wanted and tempted by all in the 
kingdom; this would give all the males in the kingdom a 
desire to show her they were the most capable in the art of 
love. They would try to gain her affection in order to prove 
to themselves their power and self worth. She was very pure 
and mystic. It only took one look to comprehend that she was 
not all of this world, since she radiated with something very 
prohibiting to all in this world. 
She was the most beautiful and fragil flower born in 
the kingdom of Oddua and Yembo and had to be treated 
as such. During the day she was like a white dove, pure 
and fragil; at night she would take on a somber shadow 
that would scare anyone in the kingdom. It was 
impossible to understand how two opposites could live 
within a person. 
Time went on and no one could stop talking about 
Jeggua’s mysterious personality. Yembo, fulfilling her 
mission as mother of the planet, was awaiting the birth of 
another child and it would be another girl. 
 
Ninth Child - Oba Nani (Wisdom and Teacher of the 
World) 
 
Yembo gave birth to one of the most fascinating 
creatures ever known in the kingdom. She was baptized 
with the name of Oba Nani and would be known as the 
teacher and wisdom on earth. This was another of the 
most important moments of the human race as Oba brings 
to the kingdom many qualities that were unknown up to 
that instant in the He Orisha (house of the deities). The 
virtues she brought to the kingdom were unknown by the 
 
others; one of her virtues was to be the teacher to all of 
the inhabitants in the kingdom. 
OBA’S VIRTUE: TEACHER OF WAR, CULTURE, 
WRITER, NAVIGATOR, HUNTRESS, 
JUDGE AND TEACHER OF LOVE 
She was gifted with the art of love and charity which 
were lacking in the kingdom; with her birth arrived the 
understanding between people. Because of her virtues she 
became very special in the eyes of her father and very 
loved by him as he knew of her greatness. Her birth also 
brought human suffering. 
Little did she know, that the good things she brought 
would, in the future, also be used for evil purposes by the 
inhabitants of the kingdom. 
Her beauty was both mystic and exotic, and all who 
lived in the kingdom were extremely attracted to her. It 
was clear to see that she possessed the qualities of a great 
princess as it was demonstrated in years to come. Under 
the tutorship of Oba, all her brothers and sisters learned 
the art of survival, as Yembo continued to populate the 
planet. Yembo’s next child would be another girl, and she 
was named Oya. 
 
Tenth Child - Oya (The Air We Breathe) 
 
Oya, like Oba, brought great physical beauty to the 
kingdom. Oya’s beauty brought conflict amongst the 
Orishas. Oya had beautiful big eyes, the color of honey 
and very expressive. Whenever she made eye contact with 
anyone, they would without a doubt fall under her spell. 
Among the qualities she brought into the world on her 
birth were the air that we breathe, great storms and 
tornadoes. Although being an extremely feminine woman, 
she would sometimes have a strong temperament, as she 
would assume the personality of a very masculine 
warrior, leading the other warriors into war and fighting 
along side them. Oya came to the world with a man’s soul 
and she was a brave and courageous warrior like Oggun. 
Oya is also known by the name of Yanzan, which is 
another one of her facets and means tornadoes, winds, 
oxygen. Oya, at birth, gave humanity something which is 
basic to life: the air we breathe. Along with Yembo, Oya 
forms the hurricanes in the ocean when she is mad with 
the human race; she would also come to have the duty of 
turning over to Jeggua our bodies as our mission on earth 
is completed. 
Oya hasthe sacred mission of administering oxygen 
to all living creatures. 
OYA GAVE HUMANITY THE AIR WE BREATHE 
After Oya’s birth the problems with Oggun and his 
brothers began. 
After Oya’s birth a series of events occurred which 
gave rise to the belief in which this mythology is based. In 
the Yoruba Mythology it is believed that Oloddumare 
lives amongst us through the Orishas which inhabited his 
kingdom, and through the Orishas (which are the different 
aspects of nature) Oloddumare manifests himself and will 
live until the end of time. 
BEGINNING OF DAILY LIFE IN THE KINGDOM 
AND ALL EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN 
THE KINGDOM 
At this time, after the birth of Oya, a series of events 
took place in the house of Oddua and Yembo that would 
mark the human race for as long as man is on this planet. 
As the planet and its inhabitants evolved so did the daily 
life in the kingdom. 
As it was his custom, Oddua would rise very early 
and make rounds in Oloddumare’s house (his father’s 
house). Oddua had the task of taking care and making 
sure everything was in order. When Oddua left the house 
he would leave Oggun in charge of the household since he 
was the oldest. Although Oddua would give Oggun 
specific orders, Oggun would do as he pleased once 
Oddua left the lie (house). Once Oddua was gone Oggun 
would abuse and mistreat his brothers since he was in 
charge of all the food in the house, and what he did to his 
mother was even worse, as he would sexually abuse her. 
WHEN OGGUN STARTED ABUSING HIS 
MOTHER, THE ARAYES (PROBLEMS) 
WITH EVERYTHING SACRED STARTED 
IN THE KINGDOM, AND IT IS STILL 
PRESENT TODAY, DOING GREAT HARM 
TO HUMANITY 
 
