African Religion: The Yoruba of Nigeria, Myths of Ife

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Myths of Ífè

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By John Wyndham

[London, 1921]

{Reduced to HTML by Christopher M. Weimer, Dec. 2002}

This short book is a translation of some of the myths of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is a history of the creation of the world, the gods, and humanity, and the early days of the sacred city of Ífè, the traditional center of Yoruba culture. The text was recited to the author/translator by the high priests of Ífè, and the book is still cited in some books on traditional Yoruba religion and thought today. It has undeservedly become quite rare, as it can be considered a minor classic in the field.

PERSONS

Arámfè   God of Thunder and Father of the Gods.
Orísha   Creator of men. Son of Arámfè.
Odúwa or
Odudúwa

King of men. Son of Arámfè.
Ógun   God of Iron. Son of Odúwa.
Oráyan   The warrior son of Ógun.
Ládi   Smith of Ógun.
Obálufon   A worker in brass.
Mórimi   Wife of Obálufon.
Ífa   The Messenger of the Gods, principally known by reason of divination.
Olókun   Goddess of the Sea.
Olóssa   Goddess of the Lagoons.
Óshun   A Goddess who transformed and became the River Oshun.
Édi   The Perverter. A God of Evil who led men astray.
p. 10
Éshu   Now regarded as the Devil, but originally as the Undoer of the favours of the Gods.
Peregún ’Gbo   A Forest God who caused the Forest to bring forth wild animals and watched over the birth of Orúnmila.
Orúnmila   A God who watches over the birth of children.
Offun Kánran   A messenger of Ífa.
Órní Odúm’la   The ancestor of the Órnís of Ífè.
Ojúmu   A priest.
Osányi   A priest and maker of charms.

The Sun, Moon, Night, Day, Dawn and Evening were also Gods and Goddesses sent by Arámfè, who is often spoken of as God. But a higher and very distant Being is mentioned by some of the Priests.

Oíbo means White Man.

Okpéllè is a charm used in the divination of Ífa.

The final N is as in bon, and French pronunciation is nearly correct in all the above names.

from: Africa Religions: Myths of Ife

 

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