Apollo was important in Greek culture not only because he represented the sun, but also because he was seen to illuminate the worlds of music and reason. On the other hand, he requires sacrifices of resources such as tobacco to ensure constant appeasement and protection of human spirits. People in both southern and northern Africa believe that the world was formed from the body of an enormous snake, sometimes said to span the sky as a rainbow. Some of the stories serve to teach lessons on survival and wisdom while explaining why things happen. At that point, the old phoenix dies, and a new one arises. Outside of Nigeria, she is known as Oxum in Brazil and Ochun in Cuba. Numerous inventions can be traced back to the African continent. One of the great Yoruba gods, he was the third ruler of Oyo. 17. Alternate Names Oduduwa is one of Olodumares favorite orisa. The account is linked to the first trees created by roog. The calabash had the sand to be spread by the rooster to create land. Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps. Ammit would eat up the souls of the recent dead if they still carried on their bad habits into the next world. Obaluaye is also connected to rituals that promote the cure for illnesses. The supreme god of the Fon people of West Africa is Mawu-Lisa, usually described as brother and sister twins who became the parents of all the other gods, also born as twins. Whereas, in native American tribes, it is a symbol of long life, protection, and fertility. He is worshipped on Wednesdays and followers wear red his favorite color. The Dogon say that twin pairs of creator spirits or gods called Nummo hatched from a cosmic egg. Often associated with fertility, nurturer, and protector of humanity, Osun is a Yoruba deity. Although the origins of her creation cannot be pinpointed, it is likely to have originated around the coast of Guinea and fondly used in other West African cultures such as Ghana & Nigeria. To get access one must throw in the first seven fruits plucked before climbing down the tree. It is one of the most famous west African mythical creatures in countries like Senegal and Gambia. As the emissaries of his power and will, the Orishas were each assigned unique functions, ensuring total order within the planet of Earth. Dragons are the quintessential monster of European folklore: giant, fire-breathing lizards that may have been the medieval explanation for dinosaur bones. Various mythologies around the world ." "African Mythology He killed Sarki and cut off the neck. Being the third and the most senior wife of Shango, Oba was one of his consorts. Though she sometimes traps swimmers, those that survive become wealthy and attractive. In Russian legends, the alkonost guarded good fortune during the day, and the sirin takes over during the night. west african myths and folktales. Still, He is believed to be more than capable of bringing adversity to those that do not take note of his presence. or the entire culturebecome objects of worship and subjects of tales and legends. He holds power over knowledge, including information, intuition, and instinct. One thing is for sure, though, every Orisha is unique and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to their wake. They are all mentioned within this list. It also covers spirits as well as deities found within the Afro-American religionswhich is mostly derived from traditional African religions. READ ALSO: 12 greatest African inventions that have changed the world. Some believe the sirins origin from Greek myths concerning sirens.. Mexico. People thought to have evil spirits are considered dangerous witches. Lions, elephants, vast stretches of the jungle with venomous snakes, or an endless sea of sand stalked by nefarious scorpions. Owuo is the god of death in the Asante and Akan mythologies of West Ghana and Togo. At their tributary, rivers Oba and Osun form a turbulent rapid due to their rivalry. The mothers grieve does not concern the spirit. What are some other important aspects of their society? The following are some of the past's most well-known African mythical creatures. The references in African mythology to animals as co-creators of human societies reinforce the view of humans and nature as being interconnected. A crowing crested cobra is a snake similar to a cobra with a crest on its head and capable of . The people still hope for Nyaminyamin to help them reclaim their land with a mighty flood that will sweep off the dam. Anzar, the God of rain. She is strikingly similar to Dionysus, the Greek goddess of wine and fertility. African Water Spirit Mami Wata. The Yoruba religion can be marked as a capstone of African beliefs due to its wide acceptance. The Kusugu well is located in present-day Daura, Katsina state of Nigeria. Most African traditional religions are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices. Orunmila is a prime example of it. The Caribbean religion known as vodun or voodoo, for example, involves the worship of the vodu, meaning spirit in the West African language Fon. What is the most popular mythical creature in Africa? U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology. Divination is an incredibly rich area for anthropological researchin fact, I would argue . Here are the names of some Bereber Gods from this African mythology. They are divided into over a dozen independent kingdoms, the best known of which is the Ashanti (Asante) kingdom whose . Another theme in African mythology is the presence of animals who interact with humans. 