African Mythology

African Mythology

Shango

God of thunder and lightning.

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By: Shaylin Ardoin

More Myths

Myth of Shango

It is believed that some people in the Oyo Empire challenged Shango for his throne, but Shango fled to the forest. He wandered around the forest for quite some time, until he hung himself from a tree. Later on some of Shango's enemies houses were set on fire. Many believed it was Shango who was sending fire down to Earth. This is how Shango became known as the god of thunder and lightning.

In Akan mythology all humans lived deep n the Earth, but one day seven men, five women, a leopard, and a dog crawled out of a hole. Most of the people became terrified with what they saw, but Adu Ogyinae, who was the 1st man on the surface, seemed to understand the world. He then calmed down the others and gave them strength by laying a hand on them. He was the one who helped lead the group into building their first shelter until a tree that he was chopping down, fell on and killed him.

The Afterlife

Most African believe that when we die we travel by land into our next life. Since most of Africa is divided up by rivers, they believe that you cross the river into the afterlife. Once in the land of the departed you will join the society of ancestors. This is a society that copies how our life was on Earth, so that we have the same statue in the afterlife.

Fun Facts!

• Much African mythology came from the influence of Islam.
• Most African traditional religions have multiple gods.
• Many Africans believe human spirits exist after death.

Who is Shango?

What does the African culture believe about creation?

Purpose of the myth

The purpose of the myth of shango was to show how many Africans believe lightning and thunder came to be.

One myth about how we were created is that originally there were two gods, Obassi Osaw and Obassi Nsi. One day Obassi Osaw decided to live in the sky while, Obassi nsi lived on Earth. So Obassi Osaw decided to make a man and woman, but they knew nothing so, the sky god taught them all that they needed to know. They also believe the the gods are extremely dissatisfied with their creations.

Shango is the god of lightning and thunder.

Characteristics: Nice, loyal, and protective.

His special feast day is December 4th.