African Mythology: Contact Us Here

African mythology ›
Introduction
African mythology covers a vast area. The African continent includes so many countries, regions,
languages, tribes, cultures and crossovers that the sheer diversity of prevailing Gods would seem
overwhelming if there weren't a few handy shortcuts.
Traditional African belief is overwhelmingly monotheistic. There may be spirits and ancestors
floating around, but there's only one God. Early missionaries made a complete pig's ear of their
research in this respect and seem to have delighted in cataloging as many 'heathen' Gods as they
could possibly get away with.
African Creator Gods seem to follow a distinctive pattern — they are all extremely dissatisfied
with their creations. There is much shaking of heads, turning away in sorrow and avoidance of
contact. The humans are left to fend for themselves. Attempts to regain contact with their God by
building a heavenly ladder are the subject of many an unhappy legend. On the whole, African
Gods don't like to be pestered, and humans have to learn to be content with their lot.
But while God sits in Heaven wringing his hands in despair, the ancestral spirits are very willing
to take an active part in Earthly life. These are mostly into hunting and other practical subjects -
with food, sex and booze as popular as always.
There is a remarkable innocence about the Gods of Africa. They seem naive and unworldly,
believing the best of everyone and optimistically giving the benefit of the doubt to all and sundry.
No wonder they are rudely disappointed when it turns out their badly-chosen favorites are up to
no good.
Even communicating with their creation is full of problems. Vital messages of life and death are
entrusted to whichever farmyard animal happens to be passing, and the resulting garble is likely
to have profoundly unforeseen — and usually disastrous — consequences...
REGIONS COVERED: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, East Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda,
Savannah, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Togo, Transvaal, Tunisia, Uganda, Upper Nile, Upper Zambesi, West
Africa, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Many Gods are spread across different regions, cultures and tribes. We've tried to pin them down to a particular area
if possible. But amendments and corrections are always welcome, especially from people with first-hand knowledge.
So if you live in the region and would like to comment, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here.
TRIBES, CULTURES AND PEOPLES COVERED: Abalyia, Agni, Akamba, Alur, Ankore, Asante (Ashanti), Baga,
Baila, Bambara, Bantu, Banyarwanda, Banyoro, Barotse, Basuto, Baule, Baventa, Benin, Botswana Bushmen,
Bushoong, Dagamba, Damara, Dinka, Djaga, Dogon, Efik, Fon, Hausa, Ibo, Ijaw, Isoko, Kalahari Bushmen, Kalyl,
Kaonde, Kavango, Koko, Lele, Lotuko, Lugbara, Lumba, Luo, Luveda, Makeni, Masai, Mbunda, Mende, Nama,
Ngombe, Nbandi, Nuer, Nupe, Pygmy, Shilluk, Shona, Shongon, Songhai, Tonga, Tunbuka, Upoto, Xhosa, Yoruba,
Zambesi, Zulu. (If you think there's as many tribes as there are gods, you could be right!)
The Gods told us to do it. G
SHANGO
African Storm God

Also known as CHANGO, XANGO
Nicely syncopated Spirit of Thunder, Drums and Dance

He was long ago elevated to the ORISHAS after a glorious career as fourth King and warrior
hero of the Yoruba. Now he bangs the drum for his people and plays rolling rhythms on his storm
clouds.
When thunder is heard, you should salute him by crying ‘Cabio Sile Shango’, or words to that
effect.
SHANGO leads a full red-blooded life and likes to party. He is in great demand as a drummer
and his dancing talents cause severe outbreaks of funkiness wherever perpetrated.
His special Feast Day is 4th of December and during this time he has a piper employed to play all
the latest hits. His special number is six, and his favorite colors are red and white. He likes
animals, particularly dogs. He also favors roosters and turtles, although we think these are more
for eating than companionship. If you invite him to a feast you will need to stock up on bananas,
apples, cornmeal, okra, red wine and rum.
Very much the ladies man, SHANGO does have a relationship with OYA which can at
times get pretty tempestuous. He does not get on well with his brother OGUN and is not averse
to a good punch-up. But on the whole he’s a great God to have on your side as he is loyal,
protective and — as far as we’re concerned — extremely groovy.
SHANGO FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : SHANGO
Pronunciation : Coming soon
Alternative names : CHANGO, XANGO
Area or people : Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Storms
God of : Storms
Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

