Yoruba creation story. Currently, there are about 40 million Yoruba world-wide.

Yoruba creation story In spite of the bliss in the sky, a lesser god known as The Golden Chain (Yoruba Creation Myth) David A. Currently, there are about 40 million Yoruba world-wide. The role of Olodumare and the Orishas in creation The Yoruba myth of creation also reflects the Yoruba cultural values of cooperation, harmony, and respect for diversity. Agiri, “Early Oyo History,” 7, who glosses creation myths as “cosmological” and migration myths as “political,” a misleading distinction if both types have political implications. The Yoruba are one of the largest cultural groups in Africa. [3] According to tradition, he was the holder of the title of the Olofin of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba The Yoruba Creation Myth: According to Yoruba mythology, in the beginning there was only the sky above, water, and marshland below 3. Head of the Yoruba pantheon (or collection of recognized gods), Olorun is also known as Olofin-Orun (Lord of Heaven), Oba-Orun (King of The Yoruba origins story, like many creation myths around the world, serves as a rich and meaningful narrative that explains the beginnings of a people and their civilization. He then creates humans from Kingu's Yoruba mythology has various creation myths that explain the origin of the universe and the human race. Olorun sent Orunmila, the deity of wisdom and divination, to create land. From Myths of Ife (1921) by John Wyndham. A veil, a large face, and a group of birds commonly appear on a Yoruba king’s crown. Olokun was content "Now the Yoruba say that long ago before there were people, all life was in the sky. It was the beginning of the Explore the tales of creation, where Orisha Nla, the primordial god, sculpted the earth and breathed life into its inhabitants. The Yoruba people, primarily found in Nigeria and neighboring countries, have a well-known and complex creation myth. The gods in the Yoruba Overview of Yoruba Gods and Goddesses. In the Yoruba creation myth, Ọbatala is the deity responsible for shaping the earth, while Olokun is the goddess of the sea. Inspired by the Yoruba Creation Story. There are several versions of this myth, but a common theme is the descent of the Orisha Obatala from the heavens, who was tasked with creating the earth. This section delves into the fascinating narrative of Obatala’s story, Ile Ife (EE-lay EE-fay) in the Yoruba creation myth is the spot where Obatala arrived on earth, having climbed down a chain from heaven, charged by God to make the first man. Olorun, the god who possessed the most power and the greatest knowledge, ruled the At the core of this mythology lies the Yoruba Creation Myth, a tale that recounts the emergence of the universe and the various forces that shape it. The ori is the foundation of Yoruba philosophy, and a Yoruba philosopher will be reluctant to separate it from destiny, just as a Yoruba religio-philosopher will feel reluctant to separate himself from divination. B. The Yoruba also believe that Olodumare provided the tools and resources necessary for creation, highlighting The crucial emphasis here is on the displacement of Obatala by Oduduwa. Anderson/ Sankofa, who learned it from his father, who learned it from his mother, and so on back The Yoruba creation story and the role of Olodumare. According to one creation myth, in the beginning there was only one orisha, the “Divine Spirit,” who lived in a house at the foot of a sheer rock wall. Olorun and Olokun: In the beginning, there was only water, and the sky was ruled by Olorun, while the waters were ruled by Olokun. A creation myth (or creation story) is a cultural, religious or traditional myth which attempts to describe the earliest beginnings of the present world. The Story of Obatala: Creation and Conflict Obatala, the revered deity in Yoruba mythology , is known for his central role in the creation of the Earth and all beings. The Yoruba religion has its own unique creation story, in which Olorun lived in the sky with the orishas, and the goddess Olokun was the ruler of all of the water below. " And so begins this gorgeous retelling of the Yoruba creation myth, in which Olorun - the all-powerful supreme deity - permits and encourages Obatala, his restless orisha (a kind of powerful spirit in the Yoruba religion) to descend from heaven, and create the earth and its inhabitants A statue of Oduduwa. One of the most popular creation myths involves the supreme being, Olodumare, who created the universe and appointed the When Obatala proposed the idea of creating land as a habitat for humanity, Olokun became enraged. The all-knowing Olorun takes an active role in the affairs of both heaven and earth. He The Yoruba of Nigeria. Through Ifa divination, the ori and its essence appear in every spoken and unspoken word of the Yoruba people. Stages 1, 2, & 3 can be found in previous blog posts. Explore the intriguing world of Yoruba mythology with our comprehensive article on Ọbatala, the god of creation. To them and for them, the ori is the definition of the The Yoruba creation story has two main variations. In Adedeji’s account, the story of creation is in two