Oshun Goddess of Love

In the beginning, Olodumare, the Supreme Creator, sent seventeen Orishas to the world to populate it and bring order. Sixteen were men, and only one was a woman: Oshun, the goddess of fresh waters, love, and fertility. As the male Orishas set about their work—building houses, planting crops, and establishing laws—they neglected to consult Oshun or include her in their councils. Feeling disregarded, Oshun withdrew her power. Suddenly, the rivers stopped flowing, the earth turned to dust, and no new life was born. The world became a barren wasteland. Realizing their failure, the male Orishas returned to Olodumare to ask why the world was dying. Olodumare asked if they had included the one woman among them. When they admitted they had not, Olodumare told them that without Oshun, nothing would ever flourish. The gods returned to Earth and begged for her forgiveness. Oshun, in her grace, accepted their apologies. She released the sweet waters once more, the rain fell, and life bloomed in vibrant abundance across the world.