Loading...
← Back to Deities
Olodumare
Also known as: Olorun, Olofi, Eledumare
By Elizabeth Stein for Mythos Atlas. About the author. Editorial notes are grounded in the site's cited sources and can be challenged through the contact page.
Interactive 3D representation
About Olodumare
The Owner of Eternal Heavens
Olodumare is the supreme deity of Yoruba religion, whose name means 'Owner of Eternal Heavens' or 'Almighty.' Unlike the Orishas who actively intervene in human affairs, Olodumare is considered too transcendent for direct worship. Instead, prayers reach the supreme being through the Orishas.
The Source of Ashe
Olodumare is the source of Ashe, the divine energy that permeates all things and makes magic, prayer, and transformation possible. Every Orisha possesses Ashe given by Olodumare, and humans seek to align themselves with this cosmic power through ritual and righteous living.
Creator of All
In Yoruba cosmology, Olodumare created the universe from the primordial void, then delegated the task of shaping the earth to Obatala and other Orishas. After creation, Olodumare withdrew to the highest heavens (Orun), observing but rarely intervening directly.
The Three Aspects
Some traditions speak of three aspects: Olodumare (creator), Olorun (sun and heavens), and Olofi (communicator with Orishas). Whether these are three separate beings or three faces of one deity varies by tradition.
Origin Story
Olodumare has always existed, before time and space, in the eternal heavens of Orun. From this supreme being emerged all creation: first the Orishas, then the primordial waters, then the earth and all living things.
Cross-Pantheon Parallels
Similar deities across different mythologies
- Brahma(hindu-pantheon)
Both are supreme creator deities who delegate to lesser gods
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Olodumare, the owner of all heads and destinies, without whom no leaf falls from the tree.”
Domains
creationsupreme powercosmic orderdestiny
Symbols
sunwhite lightheavens