Good/Evil Rating : GOOD, quite approachable
Popularity index : 233601
References: Coming soon.
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a wide range of items are available to buy.
The Gods told us to do it. Go to top
ORISHAS
African Multi-talented Spirits
Also known as ORISAS, ORIXAS, ORISA, ORIXA, ORISHA
Famous Yoruba spirits of almost everything

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

Name : ORISHAS
Alternative names : ORISAS, ORIXAS, ORISA, ORIXA, ORISHA
Location : Africa
Gender : Both male and female
Type : spiritual being
In charge of : Many Things

God of : Many Things

soon.
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We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Orishas graphic novels, books,
The Gods told us to do it. Go to top
BUMBA
African Creator God

Also known as MBOMBO, MBONGO
Mighty Creator God of Vomit

From the Bushongo in the Congo comes BUMBA , the African Creator God of Vomit. Yes,
vomit.
In the beginning, all was dark. Then out of the darkness came BUMBA , a giant pale-skinned
figure. He was not feeling well. In fact he had not been feeling well for millions of years. He was
lonely, and the unbearable solitude was making him ill.
Troubled by a ballooning bellyache, he staggered, moaned and vomited up the Sun. Light burst
forth into the Universe — and he choked out the Moon. The stars came next and then, with a
tremendous effort, he threw up the planet Earth. We do live in a very sick world.
This nauseating display was brought to a triumphant conclusion when, as an encore, he vomited
forth nine animals, an assortment of humans, and a pile of diced carrots.
Exhausted from his labors, he sat and watched as the nine creatures multiplied. After a while,
they had evolved into every living thing on Earth. Which just shows that Creationism and
Evolution are both right.
Apart from a pesky critter named TSETSE-BUMBA , all his creatures were friendly and
respectful. His loneliness abated and finally he was content.
Then BUMBA ’s three sons appeared. NYONYE-
NGANA, CHONGANDA and CHEDI-BUMBA added the finishing touches and
thus the world was made. BUMBA spoke kindly to his human creations before ascending to
Heaven, never to be seen again. So far as we know, his stomach has never troubled him since.
BUMBA FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : BUMBA
Alternative names : MBOMBO, MBONGO
Area or people : Bushongo people of the Congo
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Creating
God of : Creation

Good/Evil Rating : GREAT, really beneficial
Link here Cite this
Article last updated on 25 March 2013 by the Godchecker Team.

Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders
Permissions page
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Bumba graphic novels, books,
OBATALA
African Purity God
Also known as OBÀTÁLÁ, OBATALÁ, OLUFON, ORISALA, ORISHALA, ORISHA-NLA,
ORISHA-POPO, ORISANLA, OSHANLA
White Cloth God and drunken creator of the human race