2. The myths of people living along the Nile and on the fringes of the Sahara, as well as the Bantu around the Niger and Congo Rivers, are more generally concerned with the origins of social institutions, such as clans and kingships, than with cosmic themes, such as the creation of the world. Amulets and talismans are objects believed to have special powers to protect or bring good luck. Being home to many ethnic groups and languages, it is difficult to unite the population using a single explanation. Many populations regard the earth, sun , and moon as gods. This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. When Oba asked Oshun about what she did to become Shangos favorite, Oshun simply lied to her (knowing Obas children would inherit the kingdom). They were terrified but Adu calmed them down and organised . A mythological chimera composed of the head of a crocodile, the forelimbs of a lion, and the hind limbs of a hippopotamus, Ammit was the personification of the man-eating predators so feared by ancient Egyptians. In the pantheon, Oshun was Shangos favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba. This entry presents a brief, general picture of Africa's traditional religious heritage, focusing on the major beliefs because, Bayajida is believed to be the founder of the Hausa states as we know them today. A great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish. They wear a crown or halo. 4. A popular form of entertainment involves sharing animal fables, stories about talking animals with human characteristics. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. Five thousand years later, people who spoke Bantu languages began spreading out from Cameroon, on Africa's west coast, until they eventually inhabited much of sub-Saharan Africa. This particular Chiwara depicts the mythological half-man, half-antelope, believed to have taught ancient humans how to cultivate plants in the soil. sims 4 baby with hidden crib liko; african mythological objects. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. Like in every creation myth in Africa, the Serer of Senegal, Mauritania and the Gambia have theirs. Obaluaye, also known as Babal Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within the pantheon. The kalunga line is located under the Atlantic ocean and the dead reenter through this line to the world of the living. 11 Jun 2022. Animism refers to the belief that everything (and yes, LITERALLY everything) possesses a spiritual quintessence. Oshuns aquatic finesse over the rivers of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the most critical Orishas. The Celtic god Dagda or Daghdha was one of the Tuatha D Danann and had power over life and death, crops, time, and the seasons. When we are ill, we can find our strongest lust for life. This creature is more of a cryptid rather than a supernatural being. Every day he moves across the sky and is more powerful at noon. Other mythical stories claim water from the lake even when fetched cannot be turned into another container. Oba fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba river. Later kings were thought to have been Nyikang reborn into new bodies, and the well-being of the nation depended on their health and vigor. Various West African peoples refer to the highest god as Amma or Olorun , while some East Africans use the name Mulungu. The Impundulu is a vampire-like animal found in the Zulu, Xhosa and other clans in South Africa. The Horse. This is an ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of justice. Anansi supposedly represents wisdom and skill. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. This trickster is associated with change and with quarrels. 12 greatest African inventions that have changed the world. Some groups, such as the non-Bantu peoples of the Niger and Congo regions, believe that twins of opposite sexes are symbols of this duality. The Baya or Gbaya people live principally in the Central African Republic (CAR) of Africa. Circle (Various) Symbol of eternity and perfection / Circle. Although the myths of various African cultures have existed primarily in oral form, there are some notable exceptions. In some accounts, he is the messenger between the human world and the supreme god. Myths and legends are ways of explaining the unexplainable. Joel Chandler Harris's Uncle Remus books collect many of the modified West African tales that were shared among slaves in the early United States. The practice of accumulating wealth has existed for centuries and no human can deny the power and comfort that wealth can give us in this world. Some spirits are helpful, others harmful. African mythology commonly depicts the cosmos anthropomorphically. See Also:Izaak Theo Adu- Bio, Age, Partner, Other Facts About Sade Adus Trans son. Garbed in white, the King of Peace Obatala is a merciful Orisha dispatching purity. It had been seen by people near the swamps or lakes of Western Zambia, Angola and Congo. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. This entry presents a brief, general picture of Africa's traditional religious heritage, focusing on the major beliefs because these underlie the, Afrocentrism has a long and often misunderstood history. The Runaway Princess and Other Stories. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . The ancient Benin Empire was one of Africa's oldest and most developed kingdoms until it was invaded by the British in 1897. Cousin, perhaps, heading off in joy (7) 28. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. While Set tries to destroy Osiriss body, Isis and her friends do everything within their power to prevent his body from decay. Floyd Mayweathers Children: Meet The 5 Kids Of The Legendary Boxer, Yusef Rasheed: Unknown Details About The First Husband Of Serena Williams Mother, 12 Famous African Gods and Goddesses With Unbelievable Capabilities, Cheikh Anta Diop- The Life and Death of the Senegalese Politician, Izaak Theo Adu- Bio, Age, Partner, Other Facts About Sade Adus Trans son, The Rise And Fall of the Greatest Female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut, Truths And Lies About How Africa Got Its Name, 10 Most Dangerous African Dictators You Must Know About, Who Is Terrell Grice? This defense was a top priority in a hostile place like West Africa. The second is the material culture tradition which refers to the objects that are made from the materials from the environment such as wood for masks, toys or even building styles. The artistic traditions of Africa and the Pacific Islands share: all of the previous