ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Yoruba mythology

Okay kiddo, have you ever heard stories about gods and goddesses? Yoruba mythology is all about the stories that people from the Yoruba tribe in West Africa have been telling for hundreds of years about their gods and goddesses.

The Yoruba believe in many gods and goddesses, each with their own special powers and personalities. For example, there's Olorun, who is the king of all the gods and the creator of the universe. Then there's Ogun, who is the god of iron and tools, and Yemoja, who is the goddess of the ocean.

In Yoruba mythology, these gods and goddesses are often depicted as having human-like qualities and emotions. They can get angry or jealous, just like humans do. They also interact with humans in a variety of ways. Sometimes they help humans, and other times they punish them for not following the rules.

One of the most important aspects of Yoruba mythology is the concept of "orishas." These are like smaller gods and goddesses who are associated with specific areas of life, such as fertility, health, or love. People often pray to these orishas to ask for their help and blessings.

Overall, Yoruba mythology is a rich and complex tradition that has been passed down through generations. The stories of these gods and goddesses help Yoruba people make sense of the world around them and remind them of important values such as respect, honesty, and community.