Nigerian Gods — Water Gods and Goddesses
A great feature of mythology is water gods and goddesses. They are particularly unique because they are of two worlds; and represent a part of the world we have not fully understood. Therefore water gods and goddesses breach the gap between “surface dwellers” and “sub-surface dwellers”.
The Water Gods And Goddesses
Oshun: Oshun is one of the most popular in Yoruba mythology. She is one of the gods Olodumare (the High God) sent to earth. She is the goddess of divinity, feminism, fertility, beauty, and love. She is also connected to destiny and divination.
During her lifetime as a mortal, Oshun served as a queen consort to King Shango of Oyo. After her death and godhood, she was admitted to the Yoruba pantheon as an aspect of divinity of the same name.
She is the patron saint of the Osun river in Nigeria which bears her name. The river is located in the South West of Nigeria; starting from Ekiti and crossing through Osun — where the Osun-Osogbo festival is held.
The mortal Oshun fell in love with Shango at a drum festival. After which Shango married her and two other women. Oshun was known to be Shango’s favorite wife. She was also married to Orunmila, the god of wisdom and divination. She was the first ever Iyalode.
In Yoruba mythology, Oshun was the only female god sent by Olodumare to assist Shango to create the world. The other gods sent began to work and ignored Oshun. Disturbed, Oshun went to Shango for advice. The next set of events as two versions:
First; all the goddesses took matters into their own hands but all their schemes failed because they lacked “masculine leadership skills”.
Second; the gods attempted to create the world without The goddess’ influence. Until Shango ordered that all gods should give Oshun the same respect as they would givehim.
Olokun: Olokun is a Yoruba god. He is the parent of Aje, the Goddess of Wealth. Olokun is the ruler of all bodies of water and the authority of all water dieties.
In mythology, Olokun challenged Obatala the sky God, the winner would be the god with the finest clothing. Obatala sent his attendant, the Chameleon. The Chameleon matched every outfit Olokun wore. Defeated, Olokun gave up and Obatala was declared winner.
Yemaja: Yemaja is a major water spirit in Yoruba mythology. She is the mother of all gods. She rules over the Ogun river and oceans in Cuba and Brazil. Yemaja is motherly and strongly protective for all children. She is able to cure infertility in women. She rarely loses her temper, but when she does, she can be very destructive.
Often shown as a mermaid, Yemaja is associated with the moon, water and feminine mysteries. She is the protector of women. She governs everything in relation with women, parenting and child safety. In mythology, when Yemaja’s water broke, it causes a great flood creating rivers and streams. In fact the first humans were created in her womb.
