In the beginning, when the supreme creator Nana Buluku shaped the universe, she was carried in the mouth of the great serpent, Da. Together, they traveled across the void, carving out valleys with the serpent's movements and raising mountains where he rested. When the work of creation was finished, the earth was heavy with its new features—too heavy for the foundations of the world to hold. Fearing the earth would sink into the primordial sea, Nana Buluku asked Da to coil his mighty, iridescent body into a circle and rest beneath the world to support it. Da agreed, descending into the cool waters of the ocean to hold the weight of existence. To sustain his strength, cosmic blacksmiths forge iron bars for him to eat. Whenever Da shifts his massive weight to get comfortable, the earth trembles with quakes. On clear days, when the serpent rises toward the surface to stretch or drink, his shimmering scales reflect against the sky, manifesting as the rainbow, a vibrant sign of the balance that prevents the world from falling into chaos.
True stability requires strength, sacrifice, and a delicate balance between the elements of nature.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Rainbow Serpent Da?
The story teaches that the world requires constant effort and stability to survive. It highlights the interdependence between the creator's vision and the physical forces that sustain reality.
Who is Da in Fon mythology?
Da, also known as Aido-Hwedo, is a cosmic serpent who assisted the supreme deity Nana Buluku in the creation of the world. He acts as the foundation that prevents the earth from collapsing or sinking.
What does the rainbow represent in this myth?
The rainbow is seen as the reflection of Da’s multi-colored scales or his presence when he emerges from the deep to drink. It serves as a visual reminder of the serpent's power and his role in the universe.
Why do earthquakes happen according to the legend?
Earthquakes are believed to occur when Da shifts his massive body beneath the earth. Because the world rests upon his coils, any movement he makes to get comfortable results in tremors on the surface.
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Good night.
