Yoruba mythology: orishas, gods and spirits

Yoruba mythology is one of the richest spiritual traditions of West Africa. Born in present-day Nigeria and Benin, it centres on Olodumare, the creator principle, and the orishas, divine intermediaries ruling nature and human life. Carried across the Atlantic, it gave rise to Cuban santería and Brazilian candomblé. Each entry below documents a spirit with its attributes, myths and sources.