parts. From Myths of Ife, Yoruba Creation Myth Yoruba Creation Myth. In this myth, Olorun sent Obatala to create the earth and mankind. At the heart of the Sun & Sea Blessing Beads lies a profound connection to the Yoruba creation story, a pivotal narrative in West African spirituality. When you want to know about the spirituality of a people, it's best to examine their story of This creation story comes from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Togo and Benin. This myth centers around the Supreme God, Olodumare, and the pantheon of In the beginning the universe consisted only of the sky above and the water and wild marshland below. Smithsonian Open Access Public Domain. Together, they engage in the intricate dance of creation. In Yoruba culture, Ọlọrun is credited with creating the universe and all living things. Olorun lived in the sky, and with Olorun were many orishas. At the heart of these stories is Olodumare, the Supreme Being who exists beyond human comprehension. doc), PDF File (. The Orni, the religious head of Yórubaland, begins, and directs the Babalawo Araba, the chief This article aims to explore the intricate tapestry of Yoruba mythology, delving into its pantheon of deities, creation myths, themes of transformation, the role of ancestors, moral In Yoruba mythology, the creation story centers around the supreme being, Olodumare, who is the creator of the universe and all living things. Enthusiastic Creation myth: Oshun was believed to be the central goddess in the Yoruba creation myth. It made me reflect on spirituality as well as what science says about the birth of humanity and the origins of the universe. The chief god Olorun ruled the sky, while the goddess Olokun ruled what was below. In the mythology of the Yoruba people of West Africa, Olorun is the most powerful and wisest god. According to Yoruba belief, the supreme god, Olodumare, is responsible for The creation of the world: A Yoruba myth. In one, far back at the beginning of time, Olodumare created the Orishas and spread powers between them randomly. It was considered sacred among the people. According to Yoruba mythology, Oduduwa, the first man, descended from the sky on an iron chain to create land and humanity. ENG 250 Yoruba Creation Myth Page 1 of 7. com/us/app/id633390461The Big Myth is an animated learning app and website presenting a collection of 25 creation myths from around the This creation story comes from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Togo and Benin. This takes us even further into the Super Natural Beings that were responsible for carrying out the design of the Origin of all creation. The sky was ruled by the supreme god Eledumare, while below was ruled by the goddess Olokun. Olorun, the supreme deity, holds ultimate power and responsibility for the creation and maintenance of the world. Yoruba religion describes orishas, supernatural beings that The Yoruba creation story, like many others, has different versions. The myth behind the Yoruba creation story attempts to explain humanity and its origins. Character Overview. Explore the history of Olodumare, the Orishas and the creation in this rich and profound cultural tradition. World Mythology, Volume 1: Gods and Creation. According to Yoruba belief, Olodumare created In Yoruba’s creation myth, the chameleon plays a significant role, symbolizing adaptability and wisdom. (Gen. Yoruba creation myths. God sent his messenger Obatala to perform the task of creating the world. Each one represents specific ideas, objects or natural phenomena. Olorun and the orishas lived around a young baobab tree. Using a chain to descend The document summarizes three creation myths: 1) A Yoruba myth where Obatala creates land and later humans from clay at Olodumare's command. With Olorun's permission, Obatala descended using a golden chain to create land. Yoruba people have several accounts of the creation story; in some, Obatala created land, humans, and A white man visits Ife, the sacred city of the Yórubas and asks to hear the history of the place. Obatala was a lesser god who felt that there needed to be more in existence. In the beginning, the gods lived happily in the sky. He had a slave called Eshu who attended to all his needs. Explore the history of Olodumare, the Orishas and the The Yoruba creation myth is a profound and intricate story that explains the origins of the world and humanity according to Yoruba beliefs. According to Yoruba belief, Olodumare is the ultimate creator who fashioned the universe and all that it Nigeria: The Yoruba Creation Story. Odus hold the esoteric wisdom of the universe and meaning of life. The Story of the Creation of the World. The principal Yoruba city was called Ife. This narrative encompasses Olodumare’s creation of the universe, his task to Obatala, and the role of the orishas in shaping the Earth. In his creative journey, States. Obatala brought along his helper, a man named Oduduwa as well as a calabash full of earth According to Yoruba mythology, Obatala is the oldest of all of the orishas and was granted authority to create the Earth. Another being, Obatala, asked Olorun Discover the fascinating myth of Yoruba creation: when the gods went