Sango, The God-King

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King Sango, by Yoruba myth was the fourth Alafin of Oyo.


During his life he was familiar with many different deadly charms. He is most known for his discovery on how to attract lightning from the sky. He decided to try the effects of the charm on his own palace. As the king tested his charm a large storm suddenly began. His palace was struck by lightning and was burnt to the ground. Not only was his palace in ruins, but his whole family got caught inside the burning palace and died (Text Archive).

Sango was so angry and overcome with grief that he resigned his possession as king and left the palace on a long journey. A few friends accompanied him, but as the time went on they left Sango one by one. Sango was so overcome with grief and despair that he ended his life (Text Archive). After news of his death spread, his people gave him an honorable funeral. They then began worshiping him as the god of thunder and lighting. When the Yorubas saw lightning and heard thunder they would cry out “Long live the King!”

Sango’s cult received royal patronage from the Alafin of Oyo, who was Sango’s descendents. The cult played an important role in gaining the people’s loyalty to the Alafin during the Oyo Empire (God-King). His followers regard him as the embodiment of great creative potential, even though what he created was very destructive. This idea of life, death, and creativity was illustrated in Shango’s shrines (Conner).

Sango’s symbol is the twin stone ax, referred to as the oshe Sango, it is believed to have protective powers. This symbol is used as a badge of membership within the cult (Conner). Most of his followers are taught the legend by their families. They believe that Sango is a God who possesses his followers by entering their heads. Works Cited

<http://www.fa.indiana.edu/~conner/yoruba/sango.html>.

  • “Why People Cry Long Live the King”. 2006. Internet Sacred Text Archive. 2006-11-02.

<http://www.sacred-texts.com/afr/yl/yl08.htm>.

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