Ogun



Ogun, or Ogun Onire, is the god of war and iron of the Yoruba people of West Africa. In Yoruba lore, Ogun and the other gods climbed down to earth on a spiderweb. When creation was completed, the gods realized that people needed to clear more land in the forest where they lived. Unfortunately, the only tools available were made of soft metal, a material not suitable for cutting down trees. However, Ogun had been given the secret of iron by Orunmila, son of the supreme god Olorun, and he used an iron ax to clear the forest. Ogun later shared the secret of iron with the other gods and with humans. He also showed them how to shape the iron into weapons.

Though a fierce god, Ogun is not evil and will help those who pray to him. Yoruba blacksmiths have traditionally sacrificed dogs to Ogun, and each year they hold a three-day festival in his honor.

See also African Mythology ; Olorun .



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User Contributions:

1
Sheri Yost-Cotterman
I was introduced to the concept of Ogun from a practicing physic in Chicago, whom I met in my travels as a locomotive engineer. Kirby, works at the hotel where we lodged at a time in the past and described the iron god which always moves and never stops.

A most interesting subject and usful in my present writings.

Thank you for your information, finding it most useful.

Best Regards, Sheri
2
Todd
Nigerian Craigslist scammers often say "Ogun kill you" when their plans are foiled. Craigslist scamming is the primary occupation of the Yoruba people of West Africa.

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