down a chain. In the beginning, all that existed was the sky and water. There is also an audio post included here where I narrate the Creation Story for those who like my story telling and just don't wanna read because it is quite long! The Creation Story The Yoruba Genesis creation myth comes from the Yoruba people of western Africa (modern-day Nigeria and Benin area). Yoruba Myths. ” Olodumare tasked Obatala with the divine mission of creating the world The Yoruba Creation Myth – The Golden Chain myth. A Tale of Skyworld, from Seneca fiction, legends and myths. The chief god Olorun (“owner of the sky”) ruled the sky, while the goddess Olokun (“owner of the ocean”) COMMENTARYWe continue in our series of the Ifa Creation Story of the Yoruba Ifa cosmology with Stage 3. Obatala shapes the land and breathes life into the first humans. According to Yoruba mythology, Olodumare sent Obatala, one of the Orishas, to create the earth. At a certain period in the process of creation, Olodumare sent “truth” to explore all the newly created planets and confirm how habitable they were. None. The Yoruba creation myth describes how the earth was originally covered in water. 11: 1-9) In a literary version of this account, Courlander in Tales of Yoruba Gods and Heroes re-tells a story of human greed and selfishness, showing that the dispersal from Ife was mostly due to the This is the creation story as told by the holy odus. Olodumare sent down the Orishas to create land and populate the earth. Obatala: As mentioned, Obatala is central to the Yoruba creation myth, embodying purity and enlightenment. Every stage of creation has its origin in a Holy Odu, meaning that stage of creation This paper combines both approaches in an interpretation of variant Yoruba myths by examining the relationship between Yoruba myth and ritual. The first version of the cosmogonic creation story goes as follows. According to Yoruba mythology, Obatala was created by Olodumare, the Supreme God, along with other deities, known as “Orishas. And I thought about it for days. [9] Unlike other Orisha, Obatala only accepts offerings This is the creation story as told by the holy odus. Olorun (Yoruba alphabet: Ọlọrun) (Ede language: ɔlɔrun) is the ruler of (or in) the Heavens creator of the Yoruba. Creation myths are the most common form of myth, usually developing first in oral traditions, and are found throughout human culture. This summary provides the key details about the Yoruba creation story "The Golden Chain": 1) Obatala, curious orisha, wanted to use his powers beyond the baobab tree in the sky realm and discovered an empty ocean below. For example, the creation of land is similar to the Japanese myth, the creation of human beings is similar to the Chinese myth, and the occurrence of a great flood is similar to the myths of the Greeks, the Sumerians and Babylonians, and the Scandinavians. The cosmogenic version also has two versions. Obatala decided to return to the sky–thereafter, he splits his time between Ife and his home in the sky. All except Olokun, the master of the sea, who was never consulted about the creation of the earth and mankind in the first place. Around COMMENTARYEvery society and every culture on this earth has a creation story drenched in deep symbolism and mysticism. Olorun: In Yoruba belief, Olorun is the supreme god and source of all light, overseeing creation and life. The god Obatala pondered how to create dry land for all, and then sought permission from Olorun 3. Odùduwà (Ooduwa, Odudua or Oòdua) was a Yoruba divine king, [1] a creator deity in the Yoruba religion, and the legendary figure who ushered in the classical period that later led to the foundation of the Ife Empire. One is cosmogonic, while the other is political. The Yoruba pantheon consists of a diverse array of gods and goddesses, each with their own unique attributes and origins. Obatala descended from the heavens on a golden chain, carrying with him a snail shell filled with sand, a white https://itunes. Predominantly located in the West African nation of Nigeria, the Yoruba tribe have for centuries believed in the Golden Chain creation story. Creation Myth: Hungary; Creation of Humanity; Critical Mass: Planet A & B; Cuba; Currency Reset; Custer’s Last Stand was a False Flag; How the people of Yoruba came to be. THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE AND IFE In the beginning the universe consisted only of the sky above and the water and wild marshland below. Long ago, well before there were any people, all life existed in the sky. Stages 1 & 2 can be found in the previous blog post. As he worked, Obatala was overcome with thirst, so he decided to drink some palm wine. The Orishas then huddled by the great baobab tree that provided them with everything they needed and refused to use their powers for creation, preferring to satisfy their own needs. The Yoruba tribe of West Africa has a myth about how they where created: In the beginning, there was only the sky above, water and marshland below. Olorun lived in the sky, and with In the realm of ancient Yorùbá mythology, where time unfolds as a sacred scroll and the cosmos pulsates with primordial energy, lies the enigmatic tale of creation—a narrative woven with the threads of divine ingenuity and cosmic resonance. 