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Many creation tales of Fon myth include a rainbow serpent named Aido Hwedo. It is said that Mawu/Lisa rode on the back or in the mouth of this serpent and this is how the creation of the world began. Aido Hwedo shaped the earth and its slopes and curves by winding along it. Along Aido and Mawu/Lisa's journey Aido's secretions are said to have formed the mountains. Mawu's droppings formed precious stones and minerals.
After creating the Earth Mawu decided that it was much to heavy to support itself so Mawu asked Aido Hwedo to borough inside the earth and coil up to support its weight. To hold steady Aido Hwedo holds his tail in his mouth.
Aido Hwedo is said to have moved and heaved its body towards the sky and scattered stars. In other accounts Aido shot thunder and lightning bolts at the sky to remain there. In other accounts Aido was female and married to an entity called Dambala
This myth was initiated by the Fon people of West Africa specifically located in the Southwest region of . Nigeria. Many version of this myth vary depending upon the primary creator and secondary counterparts.
Aido Hwedo was the Fon peoples reasoning for natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, thunderstorms and volcanic activity.
The most common telling refers to Mawu. Mawu is understood to be the moon god, and mother god to all creation that is to come. Some interpretations in Mawu/Lisa which is moon and sun god.
Many narratives also include Nana Buluku who is the all powerful being that acquires male and female characteristics. Nana Buluku gives birth to Mawu and Lisa and passes down the power of creation to them both.
By Kourtney Eyabi