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Orunmila
Also known as: Orula, Orunla, Ifa
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 Orunmila
The Witness of Creation
Orunmila holds a unique position among the Orishas: he was present when Olodumare created the universe and assigned each person their destiny. This makes him the keeper of all knowledge, past, present, and future.
The Ifa System
Orunmila is inseparable from Ifa, the complex divination system that is central to Yoruba religion. The Ifa corpus consists of 256 odu, each containing hundreds of verses, stories, and prescriptions. Babalawo (fathers of secrets) dedicate their lives to mastering this wisdom.
UNESCO Recognition
In 2005, UNESCO proclaimed the Ifa Divination System a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Origin Story
Orunmila was with Olodumare at the beginning of creation, witnessing the formation of the universe and the assignment of each soul's destiny. He was given the task of bringing this wisdom to humanity through the Ifa divination system.
Cross-Pantheon Parallels
Similar deities across different mythologies
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Orunmila who was with Olodumare in the beginning, witness of creation, keeper of all destinies.”
Domains
wisdomdivinationdestinyknowledge
Symbols
palm nutsdivination boardgreen and yellow beadsstaff