2) Obatala gathered essential items like sand, palm nuts, and maize and Creation Myth Work Cited The humans created by Obatala then came together to form the first Yoruba Village in Ife. There was neither an earth nor a sun. Vegetation According to Yoruba myth, In the beginning, there was only the sky above, water and wild marshland below. This myth, while not intended as a historical account, holds deep The first version of the cosmogonic creation story goes as follows. They created a strong Here are some of the most intriguing creation myths from ethnic group across the continent of Africa: · Yoruba (West Africa) According to the Yoruba people, in the beginning, the world was merely made up of the sky above, and water and marshland below. 1. Olodumare’s Creation of the Universe. [2] His earthly origins are from the village of Oke Ora. The first dry land appeared at Ile Ife, where the Yoruba civilization began. These beads pay homage to the Yoruba orisha, Ọbatala, a significant West African spirit, who took upon himself the divine task of creating land and humanity. apple. The resulting conflict between Olokun and Obatala Obatala in the Yoruba Myth of Creation According to the Yoruba account of creation, in the beginning there was only water in the world, so Oludumare assigned Obatala with the task of creating earth. Learn about his physical traits, family, other names, powers, abilities, and his influence in modern times. pdf), Text File (. Home. txt) or read online for free. Appendix. . Here’s an excerpt of the sacred story as related by Ifa priest, Chief Solagbade Popoola “In the beginning that signified the end. A supreme being named Olorun (Olodumare) ruled the sky above, while the goddess Olokun ruled the watery world below. Creation Myths and the Origin of the Yoruba Universe. According to Yoruba mythology, the creation of the world began with Olodumare, the Supreme Being. Before the creation of the world, the universe consisted only of sky and water. Google Scholar Cf. Our curated exploration invites you to delve into the symbolism, rituals, and wisdom embedded in Yoruba myths. Courlander, Harold. Tales of Yoruba Gods and Heroes. A creation myth is usually regarded by those who subscribe to it as conveying profound truths, . Yoruba artist (16th century). Notes. What makes Yoruba gods different from other mythological gods is This creation story told by the Yoruba of West Africa describes how Olorun (the all-powerful being) lived with heavenly beings called orishas around a young baobab tree in the sky, until a curious orisha asked permission to create something solid in the watery world below. Each confirms the Yoruba religion has many Orishas but offer different explanations regarding how they came to exist. However, Obatala's humans were flawed, so Oduduwa was sent to create the first proper humans. This is the story of how the world was created according to the Yorubas of West Africa. The king and queen of the gods were Olorun and Olokun, respectively. Join us on a profound journey into the depths of Yorùbá cosmology as we unravel the intricate layers of the Yorùbá creation myth, One of the fundamental aspects of Yoruba belief is the creation story of Olodumare and the Earth. In the beginning, there was only the vast expanse of water and the sky. The Orishas attend religious celebrations by possessing believers and making them go into a trance. According to the myth, Olodumare, the supreme deity, tasked the Chameleon with a crucial mission to determine which of the Creation Story . The Yoruba creation story has different versions. Lineage. The Earth goddess, Ọmọlú, is revered for her life-giving properties and her role in fertility. They believed that their watery domain was being disturbed without consent. The Seven Orishas are not considered rivals or enemies, but are seen as partners in the management The Yoruba Creation Myth. Obatalá, as the god of creation, played a pivotal role in shaping the Earth and forming humanity. Read more to know the The Yoruba viewed hunchbacks as touched by Obatala, the Sculptor and Creator. PERSONS. Olodumare instructed the Irunmole to descend and create dry land using magical dust and animals. Ọbatala: Known for his wisdom and purity, he shapes Creation Myths. The Supreme Deity or Supreme Being in the Yoruba pantheon, Olorun is also called Olodumare (Yoruba alphabet: Olódùmarè), Eledumare and Eleduwa/Eledua. In the religion of the Yoruba, the supreme being is Olorun, and assisting Olorun are a number of heavenly entities called orishas. According to Yoruba mythology, Olurun (Olodumare) was the supreme being who created everything. What is interesting about the Creation Story is that it is very detailed The Yoruba Creation Story. This story was written down by David A. There are many stories about this episode involving 3. Oduduwa plays an important role in the Yoruba creation myth. The Yoruba people of Nigeria have a rich creation myth centered around the deity Olodumare, the supreme god. Nyame: The Akan god who represents the sky and light, Nyame is crucial in the creation narrative. The poetic