The Life of Okanran Meji
The continuous biography of this odù's own spiritual evolution — celestial works, then earthly works — told as one unfolding life. Click any title to read it.
The Tree Rivals (Araba and Iroko)
He performed divination for Araba (CEIBA known as Obadan in Bini) and Iroko (large hardwood tree known as Uloko in Bini) before they departed for the world. Araba and Iroko were always like cats and dogs, never agreeing on any matter. At that time, Iroko was so powerful and strong that everyone feared him.
The diviner advised both of them to pay homage to Esu with a he-goat, a rooster, an axe, and a machete. Araba performed the sacrifice, but Iroko refused to do so, as he considered himself strong enough to be invulnerable.
After eating what had been offered to him, Esu went to warn human beings about how strong Iroko was so they would build doors. Before this moment, the Iroko tree looked so fierce that no one dared to even think of attacking him in any way. On one hand, he is physically very strong; on the other, his home is the meeting point for the Elders of the Night (the Iyami).
Esu's intervention was intended to destroy the myth surrounding Iroko's image and to make him look as common as any other tree. Esu even offered to lead the humans to Iroko's house, giving them an axe with which they could fell him. At first, the people were reluctant to use the axe on Iroko, but with the encouragement Esu gave them, they fell upon him.
Iroko's fall was so great that the echo resounded throughout the entire forest.
When Araba heard the noise, he asked what was happening and was told that the great Iroko had fallen under the axe of the human attack. Realizing that Iroko's death was the result of his refusal to offer sacrifice, Araba congratulated himself for having followed the advice of Okana Meyi. Araba then sang in praise of the diviner who performed the divination for him so that he could overcome the threat of Iroko, who otherwise was a thorn in his side.
When this Odu appears in divination: The person should be told that he or she has a strong, tall enemy who is seeking their downfall. To overcome the problems represented by this enemy, they should be told to make a sacrifice to Esu with a he-goat, a rooster, an axe, and a machete.
The Patakín Corpus — 1 to 8
Presented in strict numerical order as in the source Tratado. Click any title to read it.
01Why the Poor and the Rich Govern
›
PATAKIN:
There were six poor men who went to Orunmila's house. He told them to take four yaguas (palm fronds/bark) and, using the back side of them, to go throughout the entire city striking them. The enemies fled in terror [at the sound]. The King sent to inquire about the commotion, and they told him that they were just madmen. But the King said: "If it were not for those 'madmen,' the enemy would have taken the city."
Since that time, both the poor and the rich govern.
You’ve reached the free preview.
Create a free account to continue reading every published patakín in Okanran Meji, use the study filters, save bookmarks and favorites, and enter the members-only community.