The Yoruba tradition honours hundreds of divinities, called orisha, each linked to a part of nature or human life. This guide explains five of the most widely known: Ògún, Èṣù, Ọbàtálá, Yemoja and Ọya. Practices vary between towns and families, so this is a general introduction.
Ògún: Orisha of Iron, War and Roads
Ògún is the divinity of iron, hunting, war and craftsmanship. Blacksmiths, hunters, drivers and soldiers honour him, and the oath sworn on iron is taken very seriously. He is closely linked to the Ile-Ife festival described in our Olojo Festival coverage.
Èṣù: Messenger and Guardian of Crossroads
Èṣù carries messages between humans and the divine and guards crossroads and markets. He is a trickster who tests people, but he is not the same as the devil, a common misunderstanding. Every Ifá consultation traditionally begins with respect to Èṣù; see what is Ifá.
Ọbàtálá: Orisha of Creation and Purity
Also called Òrìṣànlá, Ọbàtálá is said to have shaped human beings from clay, and is associated with purity, wisdom and justice. His followers wear white. His story connects to Ile-Ife; read Ile-Ife: cradle of the Yoruba.
Yemoja: Mother of Waters
Yemoja is the divine mother of rivers and waters, a protector of women and children. Her worship is strong in Egbaland and Ogun State, and in Brazil she is honoured as Iemanjá, with a famous festival in Salvador each February. See our guide to the Museu Afro-Brasileiro in Salvador.
Ọya: Winds, Storms and Transformation
Ọya governs winds, storms and change, and is linked to the Niger river, which the Yoruba call Odò Ọya. Tradition names her as one of the wives of Ṣàngó, alongside Ọ̀ṣun.
Learn More
See the full list of Yoruba gods and goddesses, the beliefs behind them in Yoruba religion and the overview at Wikipedia’s list of Yoruba deities.
Yoruba Orisha FAQs
Who is Ògún?
Ògún is the orisha of iron, hunting, war and craftsmanship.
Is Èṣù the devil?
No. Èṣù is a messenger and guardian of crossroads in Yoruba tradition, not an evil figure.
Who is Yemoja?
Yemoja is the mother of waters and protector of women and children.
What does Ọya control?
Ọya governs winds, storms and transformation.
