Mythologies of Ethiopia and the Aksumite kingdom
11 spirits documented in the Kunda Codex
Ethiopia layers spiritual traditions: the astral cults of Aksum, the zar spirits appeased through music, the evil-eyed buda, the spring spirits of the Kafa kingdom. Christianity and Islam have coexisted for centuries with these older traditions. The entries below document these singular figures with their myths and sources.
SpiritallyASTHAR
God
Deity
EarthallyATÈTE
Goddess
Goddess
SpiritneutralCALITRICE
Monster
Monstrous Spirit
SoulneutralCATOPLEBA
Monster
Monstrous Spirit
SpiritallyDOCHE
God
Deity
SpiritneutralEALE
Monster
Monstrous Spirit
SpiritneutralEKKO
Spirit
Spirit
WaterneutralEQQO
Spirit
Spirit
EarthallyKAIWAN
Goddess
Goddess
FireallyMAHREM
God
Deity
EarthallyMEDER
God
Deity
Frequently asked questions
Who were the gods of the Aksumite kingdom?
Before Christianity, the kingdom of Aksum honoured a triad led by Astar, an astral god bound to the planet Venus and described as the father of the pantheon, with Beher and Mahrem, god of war and protector of kingship, whose sons the Aksumite kings proclaimed themselves. Medr, whose name means earth in Ge'ez, is invoked beside them in the inscriptions of king Ezana.
Who is Atete in Ethiopian tradition?
Atete is a fertility goddess of Oromo religion, venerated in the Kafa region of Ethiopia. Bound to motherhood and to the protection of women, she is honoured with rites led by women, with plant offerings, and Friday as her sacred day.