ATAI
allyGoddess
Atai is, in the Efik mythology of southern Nigeria, the wife of the creator god Abassi and a figure of intermediary between the gods and humans. It is she who persuades Abassi to allow the first human couple to live on Earth, despite the creator's fear of seeing humans equal the gods. When this couple transgresses the prohibitions imposed — work and procreation — and thus threatens the order willed by Abassi, Atai intervenes again: to appease her husband, she sends death and discord among the descendants of the first humans. In the Efik narrative on the origin of death, she thus holds a pivotal position, at once advocate of humans and instrument of their mortal condition. Atai is known above all through this myth and scarcely appears outside it in the accessible sources.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Ferryman of souls. ATAI ensures the circulation of souls and prevents stagnation between the worlds. Bound to the Efik pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of vegetable ivory, amethyst and sacred wood, engraved with symbols of death and chaos, embodiment of the power of Atai
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Who is Atai in Efik mythology?
The wife of the creator god Abassi. She serves as intermediary between the gods and humans and plays a central role in the Efik narrative on the origin of death.
Why does Atai send death?
Because the first humans transgressed Abassi's prohibitions by working and multiplying. To appease her husband and prevent humans from equalling the gods, she brings in death and discord.
Is Atai known outside this myth?
Little. She appears above all in the Efik narrative of the origin of death, beside Abassi, and the accessible sources say scarcely more.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abassi_(spirit)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efik_mythology