He is a high-ranking spirit among the ORISHAS , but in the old days he did like a drink or
two. Not a good thing when you have a holy mission to perform.
His father, the supreme sky god OLORUN , gave him the mighty task of building the Earth.
Unfortunately, on his way to perform this important job, OBATALA ‘accidentally’
gatecrashed a Godparty and spent the rest of the evening roaring drunk on palm wine.
Meanwhile, little sibling ODUDUWA spotted an opportunity. Why should big brother get all
the fame and glory? So he stole the holy building materials and did a little planet-constructing
behind his back. As you can see if you look around you, he did a pretty good job.
Chief architect and supreme deity OLORUN was so pleased with ODUDUWA ’s efforts
that he promoted him to God of the Earth. The drunken sop OBATALA was ridiculed,
chastised and punished with a tedious punishment — he was put to work making men and
women.
If you ever wondered why humans aren’t quite as perfect as they should be, here’s the answer:
our Holy Maker was drunk at the time. Since that day, every deformity or disability to afflict
mankind has been blamed on his fumbling alcoholic fingers.
OBATALA eventually learned the error of his ways and went very firmly on the
wagon. OLORUN accepted his apologies and gave him dominion over the mortals he’d
created. But only the heads. (You may think your head belongs to you, but it doesn’t. It is only on
loan. In reality it belongs to an immortal ex-alcoholic demi-deity from Africa.)
With an amazing transformation he reinvented himself as the Great White God, a shining figure
in resplendent white cloth. Far from encouraging alcoholic excess and bleary-eyed drunken
confusion, he now promotes purity, clean living and clarity of thought. We just hope those
impressive gleaming robes do not conceal a hip flask.
As top spiritual entity of the ORISHAS with roles covering fertility, childbirth and fortune,
he is now enthusiastically venerated all over the world, from Africa to Brazil. He has even been
remixed by Catholicism, which is always keen to borrow other people’s gods — especially ones
so shiny and white as him.
OBATALA’s wife is YEMAYA. What a roller-coaster marriage she’s had.

OBATALA FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : OBATALA
Alternative names : OBÀTÁLÁ, OBATALÁ, OLUFON, ORISALA, ORISHALA, ORISHA-NLA,
ORISHA-POPO, ORISANLA, OSHANLA
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Purification
God of : Purity

Permissions page
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Obatala graphic novels, books,
ESHU
African Trickster God

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

Article last updated on 09 January 2014 by Rowan Allen.

Permissions page
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Eshu graphic novels, books, video
or role-playing games (RPG)? To purchase such goodies we suggest you try Amazon, Ebay or
other reputable online stores. For official Godchecker merch please visit our God Shop where a
wide range of items are available to buy.
OLORUN
African Supreme God
Also known as OLÒRÚN, OLURUN, OLODUMARE, OLOFI
Top Sky God of Peace, Justice and the Yoruba way

He’s the great king of the Universe and the glorious pinnacle of Yoruba mythology. Like the
Christian JEHOVAH he is also a three-in-one trinity god — comprising OLORUN the Lord
of Heaven, OLODUMARE, the Ultimate Creator and OLOFI the Messenger. Excellent value.
In OLODUMARE mode he’s surprisingly good at passing the buck. His wonderful blueprints for
planet Earth were amazingly ambitious. But he prudently decided to delegate the job to someone
else. It wouldn’t do for the Master of All to get his hands dirty.
So he summoned his son OBATALA , greatest of the ORISHAS , handed over the Chicken
of Creation and told him to get on with it.
This led to all kinds of embarrassing complications before life as we know it was achieved.
See OBATALA ’s entry for the whole story.
As supreme deity, OLORUN ’s fame has spread as far afield as the Caribbean. But rumors
persist that he’s secretly leading a secret double life as windy YANSAN . You can’t trust
everything you hear. Perhaps we should ask his trusty messenger ELEGUA .
OLORUN FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : OLORUN
Alternative names : OLÒRÚN, OLURUN, OLODUMARE, OLOFI
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Everything
God of : Supreme, Everything
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Olorun graphic novels, books,
ELEGUA
Trickster God of Crossroads, Beginnings and Opportunities
He’s the guardian of the Crossroads of Life. Whenever there are decisions to be made, he
provides opportunities and second chances. If you’re lucky. As a Trickster God, the
childlike ELEGUA can sometimes make things even more complicated. At a whim he can
turn a simple choice into a vast conundrum of paradox.
He’s also messenger to the higher Gods, particularly OLORUN , and he does like to be
noticed. He’s partial to cigars and rum, but he is very good with children. His day is Monday —
so you can start the week well under his ministrations. His color coding is red and black.
ELEGUA FACTS AND FIGURES

