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Today, we are pleased to introduce The War of Gods from the book ‘Myths of Ífè,’ translated by John Wyndham from recitations by the high priests of Ífè. THE WAR OF GODS “Arába continues: Oíbo (white man), I will tell and chronicle A second chapter from the histories Bequeathed from other times… A tale is told How God in the Beginning sent three sons Into the World— Earth, Water and the Forest— With one and twenty gifts for Earth and men That are the sons of Earth; and all save one The Forest and the Rivers stole; and how God promised to his first-born, Earth, that men Should win the twenty gifts again by virtue Of that last one, Good Humor. And this is true: For in those years when Ógun (God of Iron. Son of Odúwa) and the Gods Made known their handicrafts men learned to seek Thatch, food and elixir in Forest and in River Patiently. So Man prevailed; but in those days Came strife and turmoil to the Gods—for still For jealousy and pride, Odúwa held The bag Arámfè gave to Great Orísha (Creator of men. Son of Arámfè.) Often Orísha made entreaty; often A suppliant came before his brother—in vain; Till once when Odudúwa (King of men. Son of Arámfè) sat with Ógun (God of Iron. Son of Odúwa.) In that same palace where the Órní reigns, The sound of drums was heard and Great Orísha Approached with skilled Obálufon (A worker in brass), and said: ‘The time has come to teach Arámfè’s arts’ To men. Give back the bag (for it is mine!) That I may do our Father’s bidding. […]Then was Odúwa (King of men. Son of Arámfè) angered exceedingly: ‘Am I not king? Did not Arámfè make Me lord of Gods and men? Begone! Who speaks Unseemly words before the king has packed His load.’ (Yoruba saying. The speaker is probably prepared to travel.) Orísha (Creator of men. Son of Arámfè.) and Odúwa (King of men. Son of Arámfè) called To arms their followings of Gods and men, And on that day the first of wars began In Ífè and the Forest. […]”
