Learning About The Yoruba Orishas | The Odyssey Online
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Learning About The Yoruba Orishas

The religion most of us did not know about.

Cori L.L. Fowler
Apr 04, 2016
Lindenwood University
30101
Learning About The Yoruba Orishas

Everyone has heard of the Greek gods, Zeus, Aphrodite, Poseidon, and others, but there is also the Yoruba Orishas. This is a religion that can be traced back to Africa and due to the Atlantic Slave Trade, the Orishas are also relevant in Latin America. So what are the Orishas? Just as the Greek gods, the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries between the supernatural and humankind. Here is a list of 20 Orishas and what they represent.

1. Olorun

The Chief God and the Supreme Creator.

2. Yemoja


Patron deity of women and the mother goddess.

3. Obtala

Deity of humankind, spiritual purity, and moral uprightness.

4. Oshun

Goddess of beauty, love, fertility, and divinity of rivers.

5. Ibeji

Sacred twins; Gods of youth and vitality.

6. Obba

Goddess of Domesticity and Marriage (also the daughter of Yamoja).

7. Eshu

God of communication; messenger between the spiritual and material world.

8. Ori

God of spiritual intuition and destiny.

9. Oxosi

God of scouting and hunting; deity of the accused and those seeking justice.

10. Oko

God of agriculture and harvest.

11. Olokun

God of the deep ocean, the abyss, and represents unfathomable wisdom.

12. Agaya

God of volcanoes and deserts; father of Shango.

13. Oya


Warrior-spirit of the wind, lightning, fertility, fire and magic. It is believed that she creates hurricanes and tornadoes, and serves as guardian of the underworld.

14. Orunmila

God of wisdom, divination, and foresight.

15. Babalu Aye

God of illness and sickness.

16. Oshumare


God of direct movement and rainbow serpent, guardian of children, controller of the umbilical cord, and lord of elongated things.

17. Ogun

God of iron, tools and weapons. He is a fierce warrior and protective father.

18. Erinle

God of physical health and wellness; medical physician to the gods.

19. Ozain

God of the forest natural healer and guardian of herbs.

20. Shango

God of fire, virility, masculinity, and lightening. Shango is the Orisha of the thunderbolt, said to have ruled in ancient times over the kingdom of Oyo.


If you are intrigued by the list of Orishas there is more to the story, literally. There is also a storyline within the religion that is very interesting that you should also check out.
















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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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