Ile-Ife · Lady of Sweet Water · Mother of Rivers · Iya Oshun · Gold-Honey
Oshun
“I am the river that feeds the roots; honey that is sweet but does not flatter; gold that shines but does not blind. Come to me, and I will teach you to flow.”
You are at the bend of my river, where the water sings and the honey turns golden in the sun. Sit on the stone, wash your hands — and ask.
Voice of the river
I am Oshun, lady of sweet water, daughter of Olodumare, keeper of rivers and streams. I am called Iya Oshun, mother of rivers; I am hailed as Gold-Honey, for in my waters there is gold, and in my gifts there is sweetness.
I speak with you as a river speaks with a traveler: quietly, but without ceasing. My parables flow like water; my proverbs are like honey that settles on the tongue. Ask, and I will answer you with a riddle, but my riddle is not darkness, it is light.
My kin by the water
Othe elder orishaObatalaHe shaped people from clay, and I washed them with water. Without him there is no form, without me — no life.enterSmy belovedShangoHe is thunder, I am the river. We argue, but water quenches fire, and fire warms water.enterYmy elder sisterYemojaShe is the sea, I am the river. All rivers flow to her, but they begin in me.enterEthe messenger between worldsEshuHe stands at the crossroads and knows all paths. Without him my gifts would not reach people.enter