answers. The continent of Africa is rich in culture, folklore, and legend. AKAN RELIGION AKAN RELIGION . He moved away from Borno and came to a town where he asked for water. Shango directs the destination of thunder and lightning depending on what goes on in the world down below. After doing that, Shango was angry that he chased her out of his house. Myths are not false stories. Mawu (Africa) A much happier couple-based story about the moon is this myth from Africa, which says that Mawu is a moon good who is forever linked in unity with the sun goddess Liza. 22 Feb. 2023 . pray for the destruction of your enemies kjv / 1 monster way corona, ca 92879 / african mythological objects. Like the weathers unpredictability, she also commandeers the essence of constantly changing the natural world so it may continue flourishing. Islam spread south past the Sahara very slowly, especially compared with its sweep across North Africa. 15 Interesting Myths And Legends In African Mythology. Another belief revolves around reincarnation. Twins appear in many African myths and legends. Mami Wata of Western Africa. 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. U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology. While fables offer imaginative explanations, there is no doubt that the Orisha pantheons followers make it their lifestyle to uphold the norms and practices imposed by these deities. The lush continent of Africa is in fact home to numerous animals and insects found only on the continent, as well as beautifully diverse groups of people, each retaining their breathtaking cultures of yore. Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. Juma relates restitution of African heritage products to human rights. According to Yoruba legend, Olorun was one of two original creator Gods; the other was the goddess , Olokun. 22. The first king of the Zulu was supposed to have been a son of the supreme god. These animals may be responsible for creating the world, such as in the myth of the rainbow snake. For example, Orisha is primarily used by the Yoruba and Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo. He is said to have been created with the intent of killing humans. Kongamato. It is a fantastic place to start taking in the sheer size of the beliefs of the ancient civilizations living on such a diverse continent. Defined as an embodiment of wind, she is Shangos wife and hence the direct caterer of his will. As a punishing god, Apollo often sent his arrows into the world, which were assigned with sudden deaths. Speaking of which, Yemonja is the metaphysical mother of all the other gods in the Orisha pantheon. Destiny is an important notion to believe in because it continually shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in its belief. African cultural groups did not use written language until modern times. The Shilluk, who live along the Nile in the Sudan, trace their ancestry to Nyikang, their first king. His eye acts independently of him and he sends the eye. Investigations never verified the truth of her appearance. His myth originates from Ghana. Africa is a vast, beautiful land full of animals too many to count, and tales of strange and monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows are abound! Some amulets were believed to have broad powers, providing general protection. In African oral cultures, myths embody philosophical reflections, express values, and identify moral standards. 5. matabiri - nasty swamp spirits in Papua New Guinea. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. Different African tribes have their ways of worshipping their gods. He taught humans how to make tools, which in turn enabled them to grow food and build shelters. Wikimedia Commons. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. Deities Most African traditional religions have multiple gods, often grouped together in family relationships. The Legendary Oduduwa tale told among Yoruba is the hero who helped in quelling revolts among Yoruba factions. It dates from the 4th century A.D. reddit. Situated about 500 miles north of the equator, the CAR Lux Ferre July 28, 2019 While some accounts claim she was one of Sangos many wives. The South African river goddess possesses the body of a snake. His pranks and mischief cause trouble among gods, among humans, or between gods and humans. This sculpture is hand-carved from wood in the shape of a Chiwara, used as a ritual object by the Bamana people. Still other African groups believe that the spirits of dead ancestors remain near their living descendants to help and protect them as long as these living relatives perform certain ceremonies and pay their ancestors due respect. The Egyptian official reported the least he could say: that the Chinese-launched object is owned by the Egyptian state and that it is "capable of taking high-resolution images that benefit Egypt and Arab and African countries in their quest for sustainable development".. Sherif Sedky insisted that Horus-1 "is not a luxury, but a necessity for the country's growth". 1. His journey explains how life on earth is sustained. What Is There To Know About Him, Keke Wyatt Kids: Meet The 11 Children And Their Fathers, Lil Waynes Kids- Meet The Rappers 4 Children With 4 Baby Mamas, Sarah Jakes Roberts Children: Meet Her 6 Kids And Husband, Who Is Gertie Davis? Between the 1500s and the 1800s, many thousands of Africans were brought to the Americas as slaves. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. The mythical powers of the Am-Pidong crater lake have been handed from generation to generation. Wamala - He is the god of wealth and prosperity. Many other rituals were focused on the different stages of life such as the beginning . Being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative. The Lightning Bolt, the Weapon of Gods as a Symbol of Power. Orishas, too, have emotions that flow gracefully like the river. