Yoruba Mythology

The Gods of Yorubaland (Nigeria, Benin and Togo)

OGUN

Yoruba Weaponry God

The Hunting God of Lethal Metalwork

One of the Orishas, he is an ancient hunting deity specializing in weapons of iron. Spears, knives, blades — and presumably nowadays guns and missiles. His powerful spirit lives inside metal and bestows his strength upon it.

He also deals with justice and oaths. It’s common to invoke his name in an oath, but you need to touch a piece of metal while doing so. Preferably something weapon-related, such as the business end of a spear or nuclear warhead.

If you treat Ogun with respect he’ll be trustworthy and protective. So don’t leave your tools out in the rain.

Note similarity to the Dahomey deity Gu. His Vodou equivalent is Ogou. Although a butch masculine god, we are advised that he does have a softer side as the female Onile.

Ogun Facts and Figures

Name: Ogun
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names:

Gender: Male
Type: God
Area or people: Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Weaponry
Area of expertise: Weapons

Good/Evil Rating: OKAY, not bad
Popularity index: 21302

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Article last revised on May 19, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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