Oggun and His Abuses 
 
It is irrefutable that of all of Oddua’s children, Oggun 
was the most controversial while at the same time the 
most arrogant and abusive to all. Since he would run the 
household upon Oddua’s absence, he would take 
advantage of the situation and commit his morbid desires. 
Because of the selfishness he possessed he believed he 
deserved everything and everyone in the kingdom. Since 
he was the one who allocated the food in the house he 
would blackmail his siblings into doing his will in order 
to serve his own selfish motives. Oggun was a very 
problematic and controversial Orisha, and because of his 
temperament no one ever knew when he was in a good or 
a bad mood. 
Oggun took advantage of Oddua’s confidence in him, 
told his siblings he would withhold food if they told their 
father what went on in the household during Oddua’s 
absence, most of all they should never tell Oddua of his 
sexual abuses toward their mother, who he never 
respected. Once Oddua left the house Oggun would go to 
his mother and force her to make love to him, since he 
thought of her as just another woman (this theory is still 
viable today). Yembo kept Oggun’s actions from her 
husband as she feared Oddua’s reaction, since Oggun’s 
deeds were extremely serious and an embarassment to all, 
and could bring major consequences ending in disgrace 
for all. Oggun had an older brother who could always see 
the bad deeds in Oggun, and; therefore, they were never 
close. But Argayu never thought Oggun capable of 
sexually assaulting their mother. Argayu came to visit one 
day very early and to his surprise found Oggun once again 
abusing Yembo. 
 
Argayu was petrified and speechless, such was his ire 
that his two facets came into being at the same time. The 
sky turned red as blood and the volcano began erupting 
with a force it appeared the earth would succumb under 
the furious roar the volcano was emitting. The earth 
started to tremble and opened up, from its rupture 
something that looked liked tongues started to appear 
destroying everything in its path. The tongues coming out 
of the earth were fire, an unknown element up to that 
moment in time. Fire was and still is Oggun’s worst 
enemy. 
OGGUN IS IRON, HARD METAL AND FIRE IS THE 
ONLY SUBSTANCE THAT CAN MELT IT 
The beating Oggun received from Argayu was of 
such magnitude that Oggun stopped committing his 
abuses, mistreatment and attacks on others for several 
months. He barely spoke but in his silence he planned 
how to overcome Argayu’s surveillance and continue his 
terrible actions. 
It should be pointed out that something good came 
out of the bad as due to Oggun’s bad deeds fire was 
discovered. 
After giving Oggun his punishment, Argayu decides 
not to tell his father since just as Yembo, Argayu thinks if 
he tells, all the inhabitants of the kingdom would pay for 
Oggun’s bad deeds and this seemed unfair to Argayu. 
This is the reason why Africans in the kingdom of Oddua 
think that when a volcano is errupting, it is Argayu 
punishing Oggun for having dared to abuse Yembo. 
A few months after having been discovered by 
Argayu, Oggun was able to work around Argayu’s 
vigilance and started with his abuses, taking advantage of 
his position once again and intimidating his younger 
brothers, Oshosi and Ozun, who being afraid and 
apprehensive about losing their food let Oggun blackmail 
them. Oggun would give them everything they needed 
and more, for a long time they enjoyed what Oggun gave 
them and in return they would play ignorant of what was 
going on in their father’s house. 
THEREFORE COERCION WAS BORN 
With Oshosi and Ozun under his power, Oggun 
thought it would be easy to coerce his younger brother. 
Little did Oggun know that his younger brother detested 
him with all his might! Oggun went to see his younger 
brother and proposed he, Oggun, would give him all the 
food he wanted if he kept quiet. Oggun’s younger brother 
answered with a look of hate. Oggun could only tremble 
under that look understanding he had a formidable enemy 
in front of him, a real man of unknown qualities. That is 
when Oggun started to make life impossible for his 
younger brother, the prince Eleggua. 
ELLEGGUA ACOLOFOFO ACOLOMIMI ACATI 
LAROYE 
ELEGGUA PLAYFUL, BAD MANNERED, JOKER 
Oggun started to make life impossible for Eleggua. 
Oggun would propose and promise anything in order to 
blackmail Eleggua, but everyone of Oggun’s proposals 
would be answered with a resounding no. When Oggun 
discovered he could not blackmail Eleggua, Oggun started 
cutting down Eleggua’s food portions. The abuses and 
mistreatment toward Eleggua were constant and forced 
Eleggua into thinking about killing Oggun. However, 
Eleggua could not bring himself to kill Oggun since 
Eleggua is not an Orisha of bad deeds. Eleggua is known 
for his good character and benevolence toward his fellow 
man. Oggun proceeded to throw Eleggua out of the house 
since he is unable to blackmail Eleggua into silence and 
Oggun perceived Eleggua to be a threat to him. Upon 
Oddua’s arrival to the house that day he notices his 
younger son missing. When Oddua asks for Eleggua, 
Oggun lies and says that Eleggua had gone to the forest to 
visit Ozain. Meantime, Eleggua was besides himself, 
without food and fearful of telling his father what Oggun 
was doing. Three days passed before Eleggua decided to 
tell his father what was happening. This is when he lookes 
for a street with four corners (crossroads), resolved and 
full of courage he waited for his father to return from his 
rounds to tell him the truth about why he had been 
missing three days from the house. 
AT THIS TIME ELEGGUA TURNS INTO LAROYE 
AND WHERE IN THE FUTURE HE WOULD BE 
RULER OF ALL THE PATHS IN LIFE 
While Eleggua waited for his father he thought of 
how to tell his father what Oggun was doing. The more he 
thought about it the more he understood there was no way 
to avoid provoking Oddua’s anger, so he decided to tell 
Oddua the truth as it was. 
When Oddua came into the crossroads he was 
surprised to see Eleggua there as he had not seen him for 
three days. Eleggua noticed Oddua’s presence as Oddua 
said, Omo mi, you must be very anxious since you wait for 
me at the crossroad and not in the house, from which you 
have been missing for the past threedays. Eleggua raised 
his head, resolved to tell the truth and said, Baba mi, I am 
not in the house not by my choice. My brother Oggun is 
very astute and everytime he wants to have his way he 
tells a lie. Oddua looked at his son with doubt and said, 
Speak clearly, since I do not understand the meaning of 
your words. Eleggua, looking into his father’s eyes, 
continued with what he had to say, adding, Oggun has 
been lying all his life and what’s more he has committed a 
grave deed. The old man could not take anymore and told 
Eleggua, Tell me clearly your problem. Eleggua replied, 
Oggun threw me out of the house, has not given me food 
in a long time, as he takes advantage of the situation 
when you leave the house. Since he can’t coerce me as he 
does with Oshosi and Ozun, so they won’t tell you what he 
does in your absence with my mother, he decided to throw 
me out of the house thinking that would silence me. When 
you leave the house in the early morning, the first thing he 
does is to abuse my mother, which he rapes. Oddua was 
astounded, and without strength to remain standing once 
he heard Eleggua’s words and had to sit, since he could 
not conceive what Eleggua said could be true. Looking at 
his son’s eyes he said, continue. Eleggua continued, I 
know it is hard for you to believe what I say is true and I 
know I am hurting you, but it is my duty to tell you. 
Oggun makes fun of you constantly. He believes he is the 
 