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. He reveals how post-colonial legislations have been abused, thereby dislodging cultural objects from the community, to the western nations. Oba is linked to rivers, marriage, fertility, and restoration. African mythologies include supernatural beings who influence human life. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! Photo: Fondation Zinsou /Facebook. The Buganda people of east-central Africa have twenty or more deities. Electrical Parts This is a list of African spirits as well as deities found within the traditional African religions.It also covers spirits as well as deities found within the Afro-American religionswhich is mostly derived from traditional African religions. Rompo is a legendary monster with the head of a rabbit, arms like a badger, legs like a bear, a skeletal middle and human ears. According to tradition, the Edo people became dissatisfied with the rule of a dynasty of semi-mythical kings, the Ogisos, and thus invited Prince Oranmiyan of Ife to ascend the throne. In some communities, a Jengu held reverence as a mediator between people and spirits. Ouch. Le Muse Fondation Zinsou, Ouidah, Benin. Human spirits exist within the mind, and hence, tending to its development is what Orunmila really does. The Ogbanje is a spirit that takes children back. Both revered and feared, Obaluaye is well respected by the followers, and he is said to curse you as quickly as he can heal you. Earned it after working . Accessed March 4, 2023. African Mythological Creatures. Africa has an extensive record of human invention and achievement. Scarab. In the quintessence of the African Renaissance, this means sticking to what the brand knows best. The continent is well-known for its groundbreaking achievements in engineering, metallurgy, astronomy, and other fields. 60+ Ancient Greek statues - Famous Greek Statues Painted. Some say it is comparable in appearance to a crocodile, while others fight it more like a mythical beast with intelligent scales and the capacity to spit fire. In this article, we will be looking at the traditional beliefs of the Yoruba people, a West African ethnic group with a brimming crucible of history to their name. . In fact, her name comes from Orisun, which was referred to as being the source of the Niger River. He is often noted as being the master behind shaping every child when they are within the womb. These children are reborn only to die again. Amulets are magical charms used for protection and to ward off evil. African mythology also plays a central role in the contemporary fantasy novel Anansi Boys (2005) by Neil Gaiman. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. On and off, verge on selfishness (3) 27. Oya is the Orisha of the weather. Yoruba. Dialogue Institute, Dialogue Institute, 16 Sept. 2020, https://dialogueinstitute.org/afrocaribbean-and-african-religion-information/2020/9/16/yoruba . The Berber people are an ethnic group in Africa. They are often nailed to a cross or other religious object or carried in one's pocket for good luck. 10 of 45. . With strong ties to the Mediterranean and Arab worlds, North Africans felt the influence of Christianity by the 300s ce. The phenomenon is common in different parts of Africa including the diaspora. Trigon vs Darkseid: Who would win in a fight between the comic characters? window.__mirage2 = {petok:"9Em8K.WU1hoXL1XA0QJkpYkseXUQIr9i0tfaugIt9I0-86400-0"}; There goes NASA destroying the balance . This is a lovely mermaid-looking creature with fleecy hair and a hole-toothed grin which lives in the waterways and oceans. Kalunga referrers to the land of death as well as the god that protects the border between the two worlds. He defeated 13 hostile communities led by Ife led by Obatala in a war lasting many years. He was known as the 'good god' and wielded a magic club, cleverly named The Club of Dagda, that could kill nine men in a single blow. Using your library, the Internet, or other available resources, research one of the cultures or tribes mentioned above, such as the Yoruba, the San, or the Baganda. Instead, they address lesser gods, many of whom have distinct functions. Most myths accept that she was the only female deity among the 17 that Olodumare sent to populate the earth. The trickster may be a god, an animal, or a human being. Some of these beings are powerful deities or gods. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Terrifying stories of creatures from African Mythology were told to me growing up by my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. Similar to Mami Wata, this river goddess is fearsome but can bestow her graces on those who find favor with her. Olorun ruled the sky and Olokun ruled the marshy waters below. Shango reigned for seven years and use his thunder in battles. Imps are often described as mischievous more than seriously threatening, and as lesser beings rather than more important supernatural beings. Others were amulets and talismans used for specific purposes, such as helping hunters achieve success . 1. [1][2][3], Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 00:03, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_African_mythological_figures&oldid=1141418830, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 00:03. An example occurs among the Songhai people, who live along the Niger River. According to legend, after a person died, the Egyptian god Anubis weighed the deceased's heart on a scale against a single feather from Ma'at, the goddess of truth. Since then, the spread of Islam and Christianity has overshadowed many indigenous (or native) religions, myths, and legends of sub-Saharan Africa. This is a protection symbol of ancient Egypt, which is associated with the god Khepri, who is the god of creation and rebirth. The Ninki Nanka is said to be a mammoth bog-abiding animal. Some mythic ancestors began as real-life personages whose deeds were exaggerated over time, while others are purely fictional. Due to this, every object (material or immaterial) is believed to have some sort of sentience. Usually, victims are encouraged to tell the story lest Popobawa comes back and assaults them again. //