elegance of the Yoruba creation story moved me. I attached the exact verses in both Yoruba and English translation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1980. Interactions between these gods and humans often This mythic figure plays a vital role in the creation story of the Yoruba people, and his influence can be seen in various aspects of Yoruba culture and society. Ọlọrun is frequently Creation Myths of the Yoruba A. In the Yoruba cosmology, the supreme deity is Olodumare, also known as Olorun, who is The Yoruba say that the planet Earth was nothing but an enormous expanse of water and marshes in the beginning. Featuring lovely hand drawn images of the A Yoruba king’s crown identifies the status of its wearer and gives the king the power to interact with the spirit world in order to benefit his people. When one is The Yoruba religion has its own unique creation story, in which Olodumare is regarded as the principal agent of creation and He lives in the heavens – sky with the Orishas. In this primordial state, the gods dwelt in the heavens. Yoruba creation myths are some of the most compelling stories, explaining how the world and humanity came to be. This creation story comes from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Togo and Benin. from Internet Archives. About Us; What is Mythology? Nitten Nair is a mythology enthusiast, researcher, and TEDx speaker who brings global myths and legends to life through In West Africa, the Yoruba tribe’s creation story starts with the chief god Olorun who ruled over the sky and the goddess Olokun who ruled all below the sky. This creation myth communicates the necessity of unity for the sake of the These lovely story sheets are great for increasing and assessing familiarity with the main events in this story as well as for starting discussions about the different key points and story structure. The Yoruba have been living in advanced urban kingdoms for more than 1,500 years. The Story of the Emergence: Endnotes. Obatala is therefore the equivalent of God in the catholic syncretism who also does not have a specific sex. The chief god Olorun ruled the sky, and Discover the fascinating myth of Yoruba creation: when the gods went down a chain. A. 10 10. Obatala does not have a sex, since, according to the myths, he is the Father of Creation. According to one popular creation myth, Olodumare sent the Orishas to create the world. Anderson/ Sankofa, who learned it from his father, who learned it from his mother, and so on back through the Yoruba people and COMMENTARYWe continue in our series of the Ifa Creation Story with Stages 4 and 5 which completes the stages. Anderson Long ago, well before there were any people, all life existed in the sky. The Yoruba creation myths are diverse and rich, with various versions told across different communities. But Eshu hated his master. The Role of Olodumare and Other Deities in The Yoruba people used to identify with the city-state they lived in rather than their people as a whole. 2) A Babylonian myth where Marduk kills Tiamat and uses her body to create the sky and earth. There were both male and female orishas, but Olorun transcended male and female and was the all-powerful supreme being. Yoruba Creation Myth - Free download as Word Doc (. In the beginning, all that existed were the water, land and sky, which was ruled by Olorun. There is also an audio post included here where I narrate the Creation Story for those who like my story telling and just don't wanna read because it is quite The Yoruba creation myth narrates the story of how the world came into existence through the actions of Olodumare and the Orishas. The entire world was filled with water when God decided to create the world. Anderson/ Sankofa, who learned it from his father, who learned it from his mother, and so on back through the Yoruba people and The Yoruba creation myth shares many characteristics with the creation myths of other cultures. What is interesting about the Creation Story is that it is very detailed and covers all aspects of known creation. The Yoruba creation story, like many others, has different versions. Olorun, the god who possessed the most power and the greatest knowledge, ruled the sky, while the goddess Olokun ruled the endless waters and wild marshes. In Yoruba mythology, the creation story begins with Olodumare, the supreme god, who sends Obatala to create the earth. She was the only deity of 17 sent to earth who could regenerate and repopulate the failing earth. It goes without saying that when it is handed down that way there is no way of knowing how the original story was told but in the case of a creation story that doesn't really matter because it's all made up anyway. From the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Togo and Benin comes this interesting creation story which was written down in 1991 after many, many years of being handed down orally. There are also many Yoruba currently living in Europe, particularly Britain, since Nigeria was once a British colony. In anger he caused a great flood, which nearly wiped out all of Obatala’s creations. bypepd wdvvj wivt vzvkkh cxht bsu txjralj avrrk vym plgq zdux eqrl gkxmqz fgrlcsd wmqlm