ruler of the house since he does as he pleases and is very 
abusive. In your house many disagreable things occur 
which you don’t know about and I think it is my duty to 
tell you. Since Oggun gives my other two brothers all the 
food they want they have kept quiet, and they are blind to 
Oggun’s evils. Now you have the real reason for my 
absence for the past three days, in which time I have not 
had anything to eat. The old man looks at his youngest 
son with newfound doubt. Eleggua notices this and said, I 
told you it would be hard to believe me, but in order for 
you to see I am not lying, tomorrow when you go on your 
rounds don’t take the whole day as usual. Return to the 
house in a short time and you should be able to surprise 
him. Oddua looked at Eleggua and said, I am going to do 
as you tell me, but if you are lying, and you are telling me 
this because you are plotting against Oggun, I promise 
you, you will get what is coming to you. 
At this time Oddua started to feel a strange sensation 
through his body, a feeling he disliked. It was not a 
pleasurable sensation; it was fury taking a hold of him. 
The attack of this fury was so great something came out 
of his body toward the sky and what was left of him on 
earth was something very different from what he had 
been. 
IN THIS INSTANCE IN WHICH ODDUA STARTS TO 
FEEL THE ABOVE MENTIONED SENSATION, IS 
WHEN HE BECOMES KNOWN AS OBATALA 
 