Name : ELEGUA
Alternative names : None known
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity

Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad
Article last updated on 09 January 2014 by Rowan Allen.
Permissions page
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Elegua graphic novels, books,
YEMAYA
African Childbirth Goddess
Also known as YEMANJA, YEMONJA, YEMAYAH, YEMOWO, YEMOJA, YEMOWO,
YEMBO, IAMANJIE
The Mother of Water and Childbirth

Her stylish blue and crystal skirts billow in wave-like motions. One of the ORISHAS , she is a
sensuous, slow-moving figure, just like the water she represents. Very calm and soothing for
birthing situations. But she has a curious aversion to salt — so she will float over the ocean but
not in it.
YEMAYA is also a Moon Goddess and the number seven has special significance for her.
We don’t like to gossip, but her husband OBATALA has a shady past — he created mankind
under less than reputable circumstances. Still, that’s all water under the bridge now.
YEMAYA FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : YEMAYA
Alternative names : YEMANJA, YEMONJA, YEMAYAH, YEMOWO, YEMOJA, YEMOWO, YEMBO,
IAMANJIE
Area or people : Yoruba, Nigeria
Location : Africa
Gender : Female
Type : deity
In charge of : Birth
God of : Childbirth

Permissions page
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Yemaya graphic novels, books,
ABASSI
African Creator God
Nigerian Creator God and Lord of the Sky
On the suggestion of his wife ATAI , ABASSI invented the first humans and somewhat
nervously introduced them into the wild.
As he feared, the first couple quickly discovered sex, and pretty soon were doing their own
creating. This created a terrible over-population problem, and made ABASSI feel rather
insecure. So ATAI gave humanity two gifts, Argument and Death, to keep the numbers under
control.
ABASSI FACTS AND FIGURES
Name : ABASSI
Alternative names : None known
Area or people : Efik people of Nigeria
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity
In charge of : Creating
God of : Creation

Permissions page
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Abassi graphic novels, books,
ANANSI

Also known as ANANSE, AUNT-NANCY
Famous Spider Trickster God
As well as being sneaky, tricky, sly and crafty, he’s also a Creator God who made the sun and
moon and hit upon the novel idea of day and night. Legends and tales abound.
ANANSI is very popular with the natives. In fact he’s affectionately known as Aunt Nancy.
He’s also one of WULBARI ’s cohorts, apparently.
ANANSI FACTS AND FIGURES

Name : ANANSI
Alternative names : ANANSE, AUNT-NANCY
Area or people : West Africa
Location : Africa
Gender : Male
Type : deity

Good/Evil Rating : OKAY, not bad
We are often asked about mythology merchandise. Do we sell Anansi graphic novels, books,

African Mythology: Contact Us Here

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African mythology ›

The Gods told us to do it. G

African Storm God

Nicely syncopated Spirit of Thunder, Drums and Dance

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

References: Coming soon.

The Gods told us to do it. Go to top

Famous Yoruba spirits of almost everything

ORISHAS FACTS AND FIGURES

In charge of : Many Things

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

The Gods told us to do it. Go to top

African Creator God

Mighty Creator God of Vomit

BUMBA FACTS AND FIGURES

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

Link here Cite this

Article last updated on 25 March 2013 by the Godchecker Team.

References: Coming soon.

White Cloth God and drunken creator of the human race

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

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

References: Coming soon.

African Trickster God

See also FA and LEGBA .

ESHU FACTS AND FIGURES

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

Article last updated on 09 January 2014 by Rowan Allen.

References: Coming soon.

Top Sky God of Peace, Justice and the Yoruba way

OLORUN FACTS AND FIGURES

ELEGUA FACTS AND FIGURES

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

References: Coming soon.

The Mother of Water and Childbirth

YEMAYA FACTS AND FIGURES

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

African Trickster God

ANANSI FACTS AND FIGURES

Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present

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