Olokun is a being that wears many different hats. In some ways, he is male, in others, female. Here we discuss whether or not he is good or evil.
When on the subject of the great god, Olokun, many different perspectives appear. Today, we’ll discuss whether or not the being is good or evil.
Is Olokun Even a “Guy”?
Though in the myth we are familiar with, Olokun is presented as a male who rules over the sea. This isn’t always the case. Olokun is usually perceived as a great goddess who is the master of the oceans, specifically, the deepest and coldest parts of the waters. Another goddess takes responsibility for the top of the sea, where the sunlight meets the water.
Another Story
We all know that Olokun wiped out the first generation of humans with a flood. This was because he was upset with the actions of Obatala.
In another world, we see that it was actually because he was exasperated with humans. Though it may seem similar, the difference is great. It was the very existence of humans that angered her. Like the hero Obatala is, he saved everyone by defeating Olokun by chaining him up.
Different Morals?
Now knowing these alternate endings, we now can evaluate the different values each myth poses.
As the first legend depicts, we value the sea because of the mighty powers it holds. The latter shows we should fear the sea because it was the very thing that wanted to destroy us.
At first, Olokun is mad that he didn’t get the credit where it was due. This is something I’m sure all can connect to. In another, we see her irritated at people, for no apparent reason. The second saga also shows us a whole new personality of Olokun.
This list of controversy just goes on, so I leave you with this question:
Is this deity someone that we should distress about, or relate to?
Olokun: Good or bad guy?
By: Teann Leeshanok
.
4
Olokun is a being that wears many
different hats. In some ways, he is
male, in others, female. Here we
discuss whether or not he is good or
evil.
When on the subject of the great god,
Olokun, many different perspectives
appear. Today, we’ll discuss whether
or not the being is good or evil.
Is Olokun Even a “Guy”?
Though in the myth we are familiar
with, Olokun is presented as a male
who rules over the sea. This isn’t
always the case. Olokun is usually
perceived as a great goddess who is
the master of the oceans, specifically,
the deepest and coldest parts of the
waters. Another goddess takes
responsibility for the top of the sea,
where the sunlight meets the water.
Another Story
We all know that Olokun wiped out
the first generation of humans with a
flood. This was because he was upset
with the actions of Obatala.
In another world, we see that it was actually because he was exasperated with humans. Though it may seem similar, the difference is great. It was the very existence of humans that angered her. Like the hero Obatala is, he saved everyone by defeating Olokun by chaining him up.
Different Morals?
Now knowing these alternate endings, we now can evaluate the different values each myth poses.
As the first legend depicts, we value the sea
because of the mighty powers it holds. The latter shows we should fear the sea because it was the very thing that wanted to destroy us.
At first, Olokun is mad that he didn’t get the credit where it was due. This is something I’m sure all can connect to. In another, we see her irritated at people, for no apparent reason. The second saga also shows us a whole new personality of Olokun.
This list of controversy just goes on, so I leave you with this question:
Is this deity someone that we should
distress about, or relate to?
Olokun: Good Guy or bad guy??
By: Teann Leeshanok
.
4
Source: Pixabay