Olokun

Mark Isaak

Flood Stories from Around the World

Yoruba (southwest Nigeria):At the beginning of time, there was only the sky, ruled over by the orisha (god) Olorun, and the waters below, ruled by the female deity Olokun.

However, Olokun, orisha of the sea, was angered and humiliated.

He went to earth and, with his powers, weakened Olokun's waves and dried the land.

Olokun was still upset and sought a way to humiliate the sky god.

Olorun sent Agemo, the chameleon, as a messenger, asking Olokun first to show some of her cloth.

Seeing such a power in a mere messenger, Olokun wondered at Olorun's powers and acknowledged his greatness.

Without his assistance, mankind couldn't interpret the desires of the gods, and one god, Olokun, in a fit of rage, destroyed nearly everybody in a great flood.

The Great Flood Story

Yoruba mythology

He called upon Olokun, the Orisha of the sea, to unleash her waters and cleanse the earth of its impurities.

Olokun, who had long been dissatisfied with humanity’s disregard for the natural world and her domain, was more than willing to comply.

With Olorun's blessing, Olokun gathered her waters and sent a mighty flood across the land.

12,800 Years Ago
Atlantis