Transition Of Oddua to Obatala 
 
Eleggua became afraid of the changes in Oddua. He 
could not believe what his eyes were seeing. Oddua 
started to tremble from head to toe. Eleggua saw Oddua’s 
spirit rise toward the sky and another spirit enterd 
Oddua’s body, so Oddua became known as Obatala. 
Eleggua was speechless; he could not believe this was 
happening, while at the same time he was thinking, until 
now Oddua had been like Oloddumare on earth, but from 
now on Oddua’s place was taken by Obatala, more 
paternal, more human, more furious and he would 
enforce all the laws in the kingdom. 
Eleggua understood the transformation taking place in 
his father would change the kingdom’s destiny for ever. 
OBATALA JUDGE, FURY, HEAD OF THE YORUBA 
PANTHEON AFTER ODDUA 
This is the instance when Obatala Ayaguna (furious 
warrior) was born. Obatala was ready to run home and 
give Oggun his punishment, but his legs were still 
trembling and he could not move. So he stayed next to 
Eleggua for a long time without saying a word, since 
words were not necessary. While Obatala thought about 
what Eleggua had told him, he reasoned his son had given 
him the right advice, and decides to put it into practice. 
Eleggua takes advantage of the moment and tells the old 
man not to tell Oggun when he gets home, since it is 
essential he finds out for himself the truth. Obatala 
understood the wisdom in his son’s words and opted to 
follow Eleggua’s advice as he could see it was the prudent 
thing to do. So Obatala got home and acted as if nothing 
had happened. It was hard for him to hold back and not 
tell Oggun what Eleggua had told him at the crossroad. 
Yembo tended to Obatala as usual upon his return to the 
house. Nevertheless, she noted that although he had the 
same body, from his mouth came strange words and the 
look in his eyes was not loving and spiritual as before. 
She had an unnerving feeling as she stood next to him and 
felt he may have knowledge of what was happening in the 
house with Oggun. Yembo thought many times about 
telling her husband what Oggun was forcing her to do, but 
she always lacked the strength to do it because she knew 
the ire of her husband and was afraid of the consequences 
it could bring to the kingdom. Yembo trembled from head 
to toe at the thought that her husband may know of her 
tragedy with Oggun. 
It was a very long night for Obatala, who could only 
think of Eleggua’s words and Obatala would think, How 
could such infamy come from Oggun? Obatala had 
chosen Oggun from all of his sons to run the household. 
How could it be possible Oggun had abused Yembo? 
Obatala could not stop thinking about the situation and 
that is how morning found him, with his head full of 
doubts. He did not wait for his Obini (wife) to serve him 
as usual. He took his bag of effun (egg shell powder), 
threw it over his shoulder and left his Ile (house) early. 
They were all asleep when he left and he walked a 
straight path obsessed with doubts. When he finally came 
out of his spell he was a long way from home. Sometime 
later, after Oddua left, Oggun was going through his 
routine of assaulting his mother. Little did he know that 
his father had been warned of his deeds and that his father 
was on his way back to the house to prove if it was. 
When he attacked Yembo she resisted but through his 
brutal force he was able to take her and placed her over a 
matt. There he raped her just as if she were any other 
woman and not his mother. He had no motive to 
differentiate her from other women since to him all 
women were the same when it came time to fulfill his 
lust. While he was attacking Yembo he heard three 
knocks on the door (this is where the saying comes of 
when there are three knocks on the door it is bad news). 
Although he had no forewarning he knew it was his father 
knocking on the door. At this point he thought of many 
excuses to give his father but he knew none would work 
as he knew of his father’s anger and he knew something 
terrible was about to happen to him. When he opened the 
door he saw his father’s hand raised about to curse him. 
He felt a cold wave creep inside him when he heard 
Obatala’s voice, he knew it was his father’s body but 
someone else was speaking and this terrified him. Quickly 
Oggun said, No father, don’t curse me. I’ll curse myself. 
Obatala stopped and said, Speak, I am listening. Oggun 
immediately said, I, Oggun Arere (Oggun-warrior) swear 
that as long as the world remains, I will work for all the 
Orishas day and night until the end of time; this is my 
curse. Obatala answered, Let it be. 
AT THIS TIME CURSE CAME INTO BEING ON 
EARTH; ALSO WORK AND MISTRUST WERE 
BORN 
 
