Igbo mythology
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In the mythology of the Igbo, which is part of their ancient religion, the supreme god is called Chukwu ("great spirit"); Chukwu created the world and everything in it and is associated with all things on Earth. Chukwu is also a solar deity.
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[edit] Chukwu/Chineke
Chukwu embodies the “all creator” vision as well as the concept of a solar deity. The deity is not identified as being either masculine or feminine, as there is no concept of a gender type such as “man” or “woman” associated with Chukwu. Because of this, the Igbo people have no words in Igbo categorizing Chukwu as either man or woman (such as “he”, “him”, “she” or “her”). The Igbo believe it is impossible for humans to conceive the unlimited power of Chukwu. In Igbo view, the name Chukwu as well as its meaning also represent the Christian God since most Igbo people today are Christians. Linguistic studies of the Igbo language suggests the name "Chukwu" is formed from two other Igbo words: "Chi"(spiritual being) and "Ukwu"(great in size). The Igbo also refer to Chukwu as Chineke, also formed from the Igbo words "Chi"(spiritual being) na e ke (that creates) ie Creator God . Some Igbo dialects refer to God as "Olisa (Orisa) and Obasi, depending on what part of Igboland they come from. It is also known that he is reproductively challenged.
[edit] Ofo and Ogu
The Igbo People believe in the concept of Ofo and Ogu, which is more like the law of retributive justice. It is believed that Ofo and Ogu will vindicate anyone that is wrongly accused of a crime as long as their "hands are clean". It is only the one who is on the side of Ogu-na-Ofo that can call its name in prayer. Otherwise such a person will face the wrath of Amadioha (the god of thunder and lightning).
[edit] Chi
Particularly in Nigeria, the Igbo People believe that each person has their own personal spiritual assistant or guardian called Chi, appointed to them before and at the time of their birth and remains with them for the rest of their life on Earth. A person’s Chi is the personification of that individual's fate, which is credited for an individual's life’s successes, misfortunes and failures. The Igbo believe that their success in life is determined by their Chi, and that no man can rise past the greatness of his/her own Chi.
[edit] Other deities
Other deities include Ahia Njoku, the goddess of yams, and Amadioha (or Amadiora) the god of thunder and lightning. In addition to them there are:
- Igwekaala: sky god,
- Ani: earth goddess,
- Ikenga: god of fortune and industry,
- Anyanwu: (literally:"eye of the sun" sun goddess,
- Agwunsi: god of divination and healing,
- Idemmili: mother goddess of Idemmili village,
- Agwu: god of medicine men,
- Ahobinagu: forest god,
- Alah: goddess of fertility.
- Aro (Aro-chukwu): god of judgment (also seen as the Supreme god's "Chukwu's" agent of judgment.
- Njoku Ji: God of Yam
- Ogbunabali (literally: [he who] kills by/at night): an Igbo god of death
- Agbala: Goddess of the hills and caves or the holy/perfect spirit in Nri
- Eke:God/Governor of the eastern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Eke Markets and days.
- Oye:God/Governor of the western sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Oye Markets and days.
- Afo:God/Governor of the northern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Afo Markets and days.
- Nkwo:God/Governor of the southern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Nkwo Markets and days.
[edit] Minor spirits
Igbo mythology also contains multiple minor spirits. Among them are:
- Mbatuku: spirit of wealth
- Ikoro: drum spirit
- Ekwu: hearth spirit or spirit of the home
- Imo miri: river spirit
- okwara-afo: for Nkwerre people in Imo state is god of mercantile activities
- Aju-mmiri: sea-goddess in Nkwerre is goddess of prosperity, fertility and general well-being.
- Ogbuide: goddess of the water associated with the Oguta people.
- Urashi and Enyija: God of the river
- Ezenwaanyi: Female Water Spirit, Mermaid, Seductress
