Story Summary
Explore the Yoruba myth Obatala Creates Humans. Learn how the Orisha of creation fashioned humanity from clay and vowed to protect all people after a divine error.
In the beginning, the universe was divided between the sky and a vast, watery chaos. Obatala, the son of the supreme god Olorun, desired to create solid ground. With Olorun’s permission, he descended from the heavens on a golden chain, carrying a snail shell full of sand, a white hen, and a palm nut. He poured the sand onto the water, and the hen scattered it to form the land of Ile-Ife. Once the earth was made, Obatala began to mold humans from the clay of the earth. However, as he worked, he grew thirsty and drank fermented palm wine. In his intoxication, his hands became unsteady, and he fashioned some humans with physical deformities and disabilities. When Olorun breathed life into these figures, Obatala realized his mistake. Filled with remorse, he vowed to never drink palm wine again and pledged to be the special protector of all humans who were created with physical differences, ensuring they were treated with the utmost respect.
The Moral
We must take responsibility for our mistakes and treat every person, regardless of their physical form, with dignity and protection.
“I shall be the father and protector of all those I have shaped in my weakness.”
Fun Fact
In Yoruba tradition, people born with physical differences are known as 'Eni Orisa,' which means 'the people of the Orisha,' signifying Obatala's special protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Obatala create humans with disabilities?
Obatala drank too much palm wine while molding the clay, which made his hands unsteady and led him to create humans with physical differences.
Who gave life to the clay figures in the story?
While Obatala molded the physical bodies from clay, the supreme god Olorun was the one who breathed the breath of life into them.
What tools did Obatala use to create the earth?
He used a golden chain to descend from heaven, a snail shell filled with sand to create land, and a five-toed hen to spread the sand.
What was Obatala's vow after creating humans?
Obatala vowed never to drink palm wine again and promised to be the eternal protector and patron of those with physical disabilities.
Where did the creation of the world take place?
According to Yoruba mythology, the first land created was Ile-Ife, which remains a sacred city in Nigeria today.
What does Obatala represent in Yoruba culture?
Obatala is the Orisha of creation, purity, and wisdom, often associated with the color white and the ethical treatment of all beings.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
