
SOGBO
allyGod
Sogbo is, in the Fon theology of the former Dahomey, the deity who dominates the pantheon of thunder. Often described as androgynous and counted among the first children of Mawu-Lisa, it reigns over lightning, thunder, rain and the fire of the sky. As such, Sogbo is at once the dispenser of the fecundating rains and a power of justice, striking with its lightning the guilty, thieves and evildoers. The name Sogbo is closely associated with the complex of the thunder god also known under the names of Xevioso, Hevioso or So, whose royal authority over the pantheon it underlines. The thunder stone, an ancient stone axe, and the ram count among its symbols. Venerated among the Fon and the Ewe of Benin, Togo and Ghana, this figure of thunder was prolonged in the Afro-diasporic religions, notably Haitian vodou, where a thunder deity named Sobo, of probable West African origin, constitutes its prolongation.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Weaver of the currents. SOGBO watches over the flow of the waters and the fluid memory that binds the worlds within the Mabioni. Bound to the Fon/Eʋe pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of polished ebony, mother-of-pearl and shells, engraved with symbols of storms, rain and fire, embodiment of the power of Sogbo
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Are Sogbo and Xevioso the same deity?
The sources attach them to the same complex of the Fon thunder god. Sogbo underlines its royal authority over the pantheon of thunder, while Xevioso, Hevioso or So are other names for it. The genealogies vary according to the traditions.
What are Sogbo's powers?
Sogbo reigns over lightning, thunder, rain and the fire of the sky. It dispenses the rains that fecundate the crops and strikes with its lightning thieves, liars and evildoers, in a role of justice.
Is Sogbo found outside Africa?
Yes. The cult of the thunder god was prolonged in the Afro-diasporic religions. In Haitian vodou, a thunder deity named Sobo, of probable West African origin, constitutes its prolongation.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahomean_religion
- Melville J. Herskovits, Dahomey: An Ancient West African Kingdom (1938)