Yoruba Creation Myth Notes

The Creation of the Universe and Ife

• In the beginning, the universe consisted of the sky above (ruled by Olorun) and water/marshland below (ruled by Olokun).
• Obatala wanted to create solid land, so he sought permission from Olorun.
• Olorun granted Obatala permission to create solid land.

Obatala's Creation Process

• Obatala consulted Orunmila for guidance and was instructed to:
  • Acquire a long golden chain.
  • Fill a snail's shell with sand.
  • Place the shell, a white hen, a black cat, and a palm nut in a bag.
• The gods contributed gold for the chain.
• Obatala climbed down the chain and poured sand into the water, then released the hen, which scattered the sand to create hills and valleys.
• Obatala named the place he landed "Ife".
• He planted a palm nut, built a house, and kept his black cat as company.

Olorun's Contributions and Obatala's Inhabitants

• Olorun created the sun to bring light and warmth to Ife.
• Obatala created clay figures, and Olorun breathed life into them, creating the first Yoruba people.
• Obatala accidentally made imperfect figures while drunk and became the protector of the deformed.
• The Yoruba village of Ife grew into a city.

Conflicts and Resolutions

• Olokun, angered by Obatala's actions in her kingdom, caused a flood.
• Eshu carried the people's plea to Obatala, who sought advice from Orunmila.
• Orunmila subdued the waters and restored the land.
• Orunmila taught the people to tell the future.

The Weaving Contest

• Olokun challenged Olorun to a weaving contest.
• Olorun sent the chameleon to assess Olokun's cloth.
• The chameleon mirrored the colors of Olokun's fabrics, leading her to concede Olorun's superiority and restore peace.