You’re most likely familiar with Greek mythology, but what about African mythology?
For most people growing up in the United States, learning about Zeus and the Gods of Olympians was a normal part of the curriculum. Fascinated by stories of one-eyed monsters, all-powerful gods, and mystical creatures, I never considered why I was learning only about Greek and Roman mythology and not mythology from other cultures. After all, those two cultures couldn’t be the only ones that attempted to explain the universe’s wonders through magical creatures.
My curiosity recently led me to African mythology. Here are eight things that will make you want to learn more.
What Is African Mythology?
Like many myths, African mythology exists to explain the origin of life, the afterlife, and the supernatural. What differentiates African mythology from Western mythology is its incorporation into everyday life. Western perspectives view myths as fairy tales and legends. Yet, in many African cultures, certain parts of myths are ingrained in cultural practices.
At its core, African mythology reflects the values and beliefs of different cultures. Common themes include having various gods, ancestral spirits, and connections to nature.
African Mythology Is Not a Representation of the Continent
While African mythology is a common term used to describe the mythology from the continent, it’s important to note that every African country has separate beliefs and religions.
For instance, West African Yoruba culture has the pantheon of Orishas, countless divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare.
East African mythology focuses on how animals, humans, and nature are interconnected. Many of their origin stories are about a human born or coming out of a tree or plant.
South African mythology heavily emphasizes the afterlife and believes the supreme god Qamata sent ancestors to guide humans.
Key African Gods and Goddesses in African Religion and Mythology
Here are a few of the most prominent gods and goddesses and their mysterious powers and abilities.
- Eshu, the Divine Trickster, also known as Elegba, is like the African (Yoruba) version of Loki. Known to use psychological tricks on those who do not recognize his power, his primary role is as a messenger between humans and the realm of spirits. He promises protection to those who offer sacrifices.
- Oshun is a goddess known worldwide in various cultures, including Brazilian, Cuban, Haitian, African, and African American. The creation of the goddess originated from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and is known to be the goddess of love, wealth, and beauty.
- The King of Peace Obatala represents honesty, peace, and creativity. He is known for creating the identities and personalities of children in the womb.
- Anansi is an Akan god of wisdom, whose origin story began in West Africa. He is often depicted as a spider.
- Amma, known in Western African culture and as Mulungu in East Africa, is known as the supreme god.
African Mermaids Are a Thing
Almost every Blerd remembers when Halle Bailey came out as the live-action version of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and many people spoke out about mermaids only being white. Those critics weren’t aware of African mythology.
One of the older presentations of mermaids started over 4,000 years ago from the Dogon people of Mali. Mermaids, also known as the Nommo people, originated from the sky and cared for the bodies of water on Earth. The Dogon people mentioned mermaids as protectors of the water but also dangerous and fierce.
Across Africa, stories of mermaids were not like the Disney stories. In Zimbabwe, the Mondao were mermaids with sharp teeth that would pull people into the water. South Africa has legends of Mondao, who lived in a waterfall desert and, if angered, would create storms and floods.
Books Inspired by African Mythology
As storytelling is a big part of African mythology, it’s no surprise that many books share similar themes. Here are books that expand on African myths.
- The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco by Richard Hamilton. Morocco is where people have gathered for thousands of years to share stories. However, because of modern times, storytelling has been outshined by movies and TV shows. Hamilton tracked down the few storytellers left to record their stories and combat the slow eraser of in-person storytelling.
- A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown. This book is the story of Karina, a princess who wants to resurrect her murdered mother. The story unfolds by sharing how Karina gathers the material to perform the magic to bring her mother back to life.
- Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye. This book will satisfy your curiosity if you’re into Yoruba mythology. The book is about Sloane, a descendant of the Yoruba god Orisha, but she must hide her true identity. Unlike some fairy tales, this book is violent and heartbreaking. It shares how Sloane will do whatever it takes to survive. It’s definitely a pick for those who like darker fiction.
African Mythology Is Displayed in African Artwork
While many pieces of art focus on mirroring real life, many African artists have used their artwork to display the concepts, beliefs, and stories of African mythology. Some artists who have been able to blend elements of the real world with those of mythology include:
- Laolu Senbanjo, who demonstrates aspects of Yoruba religion and describes his work as the Sacred Art of the Ori.
- Wangechi Mutu explores the interconnections between humans and nature while challenging Western ideals of misogyny and racism.
African Mythology Influences African Comics
With African mythology influencing literature, of course, these stories would turn up in comics. Here are some popular comics influenced by African folklore.
- Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe
- Amadioha created by Tobe Max Ezeogu
- Anaki created by E.N. Ejob
- Jember created by Beserat Debebe
- Strike Guard created by Ayodele Elegba
African Mythologies Provide Valuable Lessons
African mythology is revered in many ways. Sculptures are often made to represent different gods and goddesses. Paintings display different scenes from different myths, and dance routines are choreographed to help tell stories. While a main component of African mythology is oral storytelling, visual representation plays a key role in persevering stories.
African stories and myths also teach lessons about kindness, bravery, respect for elders, and honesty. Thus, mythology isn’t simply looked at as fairy tales but serves as a way to support different communities.