Obatala looked at his sons for several minutes. He spoke 
to them in a firm voice, making very clear how things 
would be from then on in the kingdom. He told Oggun, 
You, Oggun, have chosen, through your actions, the life 
you are to live from now on and no one will lift your 
curse. If up to now you had my trust and were the head of 
the house in my absence, giving you a special place in the 
kingdom, from this instanton you will serve all the 
Orishas born and those that will be born. You will be the 
Moreoggun (the sacrifier, or in charge of feeding all the 
Orishas), and I, Obatala will never again trust you. 
Then Obatala looked at his son Oshosi and Oshosi 
saw in his father’s eye what Obatala was about to say. It 
was a sentence he would have to carry all his life. Obatala 
said, Oshosi, born of such a noble cause, you let yourself 
be coerced through food and intimidation. You will never 
have those feelings again. You will be in charge of 
dispensing justice and enforcing the laws I give you for 
the kingdom. You will be the kingdom’s hunter, you will 
hunt so everyone could eat; thus, no one will ever be 
without food. Oshosi understood his fault in keeping 
quiet. How he would have liked to go back in time and 
repair the damage done by his silence, but it was too late 
and he would have to live with his sentence until the end 
of time. He was to be the dispenser of justice, hunting and 
the occult, as with his magic powers he would save the 
world from evil and would use his magic powers for the 
good of humanity. 
FROM THIS MOMENT ON OSHOSI BECOMES 
KNOWN AS THE BENEFACTOR OF THE KINGDOM 
Afterwards Obatala moves his gaze from Oshosi to 
Ozun and says, I placed all my trust in you and you let 
yourself be coerced by Oggun. I have given you a place in 
the kingdom in which you are its head. Your duty was to tell 
me what happened in my absence, and I can see you forgot 
your duties for food. From this moment on you will live 
above the outside door and you will only speak when there is 
danger of death or illness approaching the house. It will be 
your responsibility of warning me of any coming danger. You 
should not speak for any other reason other than to warn me 
of danger and you shall not sleep day or night. You will 
come down to the floor only when danger is near. Ozun 
lowered his head and thought about what Obatala had said. 
How sorry he was for his stupid action! He who used to bask 
in the confidence of his father and would never have it again. 
OZUN, FROM THEN ON WAS THE BEST 
COMMUNICATOR OBATALA EVER HAD 
While all this was taking place, Yembo was listening to 
Obatala’s words and the sentences he was handing down to 
his sons. She was freightened as she listened and waited her 
turn since she knew her Oco (husband) would also punish 
her. She felt a heavy sadness in her heart. She tried to 
anticipate her punishment since she knew she was also at 
fault by prolonging the situation, by not telling him what 
Oggun was doing to her. She knew the role she had played 
and waited in silence for Obatala’s punishment. 
Obatala, looking at his youngest son, Eleggua, said, 
you having been the only one with the courage not to be 
intimidated by your older brother, and the only one brave 
enough to tell me what was going on in the house with 
Oggun. From this moment on you will be the first one for 
everything in this house and you will never go hungry 
again or be mistreated by anyone. Eleggua, you have 
behaved like a prince, worthy of being my son. Because 
you did not let your brother coerce you, today I will 
decree you to be the first. Everyone will have to give you 
Moforibale (offering). They will even have to give you 
Moforibale before me. To enter this house they will have 
to ask your permission and if you deny them permission to 
enter, they will not be able to come in. You will be the 
guard of all the paths and opportunities in life. No one 
will be able to reach me or another Orisha without going 
through you. You have won these honors with your 
courage and good heart. You will be the first one and the 
last, even before me. I, Obatala, give you the power to be 
first and twenty-first at the same time; you will be able to 
be here and everywhere at the same time. Obatala ratified 
once again what he had said, that Eleggua would be first 
in everything and that everyone would have to depend on 
him. Hearing these words Eleggua threw himself face 
down on the floor as a sign of respect and said, Modupue 
Baba (Thank you father). From that moment on Eleggua 
had the reins of the kingdom. 
THIS INSTANT MARKED THE MOMENT IN WHICH 
THE YOUNGEST CAME BEFORE THE ELDEST AND 
WHERE IT BECAME KNOWN THAT A GOOD DEED 
WOULD ALWAYS BE REWARDED BY 
OLODDUMARE 
This event changed the daily life of the kingdom. 
Although Eleggua was very young he knew how to 
accomplish his new mission. Everyone in the kingdom 
respected him and adored him since they knew his many 
facets. Even after having such a high rank and honor in 
the kingdom, he never took advantage of his position. 
After Obatala finished speaking to Eleggua he turned 
to Yembo saying, Your punishment will be that from now 
on any male child you bear will be killed. Yembo felt her 
blood freeze in her veins. She was ready for any 
punishment for herself but not for her children. She could 
not conceive of such a punishment. She thought she 
deserved to be punished but not in this way. After hearing 
her husband’s words, she became crazy with anger. This 
is when Obatala named Yembo, Yemaya (Furious 
Mother). 
Yemaya’s fury was so great no one was able to calm her 
and her fury has lasted through today. It is Obatala who 
keeps her in control. 
IT WAS THIS FURY THAT MADE YEMAYA WANT 
TO SWALLOW THE EARTH WITH THE SEA, AND 
EVERYTIME SHE REMEMBERS THIS EPISODE IT 
MAKES HER WANT TO SWALLOW THE EARTH 
WITH THE SEA ONCE AGAIN 
It is understood that her many tears created the 
kingdom’s lakes and rivers. Yemaya has always been an 
exemplary mother, and even though she realized her son’s 
actions against her were grave and deserved punishment, 
she also felt that Obatala’s sentence toward her future 
unborn sons created a great abyss of despair; as she was 
the kingdom’s mother and co-creator. 
 
