You might have seen in movies, the Marvel character, Thor, the god of lightning and thunder, with the huge sledgehammer that is almost impossible to use by others.
Mind you, this is a similar tale but not the typical one you see in the Marvel series.
Once upon a time in the great Oyo Empire, there lived a powerful Alaafin (King), called Sango.
However, he was not just any Alaafin. He had a magical power; he could call down thunder from the sky and even breathe fire from his mouth!
The people loved their king because he was brave, tall and strong. His voice rumbled like a storm and his laughter made the clouds tremble in joy.
Yet, he possessed a destructive trait. Whenever he became angry, he could call forth thunder and fire.
One day, a not-so-nice magician called Gbonka, challenged Sango’s power.
The people gathered around at the market square to witness who would win the duel. Just like Thor, Sango raised his ace high. Then he shouted, “Let thunder speak.”
Boom! The sky suddenly cracked open with lightning. Almost immediately, thunder roared so loud that even the birds in the sky flew away in fear. Imagine the fear that coursed through the humans present!
Gbonka tried to fight back with all of his might but Sango’s flames were stronger. With a mighty roar, he spun his axe and the lightning shot across the sky like a golden whip.
Just like that, Gbonka was defeated. Seeing this, the people cheered their Alaafin (King) and sung his praises. They chanted, “Sango! Sango! The Thunder King!”
From that day, Sango was not just an ordinary Alaafin (King). He became a god.
This new identity came from the description of many spectators that were present during his duel with Gbonka. They said, “He rose into the sky on a flaming horse, carrying lightning in one hand and thunder in the other.”
Some say he dances in the sky when he is happy. Others say he throws lightning to fight evil. However, one thing remains certain. Sango is the mighty god of thunder, who will never let darkness win.
Till date, when many hear thunder rumbling in the clouds, they say, “that’s Sango, watching over us.” He is considered as one of the most important Orishas (gods) in Yoruba history.
Some even serve him as a deity and make offerings for prosperity and fertility.
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