Oke Mogun Shrine, Ile-Ife

The God of Iron

Ogun has a definite date for existence, he is the God of Iron. He came from heaven to earth on the Ewon like the other Orisha. Ogun’s discipline is “Agbede,” one that locally produces knifes, cutlass, hoes, and anything else manufactured with iron.

Originally Ogun did not stay on earth but visited the earth periodically. This was unitl the King (olofin) beseched Orunmila to find a way for Ogun to stay permanently on the earth. Orunmila agreed and a sacrifice was made. The sacrifice consisted of Emu (palm wine), Aja (dog), Isu Sunsun (roasted yam), and some other special ingedients. After the sacrifice was prepared, Orunmila took the sacrifice to Esu. Esu used the sacrifice to stop Ogun before he was able to return to heaven. Ogun enjoyed the palm wine and food, then fell asleep. That is the beginning of Ogun’s time on earth.

Orunmila initiated Ogun in Irosun Etura.

There are many odu that speak about Ogun, they include: Ogunda Meji, Ogbe Ogunda, Ogunda Bede, Ogunda Owonrin, etc

Ogun’s color is blue and wears blue clothes.

Ogun’s taboo is, Ewuro (rabbit)