Olorun

The Great Flood Story

Yoruba mythology

Olorun (also known as Olodumare), the supreme god of the Yoruba pantheon, decided to create the earth.

Olorun summoned Obatala, one of the Orishas, and tasked him with creating solid ground so that humanity and all other living things could inhabit the earth.

Olorun provided Obatala with essential tools for creation:

Obatala descended to the primordial waters using a golden chain given by Olorun.

He shaped them into human forms and then brought them to Olorun, who breathed life into them.

The Orishas, who were guardians and intermediaries between Olorun and the earth, grew dismayed at humanity's lack of reverence.

Seeing the disobedience and corruption on earth, Olorun decided that a drastic action was necessary to restore balance.

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

After the flood subsided, Olorun decided to give humanity another chance.

Myths

Timeline of the Four Worlds

African (Yoruba): Obatala, Olorun (sky god).

Cycles