Norse
Ymir
first giant, raw material of the world
Obàtálá
Also: Orisha Nla
Yoruba (Orisha) tradition. See the whole pantheon.
- Domains
- purity, creation of human bodies, wisdom
- Symbols and attributes
- White cloth
- commissioned by
- Olodumare
Key myth
In many versions Olodumare sends him to make the earth and mould humankind. In one Ifá account, he drank palm wine and made flawed bodies, which is why Obatala forbids alcohol to his devotees.
Where sources differ or caution applies. The Ife creation story: Oduduwa is sometimes the one who creates the world, with Obatala; versions disagree.
Place in the family graph
More traditions
Elsewhere in the world
Deities in other traditions who share a theme with Obàtálá: creation and first beings, wisdom, writing and divination. This is overlap in one area only.