 
Change From Yembo to Yemaya 
 
Her fury caused the transformation of Yembo into 
Yemaya, just like fury turned Oddua into Obatala. In this 
instant of fury Obatala named her Yemaya as Yembo’s 
soul left her body and Yemaya’s soul entered Yembo’s 
body. Those who witnessed this became dumbfounded by 
this spectacular event, and even Obatala became aware of 
the grandeur of his Obini (wife). After his words, she 
spent most of her time crying, and even in our times she is 
still crying. Her tears fall on the floor of Oloddumare’s Ile 
(house) in the form of rain, and these tears are what give 
life to all living creatures on earth. 
Yemaya, in front of everyone, divided herself in two; 
this was surprising to all! She became two bodies and two 
different persons altogether while being the same 
nevertheless. One became Yemaya and the other Nana 
Buruku, who in that instant rose to the heavens and from 
there she sheds light on earth and its inhabitants. All this 
happened as the result of Nana Buruku’s fury toward the 
Orisha Oggun, and her decision was to go to heaven and 
become the moon; thus, shedding light at night for all the 
creatures on earth. Nana Buruku never again laid eyes on 
Oggun and can not stand his presence. Whenever a 
sacrifice is offered to her it must be done with a wooden 
knife or a bamboo blade. 
Yemaya and Obatala continued to live together, 
although she felt a certain malcontent towards Obatala 
because of the punishment he handed down to her as she 
thought the punishment was unjust. She agreed with the 
honors given to Eleggua, but her discontent and 
dissapproval was with her own punishment. 
After Obatala handed down Yemaya’s sentence he 
turned to his daughters Jeggua, Dada and Oya and said, 
Since I do not trust your older brother, I will send you to 
a place where you will be safe and where each one of you 
can become a queen. Looking at his older daughter, Dada, 
he said: You will live where beings have their Eleda 
(brain); you will be the brain that guides the body of all 
living beings in the kingdom. Never again will they see 
your face and you will be respected by all. When you feelthe need to leave someone’s body, that being will be 
ready to go to the Ile Oku (house of the dead) and return 
to the earth, where they came from. After hearing her 
father’s words she responded: Modupue Baba mi (Thank 
you my father). After leaving her father’s house she did 
exactly as she was told and dedicated her life to this task 
and never once thought about herself, but only about 
others. Because of her dedication to her duty was so 
absolute, she never thought about having a husband or a 
family, and she was the only daughter of Obatala that 
never had a relationship with a man. Obatala, looking at 
her after having spoken to Dada said to himself: My 
daughter, if you only knew what the future holds for you. 
After that he turned to his daughter Jeggua and said, You 
are my most beautiful daughter and I fear Oggun may try 
to abuse you in my absence. You represent virginity and I 
don’t want anyone to taint the virginity you possess; 
therefore, I think the safest place for you will be the Ile 
Oku (house of the dead). There you will reign and govern 
this world. They will have to ask your permission to enter 
and leave. You will be the one to guard the ministry of life 
and death. You will be the only one to know the secret of 
life and you will decide who is to live and who is to die. 
They all looked at each other and thought the place 
Obatala was sending his daughter was very lonely and 
somber for such a beautiful woman who was begining to 
live. None of them understood the metamorphosis of the 
old man’s words, who at the same time understood that 
his sons did not know his motives for sending Jeggua to 
the Ile Oku. Obatala knew that in time they would come 
to understand his decision as this was the only way to 
guard Jeggua’s chastity. Jeggua understood and obeyed 
her father’s mandate without question. Then Obatala said 
to Oya, You, Yansan, are among my daughters someone 
very special and important, you will be in charge of 
administering oxygen to all living creatures in the 
kingdom so they can live and grow. They will all need you 
in this world, including the plants and the animals. You 
will be the feisita (god’s secretary). You will manifest in 
the air and will be its rightful owner, and since the air is 
the only thing that can reach Oloddumare, thus, you will 
be his secretary. In your kingdom you will be in charge of 
delivering the cadavers to the door of the Ile Oku, where 
you will turn over the cadavers to your sister, Jeggua and 
she will be responsible to take it to Oloddumare. They 
will always have to consult you in matters dealing with 
Eggun. Oya looked at her father and thanked him for the 
honor bestowed on her, but she did not throw herself on 
the floor as a sign of respect as her sisters had done. From 
that day on Oya started to show airs of grandeur she 
possessed and she would become the source of one of her 
sister’s problems, whom Oya would make to cry and 
suffer. At this point Oya was only a child but everytime 
she looked at her brother Oggun she felt an inexplicable 
feeling. Her feelings toward Oggun were very good and 
as the Oddunes (years) went by they grew; this feeling 
growing inside of her was the love she felt for Oggun. 
The passion of these two Orishas was so great they 
decided to live together in her kingdom. Obatala realizing 
they felt a true love for each other did not interfere in their 
relationship but did not acknowledge it either. 
Obatala then addressed his youngest daughter, Mi 
Omodei (my daughter), you will reign and govern over all 
learning skills. You will have the sacred mission of 
teaching all your brothers and sisters; men and women 
alike will come to you to learn; among my children you 
are the living proof of intelligence and culture. 
WITH OBA INTELLIGENCE WAS BORN AND PUT 
INTO PRACTICE; SHE WAS THE ONE IN CHARGE 
OF TEACHING THE PLANET’S INHABITANTS 
THEIR MISSION IN LIFE 
It is undisputable that among Obatala and Yembo’s 
daughters, Oba had a beauty envied by her sisters. Her 
copper skin would brightly reflect the rays of the sun, her 
face was exotic and beautiful, her perfect body brought 
her many compliments from all the Orishas who saw in 
 
her the perfect woman, as she possessed not only beauty 
but all the desirable attributes of a woman. She was very 
noble and sincere and she never let her beauty go to her 
head. As it can be surmised her father was very proud of 
her. Obatala also told Oba, Your task starts right now 
since your mission is very long and there will be no living 
beings until you have accomplished your task. 
Oba started her mission by teaching each one as 
follows: 
Oggun - The Art of Blacksmith 
Oshosi - The Hunt 
Osun - Standing Firm in Life 
Osain - How to Grow Plants in the Forest 
Assogguano - How to Cure Illnesses 
Nana Buruku - How to Shine Brightly in the Sky 
 
Oba also became a great sailor. 
Oya and Oba were very good friends and were 
always together. They were Ocanani (one heart), but Oya 
always felt a certain envy towards Oba. 
After speaking to his children Obatala turned to his 
wife and said: We will continue populating the world but 
I’ll reiterate, I will kill any male child born. These words 
of damnation to Yemaya’s ears had the power to make her 
lose control. Her feelings toward Obatala never fully 
recovered from this act of despotism, and for a long time 
he was Foyurbe (crazy). He suffered a great deal due to 
the actions of his children and wife, and he could not 
properly attend to his duties. Therefore as time went on in 
the kingdom certain resentments lingered among those in 
attendance at this gathering. 
AT THIS TIME MENTAL ILLNESS WAS BORN AND 
MADNESS WAS KNOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME 
Although he had cursed himself for his actions, 
Oggun felt resentment toward him from his brothers. 
With time he became harsh and developed a bad temper 
to the point that no one could stand him. He adopted a 
series of vices, among them being a heavy drinker, and he 
became disrespectful toward all women. At this point he 
decided to flee to the forest and start his labor as a 
blacksmith. 
 
BIRTH OF ORULA 
 
Many months had elapsed from that infamous 
reunion and everything in the kingdom was getting back 
to normal as Obatala’s children were carrying out 
Obatala’s orders as he had commanded. Now Obatala and 
Yemaya had a new child. As Yemaya saw that her 
newborn child was a boy she became mad with fury as 
she knew what his fate would be. In that instant she 
suffered at the thought of having her newborn child killed. 
Yemaya named the boy Orula (phenomenon), because 
of the timing of his birth and his fate. When Obatala realizes 
that Yemaya had borne a son he immediately takes Orula 
away from Yemaya and gave the child to Eleggua instructing 
him: Go and follow my orders. Eleggua glanced at his father 
and understood Obatala meant what he had previously said. 
This brought about great fear among all the Orishas as they 
never expected this moment to arrive. 
ORULA, PHENOMENON KNOWN TO EARTH FOR 
THE FIRST TIME AND THE WORD WAS 
RESPECTED 
Yemaya started to cry as she saw Obatala give the 
child to Eleggua to be buried in the ground. Seeing that no 
one was able to console her, Obatala asked himself if he 
was acting properly, but follows through as he cannot 
renege his orders. He needed to teach the kingdom a 
lesson they would never forget. The Orishas looked in 
disbelief as Obatala carried out his punishment. The 
Orishas, seeing Yemaya cry, begged in vain for Obatala 
not to carry out his orders. Thus, Obatala tells Eleggua, 
Take this child, take him to the foot of a very big tree in 
the forest, dig a hole and bury him. Eleggua went to the 
forest carrying Orula. Once in the forest he saw a tree of 
enormous dimensions and its branches seemed to almost 
touch the sky; this tree exuded an impressive majesty. As 
he started to dig a hole he felt a strange sensation as this 
was the first time a hole had been dug. Thus,Eleggua 
understood this was another phenomenon his brother’s 
birth had brought. 
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME A HOLE WAS DUG 
AND THE BEGINNING OF THE CUSTOM OF 
BURYING HUMAN BEINGS 
Eleggua understood that his brother’s birth was the 
beginning of the ritual of burying the dead and at this 
moment he asked himself why he ever told his father 
about Oggun’s actions. He told himself if he had 
remained silent as his brother wanted, none of this would 
have happened and his brother Orula would have had a 
different destiny. He was torn by his inability to succumb 
to Oggun’s blackmail and his sense of rightousness. He 
would have liked for everything to be the same as when 
his brother Osain was born. Then there was a sense of 
peace and harmony among all living creatures. Whether 
human or animal, they were all able to enjoy the 
enchantment and greatness of the kingdom. Osain had 
brought elements to the kingdom that were necessary to 
make life more enjoyable and comfortable. Osain with his 
green plants, gave a refreshing shade during all hours of 
the day. He also had brought the most delicious fruits in 
the world and the birds with their colored feathers, thus 
beautifying the land. 
Eleggua realized that there had never been any 
problems between man and beast before as they lived in 
harmony and helped each other. While questioning 
himself and thinking he continued to dig the hole and 
reproached himself for telling his father about Oggun’s 
actions. He also questioned what power of suggestion 
Oggun could have over Obatala, for Obatala to permit 
Oggun to curse himself; thus, allowing Oggun to have his 
way one more time. Eleggua did not think it was just or 
correct for Orula to have to pay with his life for Oggun’s 
actions. The deeper he dug the hole the deeper his 
feelings got for poor Orula. Great sadness took hold of 
Eleggua’s tender heart! The more he thought about it and 
the more he tried to justify it, the deeper his sadness 
 
became. Why did Oggun do what he did? Why did this 
have to happen? He could not understand why Oggun, 
who had everything anyone could desire, could have 
stooped so low, betraying his father’s trust. He could not 
comprehend Oggun’s cynicism and evil deeds. He could 
understand Oggun’s womanizing ways, but to rape his 
own mother was beyond his comprehension. What was 
worse was that after all Oggun was still the same. What 
Eleggua could not understand was that in order for the 
world to continue its evolution this was the way it was 
supposed to be; nothing would ever remain the same. 
Time had to go on and along with time, so good and evil 
had to go on in the world of the Orishas. 
What a difficult time Eleggua was having for telling 
his father the truth! He rationalized that at least Orula’s 
death would not be a violent one as the tree would protect 
him and take care of his remains. After he finished 
digging the hole, he picked up his brother and placed him 
inside, but instead of laying him down in the hole, he 
placed Orula up vertically and covered him a little more 
than waist deep, leaving Orula’s arms free as he was sure 
his brother would not be able to free himself. Finished 
with his task, he took a good look at his brother and a 
strong feeling took hold of him. It was the feeling of 
compassion (Orula brought compassion when he was 
born). Eleggua, looking at Orula, saw him so defenseless 
and thought the child would surely die. For a moment he 
thought about disobeying his father and getting him out, 
but the thought was fleeting as he undestood he did not 
have the will to disobey his father. With his task 
accomplished and a very heavy heart he said to himself, 
Obatala told me to bury him and I did it; his death will 
not be on my conscience but on Obatala’s mandates. On 
his way back home he once again asked himself why this 
child had to pay for a crime he had not committed. 
AT THIS TIME DAMNATION WAS BORN 
Orula was not at fault for the events happening in the 
kingdom. If anyone should pay with his life it should be 
Oggun and not Orula. 
Obatala was waiting for Eleggua and asked him if he 
had buried his brother and Eleggua answered 
affirmatively. The old man looked at him with pity, 
turned his back and went inside the house. Eleggua could 
not sleep that night thinking about his brother, alone and 
buried waist deep in the middle of the forest. He was sure 
an animal would kill Orula. The night was long for 
Eleggua and upon seeing the first rays of light he got up 
and decided he could not let his brother die of hunger and 
would take food to him. Eleggua knew food was not 
enough. Even if he took food to Orula everyday, Orula 
would surely be devoured by a wild beast. 
Early one day as Eleggua was on his way to feed 
Orula, he was deep in thought about his brother’s safety. 
As he arrived to where his brother was and thinking 
obsessively about the dangerous situation Orula was in, 
he heard a voice say: Don’t worry about Orula, I will take 
care of him. Eleggua quickly came out of his stupor, as 
the last thing he expected was to hear a voice. He looked 
everywhere and could not see where the voice had come 
from. He was sure he had heard a voice and this disturbed 
him as he did not want for anyone to know what he was 
doing. He continued his train of thought and once again 
he heard the same voice saying the same thing. Yet again 
he looked around, and to his surprise it was the gigantic 
tree that had caught his attention the first time he saw it, 
that was speaking to him. The tree said to Eleggua: I am 
Araba. When your brother Osain was born, I was the first 
one of the Eggues to be born in his house. (Araba - 
Ceiba1; Eggues -plants). Araba was born at the same time 
and Osain and Araba were destined to play a very 
important role in the kingdom. Eleggua looked toward the 
top of the tree since the voice came from there. The tree 
top reached all the way up to Ile Oloddumare (heaven). 
Eleggua offered a genuflection of reverence toward the 
tree as he understood it was Oloddumare who was 
speaking to him. When Oloddumare wanted to know what 
was happening in his kingdom he would sit on the top of 
the tree the Araba from where he could see everything. 
This is the reason Eteggua learned of this tree’s grandeur. 
THIS TREE (ARABA) IS SACRED FOR ALL THE 
BELIEVERS OF THIS RELIGION AS WELL AS FOR 
ALL THE AFRICAN SECTS THAT CAME TO CUBA, 
BRAZIL, HAITI AND THE AMERICAS. 
From the day Eleggua offered reverence to this tree, till 
the present day, to touch it or to cut a branch of this tree, one 
has to offer reverence as Eleggua did. The way to salute or 
offer reverence to this tree, like Eleggua did, the following 
words must be said: 
TEREGGUANA IROCO TEREGGJJANA IROCO 
ARERE TEREGUA IJAGGUO TEREGUAMA 
ORISHAS 
Meaning: 
ALL RESPECT AND VENERATE YOU FOR BEING 
THE SEAT OF THE FATHER OF THE ORISHAS 
OLODDUMARE 
Araba told Eleggua she had taken care of Orula from 
the first day and no one should fear for Orula as long as 
he was at her feet. No one would be able to harm him as 
she was well respected in the Ile Nigbe (forest), including 
by the wild beasts. As she spoke Eleggua could not help 
but look at her and see how beautiful and majestic she 
was. No doubt this was the most beautiful tree in the Ile 
Nigbe. It commanded respect just by looking at it. 
Eleggua was more at ease knowing he had Araba as a 
powerful ally taking care of his brother. 
In turn, Araba knew Eleggua’s every thought and 
said to him, I am in Ile Nigbe the Iya of Orula. I will take 
care of Orula and you should not fear. 
Thus the song was born saying: 
EGGUE ARABA IYA IFA EGGUE 
THE ARABA IS ORULA’S MOTHER 
In those times, unlike today, life was respected; thus 
Orula’s birth brought a serious problem as through him 
the word death became known and from then on the act of 
taking a life was practiced. 
 
1 Cieba: The silk-cotton tree 
 
A fewyears went by and in that lapse of time the 
kingdom lived in harmony and tranquility as everyone 
cooperated in bringing progress. Only Oggun continued 
with his atrocious actions thinking only which woman 
would be next. In Obatala’s house a certain tranquility 
reigned. The only problem was that Obatala had not 
mentally recovered from his disappointment and Foyurbe 
(madness). Because of his mental health he could not 
fully attend to the kingdom so Yemaya took over 
demonstrating her administrative skills (it was clear she 
was the head and was able to run the kingdom just as well 
as her husband). 
Everyone came to know Yemaya was as efficient as 
Obatala, and it was at this time that everyone came to 
know the abilities of the Pantheon’s mother.